Design Space AlUla: A New Hub for Creativity and Heritage
In the heart of AlUla, Saudi Arabia, a unique gallery is making its debut. The Design Space AlUla, housed in a striking Corten steel-latticed building crafted by the Italian firm Giò Forma Studio, opens its doors this weekend. This innovative space, initiated by the Royal Commission for AlUla, aims to be a beacon for both local and international designers, fostering a vibrant community of creatives.
Mawrid: A Celebration of Inspired Design
The opening exhibition, titled “Mawrid: Celebrating Inspired Design,” presents a curated selection of ten recent projects from AlUla. These range from large-scale architectural endeavors to intricate designs in graphics and jewelry, highlighting the breadth of creativity in the region.
Featured works include the Cultural Oasis District masterplan by the UK’s Prior + Partners, the mesmerizing Maraya concert hall by Giò Forma Studio and Black Engineering, and a thoughtful renovation of a local mosque by SAL Architects. These projects not only exemplify innovative design but also adhere to the regeneration principles guiding AlUla’s development.
At the more detailed end of the spectrum, the exhibition showcases the Design Space AlUla’s visual identity, conceived by designers Clara Sancho and Pascal Zoghbi. Their work mirrors the architectural essence of the space, drawing inspiration from the building’s distinctive breeze blocks.
Bridging Design and Heritage
The Design Space AlUla is more than a gallery; it’s a catalyst for creativity. It hosts the AlUla Design Award and a new design residency program, both featured in the inaugural exhibition. Entries include an innovative jewelry design by Bahraini architect Sara Kanoo, inspired by Hegra’s ancient tombs, and a multifunctional folding chair by Saudi’s Shaddah Studio, which cleverly doubles as a prayer mat.
Architect and curator Sarah Ghani envisions the Design Space AlUla as a global benchmark for design and creativity. The creation of the space, Ghani explains, was a deeply considered process, aimed at showcasing AlUla’s burgeoning design scene and integrating with the region’s cultural and natural landscapes.
A Commitment to Sustainable Development
The development of Design Space AlUla aligns with the broader ambitions of the masterplan to rejuvenate and preserve the wider area. “You will never see a high-rise skyscraper building in AlUla,” Ghani asserts, emphasizing the commitment to safeguarding the region’s rich heritage and stunning landscapes.
AlUla, an oasis and a key stop on an ancient trading route, alongside the UNESCO World Heritage site of Hegra, holds profound historical significance. The Royal Commission for AlUla, in steering the area’s development since 2017, has adopted a thoughtful approach that prioritizes low-impact designs and community engagement over the vast, high-impact projects often associated with Saudi Arabia.
This approach is a key component of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, aiming to diversify the economy beyond oil. Through nurturing creative industries and preserving the unique heritage and beauty of AlUla, the Design Space AlUla exemplifies how design and heritage can come together to forge a vibrant future.
The Design Space AlUla stands as a testament to the power of design to enrich our understanding of culture, heritage, and community. As it opens its doors, it invites visitors and creatives alike to explore the depths of design in the context of AlUla’s ancient landscape, promising a journey of discovery, inspiration, and innovation.
