Diplomatic Quarter Celebration Hall
1481-LAB-RUH.SA-2011
Architect: Labics
Client: Unknown
Status: Competition (2011)
Clasification: 3 prize
Location: Riad, Saudi Arabia
Climate: Desert / arid, Hot
Material: Undefined
Environment: Desert
Visualizer: Studio
Budget: 108.500.000 €
Scale: 10.580 ㎡ Large
Ratio: 10.255,20 €/㎡
Types: City hall, Institutional

This celebration hall creates a venue for men to celebrate formal weddings. Labics’ design proposal draws from traditional Arabic design and culture to create an unmistakeably contemporary architecture. The design of the hall is based on two principles: the hierarchically structured, geometric and well-organised space of a typical mosque, and the inviting, enveloping and flexible space of a traditional Arab tent. By bringing these two ideas together, the building combines an inviting public character with a more intimate and private dimension.

As in the best Arab tradition, the design is governed by a strong geometry that unifies structural, spatial and decorative elements. This rigorous pattern defines all aspects of the design, from the large roof structure to the detail of single decorative elements. As users move throughout the building they are accompanied by variations in density of the structural pattern and the intensity of daylight penetrating the building. The main hall has a public, open character with plenty of light, while the majlis and dining hall are darker, the structural pattern densifying to provide more intimacy. The control and filtering of this natural light is fundamental to the design, in order to reduce direct radiation but also increase the spatial quality and comfort of the more intimate internal spaces.

The entire structure is made of steel covered with sprayed concrete, while the interior walls, some decoration and skylights are made from timber. The façade is created of two layers – an internal glass envelope enclosed by a bronze brise soleil.

Team: Maria Claudia Clemente, Francesco Isidori, Leonardo Consolazione, Billy Erhard, Elisa Frisetti, Piergiorgio Loconte, Dominique Rethans | Co-author: Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, High Commission for the development of Arriyadh | Collaborator: Federico Pitzalis | Structural engineer: Favero & Milan ingegneria | Model maker: Modelab | Post date: 31/03/2016 | Views: 3.288