King Fahad Cultural Center.
Redesign and renovation
Riyadh, KSA (2024)
We are pleased to announce the completion of the redesign and renovation project of the King Fahad Cultural Center, one of Riyadh’s key landmarks. This significant intervention, carried out jointly by Giò Forma, Black Engineering, and FMME, with lighting designed by GLARE Lighting, reflects the ancient Salmani heritage while fully honoring the historical significance of the existing structure.
The new design of the King Fahad Cultural Center reinterprets traditional Najdi decorative motifs in a modern way, creating a harmonious dialogue between past and future. Through a masterful combination of colors, shapes, light, and shadow, the audience’s experience is enriched with a contemporary vision of Saudi heritage.
The King Fahad Cultural Center is a pillar of Saudi cultural life, hosting exhibitions, seminars, and events dedicated to arts and culture. Its programming ranges from theatrical performances to musical shows utilizing hologram technology, as well as screenings of international, local, and Arab films.
The renovation project has preserved and restored existing historical elements, such as the original marble facade, while integrating new structural components. These include expanded staircases and connecting bridges for the VIP and Royal pathways, ensuring smooth access from the lounges to the main hall.
A new central architectural element, inspired by the mountains of central Saudi Arabia and clad in rammed earth clay, dominates the vertical space, creating a strong reference to traditional construction techniques. Beneath it, a system of arches houses the ticketing area, a cafeteria, and guest lounges, all featuring special acoustic treatments for optimal sound comfort.
The main hall, accommodating up to 2,800 guests, has been completely redesigned with premium finishes. The walls are clad in massive double-curved wooden elements, while the ceiling features a custom-crafted metal chandelier. The seating, designed in collaboration with Poltrona Frau, is an exclusive model called ‘King Fahad,’ characterized by premium leather, walnut armrests, and integrated translation screens.
The VIP and Royal areas, spread across the ground and first floors, have been completely reshaped with a distinctive design. Double-curved slanted walls, covered in rammed earth clay, evoke traditional Saudi construction techniques, creating intimate and sophisticated spaces. These exclusive areas, connected by a central open space, are furnished with high-end furniture and custom lighting to ensure the utmost comfort and elegance.
With this renovation, the King Fahad Cultural Center reaffirms itself as an icon of Saudi culture, seamlessly blending tradition and innovation to offer a unique experience to its visitors.
