Latest news with #ZahaHadidArchitects
Scottish Sun
2 days ago
- Business
- Scottish Sun
New huge airport terminal to open in Europe's best value country as part of £210million renovation
Plus, a new UK airport terminal has opened after a £100million expansion and it now has faster security and more restaurants TAKE OFF New huge airport terminal to open in Europe's best value country as part of £210million renovation Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A MAJOR airport is getting a huge new terminal as part of a multi-million pound expansion across the country. Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA) will be designing Vilnius' new arrivals terminal with designs directly influenced by Lithuanian culture. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 6 Vilnius Airport in Lithuania is getting a new terminal designed by a famous architect Credit: Zaha Hadid Architects 6 Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA) will be designing Vilnius' new arrivals terminal with designs directly influenced by Lithuanian culture Credit: Vilnius Airport 6 References to Lithuanian cultural heritage in the airport include geometric elements in the style of the traditional art forms Credit: Vilnius Airport References to Lithuanian cultural heritage in the airport include geometric elements in the style of the traditional art forms like 'sodai straw gardens'. The Lithuanian art form involves making hanging ornaments from stalks. ZHA said: "Evoking the experience of being immersed within traditional sodai, the terminal's pleated roof finished in timber from local forests defines the interiors and reflects the art form's delicate, interconnected geometries." The timber roof will also feature geometric skylights. Works on the airport terminal will begin at the start of 2027 and are expected to be completed by the end of 2029. Once finished, the new terminal will allow the airport - which is currently at full capacity - to serve up to 10.6 million passengers each year. The new terminal is part of the Lithuanian Airports' 2052 masterplan to boost the region's connectivity to the rest of the globe, which will cost €250million (£213.8million) between now and 2052. Vilnius Airport is currently the largest airport in Lithuania and by 2052, around 17 million passengers are expected to use the airports in Vilnius, Kaunas, and Palanga, each year. Further development plans for Vilnius Airport include high-speed and local rail services, buses, taxis, cycle and pedestrian routes and increased direct flights from Vilnius. The airport also recently opened a new departure terminal in February increasing passenger throughput from 1,200 to 2,400 passengers per hour. The new £7billion mega terminal opening at Changi Airport The terminal has two floors, including a check-in area with a self-service baggage claim area, additional cafes and a connection to the existing passenger terminal by a gallery. Lithuania's Minister of Transport and Communications, Eugenijus Sabutis said: "The arrivals terminal of Vilnius Airport requires updating - it has long since ceased to meet today's needs or the airport's future capacity and vision. "As the gateway to Lithuania, the terminal creates the first impression for everyone arriving into the country. "The very high quality of ideas in the design competition proposed the most modern, convenient solutions that can adapt to the airport's future requirements." ZHA also won the contest to revamp the Lithuanian capital's main train station - which is just three kilometres from the airport. 6 ZHA also won the contest to revamp the Lithuanian capital's main train station - which is just three kilometres from the airport Credit: Zaha Hadid Architects 6 'Sodai straw gardens' is the Lithuanian art form, which involves making hanging ornaments from stalks Credit: Alamy Plans for the station which first opened in 1861, include a bridge-concourse above the tracks with footbridges and bike lanes, additional seating and trees and a new bus depot and car parking. In 2024, Vilnius was crowned as the cheapest-value city in Europe by the Post Office Travel Money City Costs Barometer. The survey compared 12 typical holiday items including a range of drinks, an evening meal for two with wine, a two-night stay at a three-star hotel, sightseeing experiences and transport. In total, Vilnius came in at £237 - which was over 10 per cent cheaper than the runner up, Lisbon. Lithuania was also recently named as one of Lonely Planet's top European destinations for 2025. A regional UK airport has also revealed a major masterplan with new flights to US and Middle East… and millions more passengers. Plus, a new UK airport terminal has opened after a £100million expansion and it now has faster security and more restaurants.
