A CULTURAL BEACON REVITALIZED
WHY’s design for the King Fahad Cultural Centre (KFCC) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, represents a thorough revitalization of one of the region’s most prominent performance venues. Collaborating closely with the Ministry of Culture and other global partners, our goal was to elevate the Centre to contemporary standards, positioning it as a global hub for world-class performances.
Drawing from our extensive experience with historical buildings, we employed our signature approach of “acupuncture architecture.” Each space and existing element was carefully evaluated to determine the least invasive interventions with the greatest impact. This strategy centers around preserving the structural integrity of the original reinforced concrete walls, columns, and stairs while introducing new elements that enhance both performance and aesthetics.
One of these strategic interventions is the introduction of the new entry tower at the main public entrance. Visitors are greeted by a striking tower inspired by the traditional pigeon towers of the region. This iconic entry, representing the new face of the King Fahad Cultural Centre, marks the beginning of their journey and sets the tone for the unique cultural experience within. This transformation is a prime example of our acupuncture architecture, where the new entry makes a significant impact without extensive alteration of the existing structure.
The main foyer, another focal point of our acupuncture architecture approach, is envisioned as a public plaza, offering a range of collective and semi-private spaces that cater to various activities, from grand celebrations to intimate gatherings. One of the most prominent interventions in this space is the highly sculpted three-dimensional element that wraps around the existing columns and the shell of the main theater hall to create a distinct experience. A series of arch-like thresholds act as a portal between the dramatic and expansive space of the foyer and the more intimate space of the café.
The ceiling of the main foyer features semi-translucent stretched fabric canopies with decorative Najdi patterns, referencing the souks of the region. Light filters through these fabric canopies, casting intricate patterns and adding to the visual richness to the space.
As part of our human-centric approach, the existing stairs were thoughtfully reimagined, extended, and reshaped to create inviting spaces for visitors to gather during breaks and before performances, enhancing the overall visitor experience.
King Fahad Cultural Center features a 2750-seat main hall, set to host national and international productions of various performances such as theater, film, and concerts. Working closely with acoustics, lighting, and theater planning experts, WHY preserved the structural shell of the hall while re-envisioning the interiors to enhance both performance and aesthetic. New design features custom-perforated metal fins with integrated lighting that radiates from a focal point in the ceiling, mimicking beams of light penetrating into darker wadi caves in the region.
Vertical surfaces are clad with custom-designed wall panels that contribute to the striking visual qualities of the hall while simultaneously improving the acoustic performance. WHY worked with fabricators and acoustics consultants to optimize the geometry for tight construction schedules and the types of performances expected in the venue.
In addition to the main performance hall, the Center features two other halls whose structural shells were preserved and their interiors redesigned. These upgrades enhance both performance quality and aesthetic appeal, ensuring that the venue meets the highest standards of contemporary performance centers.
References to Saudi culture and geography can be seen throughout the venue. From horizontal striated clay plaster walls inspired by the Tuwaiq Mountains to tent-like stretched fabric ceilings in the main foyer, we aimed to create a contemporary venue deeply rooted in tradition and context.
Our design honors the traditions of Najdi architecture by reinterpreting its aesthetic features as well as some of its methods. The use of materials obtained from the surrounding environment and the decorative and repetitive use of triangular motifs are some of the tropes we incorporated in the design for the new King Fahad Cultural Centre.
Committed to sustainability, our approach involved carefully localized interventions that minimized the carbon footprint by retaining as much of the existing structure as possible. WHY’s design opted to preserve the reinforced concrete structure, locking in the embodied carbon, and avoiding the emission of CO2 and use of unsustainable energy sources. Where finishes were removed, they were creatively repurposed, as seen in the innovative terrazzo flooring with recycled marble aggregate. Where new materials were introduced, WHY opted to use natural materials such as clay plaster and wood.
In addition to efforts to reduce embodied carbon, building systems and outdated glazing were upgraded to reduce operational carbon, ensuring that the center meets the highest standards of modern performance venues.