Located at the end of a narrow canyon in the desert in AlUla, in Saudi Arabia, KWY.studio has created a visitor centre characterized by having a space that offers a unique uninterrupted view towards the landscape of stratified cliffs to the west, creating an interesting contrast with the north, east and south walls of the canyon that surrounds the project.

The project is sequential and offers an experience that, through directional movement through its different spaces, compresses and expands the visitor's perception of the spectacular landscape that surrounds it.

Crossing the lobby space, the geometry of the building generates a prism that leads you to an open-air patio followed by a reflected lobby on the opposite side, which takes the visitor to the centre of the complex where a central circular opening frames a panoramic view of the exterior. , creating a sequence that allows the visitor to get to know the building as well as the environment in which it is located.
The visitor center by KWY.studio is governed by a main axis and alternative diagonal views that provide spatial orientation. Despite this, it is the courtyard that, under a protective atmosphere, makes up the central space and houses the main functions of the building, offering shade while offering glimpses of the sky and the surrounding geological wonders.

The project is generated by a 45 degree rotation of the central patio with respect to the general geometry of the volume that makes it up. This intersects with vestibules to the east and west, open and intended for observation, while to the north and south it creates entrances to the different spaces it contains, such as the cafeteria, the shop or the assembly hall.


Desert X AlUla 2024 Visitor Centre by KWY.studio. Photograph by Colin Robertson.
 

Project description by KWY.studio

The Desert X AlUla 2024 Visitor Centre is located at the end of a narrow canyon, a cul-de-sac that implied the position of the building as well as its spatial organisation. Nested between rock formations, the structure offers a singular uninterrupted view towards the West, starkly contrasting with the adjacent canyon walls to the North, East, and South. These immediate views of the stratified cliffs become essential to the experience.

The directional movement through the Visitor Centre, from the arrival deck on the East to the overlooking terrace on the West, is of a processional character. The space is compressed through the prismatic entrance vestibule, into the courtyard open to the sky, and onwards through the mirrored vestibule expanding to a panorama view. This sequence feels natural and intuitive, allowing visitors to grasp the building’s layout in just a few moments.

The 45-degree rotation ofthe courtyard intersects with generously shaded vestibules to the East and West, while to the North and South the rotation creates entrances to the primary functions of the building: a café, a shop, and an events room. The spaces generated by this rotation are distinctive and frame diagonal views through the building towards the landscape.


Desert X AlUla 2024 Visitor Centre by KWY.studio. Photograph by Colin Robertson.

While the primary axis and alternative diagonal views provide spatial orientation, the courtyard paradoxically feels more enclosed yet protective, fulfilling its shading function while offering glimpses of the sky and surrounding geological wonders. When standing within the courtyard, one’s horizon is equally tilted 45 degrees and aligned with the circular oculus.

The Desert X AlUla 2024 Visitor Centre is the third in a series of related structures. While it revisits primary ideas, it has been further expanded, with interior spaces gaining character and significant alterations to the building’s axiality. Unlike its predecessors, the secluded location of the 2024 edition offers more internalized views, fostering an intimate connection with the immediate surroundings. First time visitors to Desert X AlUla will hopefully find it appropriately measured, returning visitors may notice the subtle yet distinct spatial experience resulting from the rotation of the courtyard and the shifting of its openings to the corners.

Certain qualities have been elevated in the 2024 edition – the apparent solidity inherited from the 2020 Hegra reference is more consequent, and the courtyard entrance experience is further refined: in 2020 a simple passage, in 2022 a transitional space through adjacent yards, in 2024 a generous vestibule which initially directs and ultimately frames a monumental panorama.


Desert X AlUla 2024 Visitor Centre by KWY.studio. Photograph by Colin Robertson.

Our journey with AlUla since 2019 has been enchanting, witnessing impressive developments over the years. Desert X AlUla has become an institution, and we feel privileged to be part of its family. From the successful first design in 2020 to the natural transformation in 2022, the 2024 process was the most collaborative yet, reflecting the mutual respect and appreciation cultivated over the years. It has been a privilege to share and collaborate in this series of quiet, spatial experiments, contributing to the renewed vibrance of AlUla and becoming humble citizens of this unique place.

More information

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Architects
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KWY.studio. Lead architects.- Ricardo Gomes, Luise Marter.
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Project team
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Charlie Corciulo, Saaraa Premji.
Assistants.- Catarina Mendes, Rui Neto.
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Client
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Royal Commission for AlUla.
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Builder
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ANSAB.
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Area
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900 sqm.
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Dates
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February 2024.
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Location
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AlUla, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
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Manufacturers
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Vinyl Flooring – Mipolam Symbioz Grey Stone
Furniture – IKEA Various
Decking – Lunawood Thermowood.
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Photography
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Founded in 2009 in Berlin and Los Angeles, KWY.studio is a multidisciplinary platform investigating the nature of collaboration within the context of specific projects.

KWY.studio's projects are collaborations between the principals and invited specialists. Recent collaborators include artists, writers, curators, educators, designers and other architects. With few initial preconceptions, each project begins with dialogue and analysis between the collaborators. This process-oriented methodology often leads to diverse thoughts that are otherwise unexpected and unimaginable.
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Published on: April 11, 2024
Cite: "A directed and contrasted look at the landscape. Desert X AlUla 2024 Visitor Centre by KWY.studio" METALOCUS. Accessed
<http://www.metalocus.es/en/news/a-directed-and-contrasted-look-landscape-desert-x-alula-2024-visitor-centre-kwystudio> ISSN 1139-6415
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