The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- Business
- The Irish Sun
New huge airport terminal to open in Europe's best value country as part of £210million renovation
A MAJOR airport is getting a huge new terminal as part of a multi-million pound expansion across the country. Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA) will be designing Vilnius' 6 Vilnius Airport in Lithuania is getting a new terminal designed by a famous architect Credit: Zaha Hadid Architects 6 Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA) will be designing Vilnius' new arrivals terminal with designs directly influenced by Lithuanian culture Credit: Vilnius Airport 6 References to Lithuanian cultural heritage in the airport include geometric elements in the style of the traditional art forms Credit: Vilnius Airport References to Lithuanian cultural heritage in the airport include geometric elements in the style of the traditional art forms like 'sodai straw gardens'. The Lithuanian art form involves making hanging ornaments from stalks. ZHA said: "Evoking the experience of being immersed within traditional sodai, the terminal's pleated roof finished in timber from local forests defines the interiors and reflects the art form's delicate, interconnected geometries." The timber roof will also feature geometric skylights. Read more on airports Works on the Once finished, the new terminal will allow the airport - which is currently at full capacity - to serve up to 10.6 million passengers each year. The new terminal is part of the Vilnius Airport is currently the largest airport in Lithuania and by 2052, around 17 million passengers are expected to use the airports in Vilnius, Kaunas, and Palanga, each year. Most read in News Travel Further development plans for Vilnius Airport include The airport also recently opened a new departure terminal in February increasing passenger throughput from 1,200 to 2,400 passengers per hour. The new £7billion mega terminal opening at Changi Airport The terminal has two floors, including a check-in area with a s Lithuania's Minister of Transport and Communications, Eugenijus Sabutis said: "The arrivals terminal of future capacity and vision. "As the gateway to "The very high quality of ideas in the design competition proposed the most modern, convenient solutions that can adapt to the airport's future requirements." ZHA also won the contest to revamp the Lithuanian capital's main train station - which is just three kilometres from the airport. 6 ZHA also won the contest to revamp the Lithuanian capital's main train station - which is just three kilometres from the airport Credit: Zaha Hadid Architects 6 'Sodai straw gardens' is the Lithuanian art form, which involves making hanging ornaments from stalks Credit: Alamy Plans for the station which first opened in 1861, include a bridge-concourse above the tracks with footbridges and bike lanes, additional seating and trees and a new bus depot and car parking. In 2024, Vilnius was crowned as the cheapest-value city in Europe by the Post Office Travel Money City Costs Barometer. The survey compared 12 typical holiday items including a range of drinks, an evening meal for two with wine , a two-night stay at a three-star hotel, sightseeing experiences and transport. In total, Vilnius came in at £237 - which was over 10 per cent cheaper than the runner up, Lisbon. Lithuania was also recently named as one of Lonely Planet's A regional Plus, a 6 The airport also recently opened a new departure terminal in February increasing passenger throughput from 1,200 to 2,400 passengers per hour Credit: Zaha Hadid Architects
Mid East Info
20-06-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
BEEAH Unveils Khalid Bin Sultan City, the group's first real estate development: A Landmark in Smart Sustainable Living
Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, BEEAH has unveiled Khalid Bin Sultan City at its iconic headquarters. The launch took place in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Sultan Bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, underscoring the importance of this landmark development in the emirate. Khalid Bin Sultan City, a groundbreaking masterplan designed by Zaha Hadid Architects, exemplifies BEEAH's diversification into real estate as a new line of business – building on its legacy as a world-class leader in sustainability and innovation. Sharjah, UAE, June 2025 – BEEAH, a sustainability pioneer driven by its expertise across environment, energy, technology, real estate, and healthcare, has announced the launch of Khalid Bin Sultan City, its first real estate development – a groundbreaking urban project that redefines sustainable living in the region. Officially unveiled at an event held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, and in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Sultan Bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, the city stands as a tribute to BEEAH's commitment to sustainable, smart, and community-centric urban development. This project is inspired by the legacy of the late Sheikh Khalid bin Sultan Al Qasimi, one of the pioneers in the field of design and urban planning, who had a clear impact on the architectural identity of Sharjah. Designed by the world-renowned Zaha Hadid Architects, Khalid