A government-commissioned competition to reimagine one of Saudi Arabia's most iconic cultural institutions (King Fahad National Library), Riyadh. Our mandate was not simply to refresh the interior, but to rethink how a library functions in the modern age.
On the Design Approach
We began with a deep study of the existing layout, understanding its inefficiencies, its circulation patterns, and the diverse range of users it serves daily. From that analysis, we restructured the spatial program to create distinct zones: quiet individual study, collaborative seating clusters, casual reading lounges, and tech-integrated workspaces, each designed to serve a different user mindset without disrupting the others.
On Technology Integration
Smart library infrastructure was woven throughout, from digital wayfinding and integrated display systems to flexible furniture that adapts to evolving user needs. The library is repositioned not as a repository of books, but as a living knowledge hub.
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On the Aesthetic Direction
Aesthetically, the design navigates a deliberate dialogue between the contemporary and the rooted. Modern materiality and clean architectural language are layered with references to Salmani design principles, geometric patterning, warm stone tones, and a spatial hierarchy that echoes traditional Saudi cultural spaces. The result is an environment that feels forward-looking without losing its sense of place.
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A competition entry exploring what Saudi Arabia's public knowledge spaces can become, functional, intelligent, and deeply grounded in cultural identity.
Existing
Before
A space defined by storage. Rows of shelving, uniform seating, and a layout that prioritized books over people.
A space defined by storage. Rows of shelving, uniform seating, and a layout that prioritized books over people.
After
A space redefined by experience. Layered zones, warm materials, and an environment designed around how people actually learn, rest, and connect.
A space redefined by experience. Layered zones, warm materials, and an environment designed around how people actually learn, rest, and connect.
Thank you!
