Landscape design: Giò Forma
Furnishings: Giò Forma
Lightings: Craft
Photo Credits: Nicholas Jackson Photography, Shoayb Khattab
Situated in the northwest of Saudi Arabia, AlUla is a region of extraordinary natural beauty and historical significance. It is renowned for its breathtaking desert landscapes, stunning rock formations, and archaeological sites dating back thousands of years. AlUla is home to the ancient city of Hegra (Madain Saleh), the first UNESCO World Heritage site in Saudi Arabia.
Within this backdrop, the Design Space AlUla has been constructed as part of a broader wave of creative innovation aimed at guiding the region’s masterplan into the 21st century. This exhibition center fosters dialogue on the role of design in shaping the region’s future.
Designed by the Milanese architectural firm Giò Forma in collaboration with Black Engineering, the Design Space AlUla serves both as a gallery and a catalyst for dialogue, collaboration, and innovation. Initiated in 2021 under the leadership of Samantha Cotterell, former Executive Design Director of the Royal Commission for AlUla, the project was conceived to not only showcase design initiatives but also to enhance connections between local and international creatives.
The Design Space AlUla is the first permanent space for contemporary galleries in Saudi Arabia. The structure reflects the rich heritage of the UNESCO site, with a layout that prioritizes public interaction. It is centered around a plaza with luminous courtyards that invite visitors to gather and explore. As a transparent and permeable structure, the corten steel building is ‘embroidered’ with a modern pattern inspired by the traditional motifs of Al Jadidah.
The façade exemplifies Giò Forma’s site-specific design approach. Using an algorithm, the team reinterpreted traditional breeze block patterns to create a dynamic and modern design that celebrates the region’s heritage. Custom-made corten steel curtains explore the transparency and permeability of the building, seamlessly linking the open-air museum to the indoor high-level gallery space within the Al Jadidah art district. This integration creates a unified experience that reflects the interconnectedness of the creative community. This approach maintains the design’s evolution while honoring its roots.