Bin Sultan City is a master-planned, mixed-use development that integrates residential, commercial, cultural, and recreational spaces. Spanning a 1.5-kilometre-long plot and encompassing BEEAH's iconic LEED Platinum-certified headquarters in Sharjah, the city offers 1,500 freehold residential units. More than just a development, Khalid Bin Sultan City is a chance to be part of something truly meaningful – a community envisioned for those who seek more than just a place to live. It is an invitation to belong to a city that celebrates human connection, purpose-driven design, and a deeper harmony with the environment. Spanning seven distinct residential neighbourhoods, Khalid Bin Sultan City is master planned to foster a cohesive, people-first community. Each neighbourhood is structured around a central plaza – a vibrant public space within a five-minute walking distance – designed to serve as a social and wellbeing anchor. From children's hubs and wellness clinics to sports facilities and outdoor cafés, every amenity is thoughtfully placed to support daily life and human connection. Redefining Urban Living Through Sustainability: Following the directive of Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Supreme Council of Family Affairs and Chairperson of the Board of Directors of BEEAH, Khalid Bin Sultan City was designed with sustainability embedded in every aspect of design and operation, making it a climate-smart, zero-waste city. Built on four core pillars – sustainability, technology, culture, and people – the city integrates net-zero ready smart infrastructure, renewable energy systems, recycled water infrastructure, and sustainable mobility solutions. Smart technology powers AI-driven infrastructure, digital services, and decentralized digital identities, ensuring seamless urban living. Cultural and design elements celebrate heritage, featuring public art spaces, a cultural center, and architecture that reflects local identity. Prioritizing people, the city offers walkable neighborhoods, health-focused amenities, and a vibrant community atmosphere that fosters connection and well-being. At the heart of the development lies a two-kilometre shaded linear oasis, which is a continuous central park that winds through the city. Designed to encourage curiosity and exploration, the oasis features running and cycling tracks, sculpture gardens, wellness areas, and shaded courtyards that offer both serenity and social interaction. Informed by Sharjah's desert climate and natural landscape, the city's pedestrian pathways are shaded by native trees, colonnades, and recessed façades. This design approach has been engineered to reduce ground temperatures, ensuring thermal comfort throughout the year while promoting walkability and environmental cohesion. Commenting on the launch, HE Khaled Al Huraimel, Group CEO and Vice Chairman of BEEAH, stated: 'BEEAH's journey in real estate marks a transformative milestone with Khalid Bin Sultan City, a flagship real estate project that brings our principles of sustainability, technology, culture, and community to an urban scale. The city builds directly upon lessons learned from creating one of the world's most advanced office buildings – demonstrating how technology can scale sustainable impact across entire communities rather than just individual structures. Our experience as a world-class visionary developer of landmark projects has led to today's announcement of Khalid Bin Sultan City, and the formalization of BEEAH's wider expansion into real estate. This is a natural progression of our determination to build tomorrow's smart and sustainable cities. Inspired by our earlier achievements, we are now applying these same principles on an urban scale – demonstrating how technology can scale sustainable impact across entire communities rather than just individual structures. This city is a testament to the visionary leadership of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Muhammad Al Qasimi and Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, whose unwavering commitment to sustainable development has guided BEEAH's journey.' The city will provide a design and business district which will serve as a vital new urban hub for Sharjah. This area will include incubator spaces for the UAE's growing creative economy, along with cultural venues that foster entrepreneurship and circular design. Seamlessly linked to residential, retail, and entertainment zones, this district underscores the city's role as a driver for innovation and economic development within Sharjah. BEEAH's diversification into real estate is a natural extension of its broader commitment to sustainable innovation across its five strategic verticals: Environment, Energy, Technology, Healthcare, and now Real Estate. This new line of business builds on BEEAH's proven track record in creating future-ready, impactful developments. For years, BEEAH has developed large-scale infrastructure projects that support sustainable development, including advanced recycling facilities, environmental complexes, and next-generation utilities. These projects laid the foundation for BEEAH's entry into real estate. The journey in this new vertical began with its iconic LEED Platinum-certified headquarters in Sharjah, a model of sustainable design by Zaha Hadid Architects, followed