King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center

A cellular structure of crystalline forms will soon emerge from the desert landscape—the iconic Center being built for KAPSARC by the world-renowned Zaha Hadid Architects. Composed of a network of three-dimensional, six-sided cells with many junctions and bonds, its design is based on the concept of connection. The modular, adaptive building will be made up of a series of shaded outdoor spaces, courtyards, entrances, meeting areas, indoor gardens, corridors, underground tunnels and roof terraces.

The architecture is intended to foster meetings, both planned and serendipitous, and the collision of thoughts, ideas and cultures of people all brought together for a specific purpose. In the hub of the complex, the Research Center, KAPSARC’s multiple research teams will interact in surroundings conceived to accommodate working methods and technologies that may shift over time. The Library, a comprehensive facility that acknowledges the importance of electronic information in the modern age, will offer a program hall for exhibitions and briefings as well as space for a permanent collection of books and reference materials. The Conference Center will be outfitted with a large multipurpose hall and a variety of smaller halls and meeting rooms. The Center will also feature a residential compound and recreation facilities for in-Kingdom and expatriate researchers and their families.

The Center’s construction will employ a variety of sustainable building techniques and advanced technologies. Arranged to temper the light and heat of the desert environment, and utilize wind to cool facades and outdoor spaces, the design will bathe interiors in carefully controlled, soft light. Building and landscaping will work with the dry-land ecosystem but take advantage of seasonal breezes to offer temperate zones and improve pedestrian comfort. Energy-efficient light sources such as LEDs, powered outside the grid using photovoltaic elements, will give the landmark a crystal-like nighttime identity.

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