Desert X AlUla 2024 Visitor Centre,
design: KWY.studio
The Desert X AlUla 2024 Visitor Center, designed by KWY.studio, is the next chapter in a series of architectural experiments realized in the heart of the desert landscape of Al-Ula, Saudi Arabia. Situated at the end of a narrow canyon, amid soaring rock formations, this minimalist work harmonizes with its harsh surroundings while offering a unique spatial experience. The project, which is the third iteration of the visitor center, combines simplicity of form with a sophisticated organization of space, inviting contemplation of both the architecture and the surrounding landscape.
The Al-Ula visitor center in Saudi Arabia was built as part of Desert X, an international exhibition of contemporary art
photo by Colin Robertson © KWY.studio
in the heart of the canyon spatial context
Al-Ula, a region steeped in history and a unique landscape, has been the site of Desert X - an international contemporary art exhibition that aims to bring desert spaces to life through installations created by renowned artists from around the world -since 2019. The visitor center, located in a secluded corner of the canyon, acts as a landmark for visitors, offering a space to relax, reflect and interact with the environment. KWY.studio, known for its multidisciplinary approach, designed a building that does not dominate the landscape, but enters into a subtle dialogue with it. The building's location at the end of a blind canyon determines its spatial layout, directing attention to the western view, where the open panorama contrasts with the massive rock walls on the other directions.
The visitor center was located in a secluded corner of the canyon and serves as a landmark for visitors
photo by Colin Robertson © KWY.studio
geometry and contrast
The building is characterized by a simple, geometric block with a square plan and flat roof. A central circular opening in the roof breaks the massiveness of the structure, introducing an element of lightness. The facades, covered with a smooth white coating, contrast with the warm hues of the surrounding rocks, emphasizing the modernist character of the building. A covered terrace on the west side, finished with wooden flooring and furnished with lounge furniture, invites contemplation of the landscape. The architecture is streamlined but precisely composed, allowing it to harmonize with its surroundings while accentuating its own modernity.
The Al-Ula visitor center in Saudi Arabia - the smooth surfaces of the facades harmonize with the harshness of the desert landscape
photo by Colin Robertson © KWY.studio
procession through space: functional layout
The center's structure is based on an east-west axis, which determines the processional nature of visitor movement. This makes the layout intuitive and allows one to quickly understand the logic of the building. The key element is a courtyard with a circular opening, which has been rotated by 45 degrees with respect to the main axis. This treatment generates dynamic diagonal views through the building toward the landscape, and creates access to the main functions of the building: the café, store and event hall, located on the north and south sides.
The visitor center at Al-Ula in Saudi Arabia - a circular opening in the roof not only illuminates the space, but also directs the eye toward the sky
photo by Colin Robertson © KWY.studio
The courtyard, despite opening to the sky, offers a sense of intimacy and protection. A circular opening in the roof not only illuminates the space, but also directs the eye toward the sky and the surrounding rock formations. As a result, the space balances openness and enclosure, acting as a shaded asylum in the harsh climate of the desert. Westbays, providing shade to the east and west, reinforce the impression of a seamless transition between the interior and exterior landscape.
The Al-Ula visitor center in Saudi Arabia - building plan
photo by Colin Robertson © KWY.studio
The materials used in the project reflect a desire for simplicity and durability. The smooth surfaces of the facade harmonize with the harshness of the desert landscape, while the wooden elements of the terrace introduce a warm accent that softens the ascetic character of the building. The entire structure gives the impression of being monolithic but open to its surroundings, reinforcing the impression of a dialogue between architecture and nature.
The Desert X AlUla 2024 visitor center is the third building in a series designed by KWY.studio
Photo by Colin Robertson © KWY.studio
From Hegra to AIUla: the evolution of the project
The Desert X AlUla 2024 visitor center is the third facility in the series designed by KWY.studio. Compared to the 2020 and 2022 editions, the current design introduces significant changes in spatial organization and interior character. In the 2020 edition, the courtyard passage had the character of a simple walkway, in 2022 the space became more transitional, while in 2024 the entrance vestibule gained a monumental character, directing attention to the panoramic view. Turning the courtyard and shifting the openings to the corners gives the interior a new dynamic, while the more interior views foster an intimate connection with the immediate surroundings.
Al-Ula visitor center in Saudi Arabia - elevation drawing
Photo by Colin Robertson © KWY.studio
The solidity of the massing, which is reminiscent of the 2020 design in the city of Mada'in Salih, has been strengthened in 2024, giving the building a stronger character. At the same time, the design process was the most collaborative in the history of KWY.studio's partnership with Desert X AlUla, reflecting mutual trust and a shared desire to explore new spatial solutions.
The Desert X AlUla 2024 visitor center subtly blends architecture and landscape
photo by Colin Robertson © KWY.studio
A refuge for art and nature: the role at Desert X AlUla
As a platform for combining art, architecture and landscape, Desert X AlUla has earned its status as a cultural institution in the region. The visitor center plays not only a functional role in this context, but also a symbolic one - a place that introduces visitors to the world of art and nature, offering a space for reflection and interaction. KWY.studio's design, with its minimalist form and precise spatial organization, enhances this experience, encouraging attentive interaction with the environment.
A visitor center in Al-Ula, Saudi Arabia.
Photo by Colin Robertson © KWY.studio
KWY.studio, founded in 2009, has been exploring the boundaries of multidisciplinary collaboration, combining architecture, art and design in their projects. Their approach, based on dialogue and analysis, allows them to create spaces that are both functional and inspiring. The Desert X AlUla 2024 visitor center is a perfect example of this philosophy, combining simplicity of form with a sophisticated spatial experience.
The architecture of the Al-Ula visitor center is streamlined but precisely composed
Photo by Colin Robertson © KWY.studio
in harmony with the desert
The Desert X AlUla 2024 visitor center is a project that subtly blends architecture with the landscape, offering a space for contemplation and interaction with the desert environment. With its precise spatial organization, minimalist form and dialogue with the environment, the building by KWY.studio is in the tradition of Desert X AlUla, while bringing new qualities to the series. It's a place that encourages you to stop, look at the surrounding world and discover its beauty in a new, more attentive way.
Elaborated: Anastazja Dżupina
Illustrations provided courtesy of KWY.studio.