by Jawaher Boston Medical District (JBMD), a world-class healthcare development integrating medical expertise with urban planning. The project, designed by Renzo Piano Building Workshop, marks the renowned architect's first project in the Middle East, further elevating its architectural and cultural significance. Another flagship project is Sharjah Creative Quarter, a project entrusted to BEEAH by the Government of Sharjah, designed by award-winning architectural firm Taller de Arquitectura – Mauricio Rocha in collaboration with Daniel Rosselló, and envisioned as an innovative cultural hub fostering creativity and innovation. Khalid Bin Sultan City now marks the next chapter, bringing BEEAH's principles of sustainability, technology, culture, and community to an urban scale. Nada Taryam, CEO of Real Estate at BEEAH, added: 'We have designed Khalid Bin Sultan City as a dynamic ecosystem where diverse perspectives and talents converge, sparking new ideas and solutions for a sustainable future. We believe that building a better future starts with how we live today. This is why the city's design goes beyond utility – celebrating heritage, art, and identity through vibrant public spaces and cultural landmarks. The master plan and signature architecture by Zaha Hadid Architects bring this vision to life, blending innovation and beauty to create an environment that inspires, invites, and endures. It is a city where people can thrive, connect, and experience the best of sustainable living – all within a walkable, vibrant, and culturally rich environment.' Residential units, including villas, townhouses, and apartments, will be introduced in phases, offering a range of thoughtfully designed living spaces that prioritize sustainability, comfort, and modern amenities. As a freehold development, Khalid Bin Sultan City is open to buyers of all nationalities and further details on the available units and services for residents will be shared in upcoming announcements. A Real Estate Opportunity Amid Sharjah's Market Boom: Sharjah's real estate sector is witnessing unprecedented growth, with transactions surging to AED 13.2 billion in the first quarter of 2025 alone – a 31.9% increase year-on-year, according to the Sharjah Real Estate Registration Department. This surge reflects growing investor confidence, robust infrastructure development, and strategic support from the Government of Sharjah. In this dynamic environment, Khalid Bin Sultan City stands out as a unique opportunity, aligned with the emirate's vision for sustainable and smart urban expansion.
Zawya
19-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
BEEAH unveils Khalid Bin Sultan City, the group's first real estate development
Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, BEEAH has unveiled Khalid Bin Sultan City at its iconic headquarters. The launch took place in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Sultan Bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, underscoring the importance of this landmark development in the emirate. Khalid Bin Sultan City, a groundbreaking masterplan designed by Zaha Hadid Architects, exemplifies BEEAH's diversification into real estate as a new line of business – building on its legacy as a world-class leader in sustainability and innovation. Sharjah, UAE – BEEAH, a sustainability pioneer driven by its expertise across environment, energy, technology, real estate, and healthcare, has announced the launch of Khalid Bin Sultan City, its first real estate development – a groundbreaking urban project that redefines sustainable living in the region. Officially unveiled at an event held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, and in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Sultan Bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, the city stands as a tribute to BEEAH's commitment to sustainable, smart, and community-centric urban development. This project is inspired by the legacy of the late Sheikh Khalid bin Sultan Al Qasimi, one of the pioneers in the field of design and urban planning, who had a clear impact on the architectural identity of Sharjah. Designed by the world-renowned Zaha Hadid Architects, Khalid Bin Sultan City is a master-planned, mixed-use development that integrates residential, commercial, cultural, and recreational spaces. Spanning a 1.5-kilometre-long plot and encompassing BEEAH's iconic LEED Platinum-certified headquarters in Sharjah, the city offers 1,500 freehold residential units. More than just a development, Khalid Bin Sultan City is a chance to be part of something truly meaningful – a community envisioned for those who seek more than just a place to live. It is an invitation to belong to a city that celebrates human connection, purpose-driven design, and a deeper harmony with the environment. Spanning seven distinct residential neighbourhoods, Khalid Bin Sultan City is master planned to foster a cohesive, people-first community. Each neighbourhood is structured around a central plaza – a vibrant public space within a five-minute walking distance – designed to serve as a social and wellbeing anchor. From children's hubs and wellness clinics to sports facilities and outdoor cafés, every amenity is thoughtfully placed to support daily life and human connection. Redefining Urban Living