The King Abdulaziz Centre for World Culture, or ‘Ithra’, emerges from the Saudi desert with a flowing, monolithic form designed by Snøhetta to echo the region’s geological heritage. Inspired by the region’s ancient geology and the timeless rock formations, Ithra’s fluid form pays homage to the nearby ‘Prosperity Well,’ known as the birthplace of Saudi Arabia’s oil era.
It is an initiative by Saudi Aramco to promote cultural development, diversity, and knowledge in the Kingdom. Designed by Snohetta, the architecture stands to support Saudi Arabia’s focus on cultural development and symbolizes a shift in energy toward enlightenment.
Ithra stands as a beacon of transformation that celebrates the power of design in connecting people and ideas through the evolution of Saudi Arabia. The characteristic façade of the Ithra, organic fluid stainless steel bent as a single-dimension line, echoes boldness and innovation.
The dynamic façade, designed as a reflective surface, accentuates the organic form, as the sun moves across the sky with a different character at any time of the day. The futuristic metal material application of the Ithra, along with the contrasting traditional rammed earth walls of the centre, demonstrates how past and future work together.
The concept of connecting timelines is strongly embedded into the architectural expression itself, as the building is partially set deep into the bedrock, a symbol of the past, and partially stretching up toward the sky, a symbol of the future. The symbol of the future is echoed in the building, though its open floor plan blends functionality and innovation.
The high-tech pebble composition, consisting of 5 unique pebble-shaped buildings designed with separate unique volumes, together form a rock formation. The main tower rises to a height of 110 metres, surrounded by additional pebbles, of which three are a library with over 200,000 books, a large auditorium of 930 seats, and a great hall. The fourth pebble is the keystone that is suspended and fixed in its location, which leans against the tower.
A project’s further aim is to create sustainable architecture amid the high external temperatures and sunlight, resulting in LEED Gold certification. The futuristic architecture incorporates sustainable construction techniques, such as energy-efficient design, that help achieve optimal building performance and energy efficiency. Also, ensuring responsible and efficient water use through water-efficient fittings and water meters that control usage.
Technological Integration through Architecture
The complex, pebble-like form and its composition result from extensive software integration and dynamic analysis. Engineering teams from across the globe were integrated to develop the centre’s architecture using BIM technologies. The project showcases the very best in architectural and engineering design while offering an inspirational and bold environment.
The five-pebble composition structure utilized extensive analysis using dynamic thermal simulation and CFD software to create a cladding system that overcomes these challenges. The analysis resulted in a metallic façade with an insulated, weather-tight envelope wrapping the façade shell.
King Abdulaziz Centre for World Culture (Ithra) Project Details:
Project name: King Abdulaziz Centre for World Culture or Ithra
Location: Dhahran, Saudi Arabia
Architect: Snøhetta
Year: 2017 – 2018
Photography: Snohetta
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