Through Sustainability Following the directive of Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Supreme Council of Family Affairs and Chairperson of the Board of Directors of BEEAH, Khalid Bin Sultan City was designed with sustainability embedded in every aspect of design and operation, making it a climate-smart, zero-waste city. Built on four core pillars – sustainability, technology, culture, and people – the city integrates net-zero ready smart infrastructure, renewable energy systems, recycled water infrastructure, and sustainable mobility solutions. Smart technology powers AI-driven infrastructure, digital services, and decentralized digital identities, ensuring seamless urban living. Cultural and design elements celebrate heritage, featuring public art spaces, a cultural center, and architecture that reflects local identity. Prioritizing people, the city offers walkable neighborhoods, health-focused amenities, and a vibrant community atmosphere that fosters connection and well-being. At the heart of the development lies a two-kilometre shaded linear oasis, which is a continuous central park that winds through the city. Designed to encourage curiosity and exploration, the oasis features running and cycling tracks, sculpture gardens, wellness areas, and shaded courtyards that offer both serenity and social interaction. Informed by Sharjah's desert climate and natural landscape, the city's pedestrian pathways are shaded by native trees, colonnades, and recessed façades. This design approach has been engineered to reduce ground temperatures, ensuring thermal comfort throughout the year while promoting walkability and environmental cohesion. Commenting on the launch, HE Khaled Al Huraimel, Group CEO and Vice Chairman of BEEAH, stated: 'BEEAH's journey in real estate marks a transformative milestone with Khalid Bin Sultan City, a flagship real estate project that brings our principles of sustainability, technology, culture, and community to an urban scale. The city builds directly upon lessons learned from creating one of the world's most advanced office buildings – demonstrating how technology can scale sustainable impact across entire communities rather than just individual structures. Our experience as a world-class visionary developer of landmark projects has led to today's announcement of Khalid Bin Sultan City, and the formalization of BEEAH's wider expansion into real estate. This is a natural progression of our determination to build tomorrow's smart and sustainable cities. Inspired by our earlier achievements, we are now applying these same principles on an urban scale – demonstrating how technology can scale sustainable impact across entire communities rather than just individual structures. This city is a testament to the visionary leadership of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Muhammad Al Qasimi and Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, whose unwavering commitment to sustainable development has guided BEEAH's journey." The city will provide a design and business district which will serve as a vital new urban hub for Sharjah. This area will include incubator spaces for the UAE's growing creative economy, along with cultural venues that foster entrepreneurship and circular design. Seamlessly linked to residential, retail, and entertainment zones, this district underscores the city's role as a driver for innovation and economic development within Sharjah. BEEAH's diversification into real estate is a natural extension of its broader commitment to sustainable innovation across its five strategic verticals: Environment, Energy, Technology, Healthcare, and now Real Estate. This new line of business builds on BEEAH's proven track record in creating future-ready, impactful developments. For years, BEEAH has developed large-scale infrastructure projects that support sustainable development, including advanced recycling facilities, environmental complexes, and next-generation utilities. These projects laid the foundation for BEEAH's entry into real estate. The journey in this new vertical began with its iconic LEED Platinum-certified headquarters in Sharjah, a model of sustainable design by Zaha Hadid Architects, followed by Jawaher Boston Medical District (JBMD), a world-class healthcare development integrating medical expertise with urban planning. The project, designed by Renzo Piano Building Workshop, marks the renowned architect's first project in the Middle East, further elevating its architectural and cultural significance. Another flagship project is Sharjah Creative Quarter, a project entrusted to BEEAH by the Government of Sharjah, designed by award-winning architectural firm Taller de Arquitectura - Mauricio Rocha in collaboration with Daniel Rosselló, and envisioned as an innovative cultural hub fostering creativity and innovation. Khalid Bin Sultan City now marks the next chapter, bringing BEEAH's principles of sustainability, technology, culture, and community to an urban scale. Nada Taryam, CEO of Real Estate at BEEAH, added: 'We have designed Khalid Bin Sultan City as a dynamic ecosystem where diverse perspectives and talents converge, sparking new ideas and solutions for a sustainable future. We believe that building a better future starts with how we live today. This is why the city's design goes beyond utility – celebrating heritage, art, and identity through vibrant public spaces and cultural landmarks. The master plan and signature architecture by Zaha Hadid Architects bring this vision to life, blending innovation and beauty to create an environment that inspires, invites, and endures. It is a city where people can thrive, connect, and experience the best of sustainable living – all within a walkable, vibrant, and culturally rich environment.' Residential units, including villas, townhouses, and apartments, will be introduced in phases, offering a range of thoughtfully designed living spaces that prioritize sustainability, comfort, and modern amenities. As a freehold development, Khalid Bin Sultan City is open to buyers of all nationalities and further details on the available units and services for residents will be shared in upcoming announcements. A Real Estate Opportunity Amid Sharjah's Market Boom Sharjah's real estate sector is witnessing unprecedented growth, with transactions surging to AED 13.2 billion in the first quarter of 2025 alone – a 31.9% increase year-on-year, according to the Sharjah Real Estate Registration Department. This surge reflects growing investor confidence, robust infrastructure development, and strategic support from the Government of Sharjah. In this dynamic environment, Khalid Bin Sultan City stands out as a unique opportunity, aligned with the emirate's vision for sustainable and smart urban expansion. -ENDS- Notes to editors: About BEEAH BEEAH is pioneering sustainability and inspiring innovation to empower humanity's future. Through innovation, full-circle resource management, and digital transformation, BEEAH is addressing environmental challenges, deploying the latest technologies, and creating the roadmap for a smart and sustainable future. Renowned for groundbreaking environmental innovations and smart solutions, BEEAH operates across the United Arab Emirates, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and Egypt, to create a better tomorrow for all. For more information, please visit: Website | LinkedIn | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook About Khalid Bin Sultan City: Khalid Bin Sultan City is a visionary urban development by BEEAH Group, master planned by Zaha Hadid Architects. Khalid Bin Sultan City is a climate-smart, zero-waste urban development that exemplifies sustainable living. Built on four core pillars — sustainability, technology, culture, and people — Khalid Bin Sultan City is a model of sustainable living. It features net-zero ready smart infrastructure, renewable energy systems, recycled water solutions, and sustainable mobility. Smart technology enables AI-driven services and digital identities for seamless urban living. Cultural spaces celebrate heritage, while walkable neighborhoods and health-focused amenities ensure a vibrant, connected community. For more information, please visit: Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook, or contact us on: info@
CairoScene
19-06-2025
- General
- CairoScene
Zaha Hadid Architects Begin Mud-Brick Asaan Museum Project in Diriyah
Zaha Hadid Architects Begin Mud-Brick Asaan Museum Project in Diriyah In the sunbaked heart of Diriyah, where mud-brick silhouettes rise from the desert like echoes of centuries past, a new architectural landmark is taking shape. Zaha Hadid Architects have broken ground on the Asaan Museum, a project that reimagines the relationship between heritage and contemporary design within Saudi Arabia's UNESCO-listed At-Turaif district. Asaan is conceived as a cultural anchor and a testament to architectural innovation. Its name, derived from the Arabic word for 'inheritance passed down through generations,' is reflected in every aspect of the design. Marking Zaha Hadid Architects' first-ever mud-brick construction, the museum is built from locally sourced clay bricks, a deliberate homage to the Najdi building traditions that have defined the region for centuries. The design demonstrates a nuanced sensitivity to context: thick, low-carbon mud-brick walls provide natural insulation, ensuring cool interiors and reduced energy consumption in the desert climate. Central to the museum's spatial experience are three shaded courtyards, dedicated to Education, Arts, and Administration each. These courtyards serve as climatic buffers and vibrant gathering spaces, sheltered beneath a network of canopies that weave together gardens, plazas, and rooftop promenades. This approach blurs the boundaries between interior and exterior, forging a seamless connection to Diriyah's historic urban fabric and inviting the public to engage with the museum on multiple levels. Inside, the Asaan Museum offers more than static displays. Visitors will encounter exhibitions, workshops, and conservation laboratories, all designed to safeguard and celebrate Saudi Arabia's archaeological treasures for future generations. Supported by the Misk Foundation and integrated into the ambitious Diriyah Gate masterplan, the museum aspires to be a hub for cultural exchange and education, a place where tradition and innovation meet. While Zaha Hadid Architects' signature fluidity is present, it is thoughtfully grounded by the tactile honesty of mud-brick, the very material that built Diriyah's past - and now, lays the foundation for its future.
