The Centre of Islamic Studies

The client wanted a building that would be a landmark and a symbol of architectural excellence
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For more than 30 years Tecnica Y Proyectos S.A. (TYPSA) has been intricately involved with the development of the Al Imam Muhammad Ibn Saud University in Riyadh, KSA. The opportunity to work with the same client for over three decades has allowed TYPSA—as main developer and advisor—to provide proposals of spatial and modern solutions according to an evolving architectural vision and future endeavours. It has also meant that TYPSA is uniquely placed to recognise, interpret and resolve every building- and infrastructure-related problem it faces.

Set within a master plan that is both contemporary and evolutionary, The Centre of Islamic Studies and Dialogue of Civilizations will be a groundbreaking project because of the way in which its nontraditional design represents and highlights both Riyadh’s culture and the university’s identity.

Client’s Vision

The appointment of the project came at the end of 2008. The client conceived the idea of an iconic building which would serve as the Centre of Islamic Studies and Dialogue of Civilizations. From its inception, the building aimed to be an integral part of the University’s spirit and a champion of its identity.

Particularly important to the client was that the building serve as both a landmark, due to its distinct location, as well as a symbol of architectural and design excellence because of its unique concept.

This dual intention also came with two specific requirements from the client: a) The Saudi Arabian flag must be the primary reference in developing the building; b) The building and master plan must explicitly represent the five pillars of Islam.

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The proposed buildings will be part of the extension of the engineering faculties in the northeastern section of the campus. It aims to bring together and integrate the complex collection of activities happening simultaneously at the tip of the northeastern boundary of the master plan.

The Centre of Islamic Studies & Dialogue of Civilisations is oriented for a clear view from the Airport Road which—given the height of the building and its mundane desert surroundings—will serve as a beacon; a lighthouse structure that is immediately identifiable as the University.

Two main precepts guided the design approach in the pursuit of the client’s vision: a) To create an outstanding structure with full respect to the existing campus. A structure that does not disturb the homogeneous texture provided by the massive university facilities; b) To avoid quick intuitive perceptions of patterns and shape definitions that only superficially incorporate Islamic arts/crafts but are usually executed as shallow or clichéd interpretations of ‘Gulf’ architecture.

While they were the key challenges, special caution was taken by the TYPSA team to avoid what is called ‘duck architecture’, or achieving a too literal or simplified representation of the concept behind the building: In this case, obvious references to the KSA flag and the five Pillars.

Solutions

In response to these challenges and in an effort to achieve the client’s vision of the project, TYPSA worked with the design of the KSA flag to reconfigure its geometric rules without changing the meanings and power of its graphic configuration. Hence, the conceptual site was reconstituted by raising the flag scripts facing Mecca and also by subdividing the base that supports this meaning in four different pieces oriented to each local cardinal point.

After the implementation of that key design component, the development of the complex became smoother; introducing the preconceived functional program of 65,000m² (approximately) all around the four lower areas and the tower.

An internal podium-level patio gathers together the users of the 500-seat auditorium and museum as well as visitors to the restaurants and low-rise hotel development at the north. From this point, the tower grows and is activated by the sensation of embracing the social gatherings and cultural activities—which is a main objective of the Center of Islamic Studies & Dialogue of Civilizations.

The full programme covers five functional groups: The research unit, the management for the Center of Islamic Studies, the museum, the library and the hotel. The programme also considers the supporting facilities, which include a separate section for women, the main auditorium and a primary and secondary reception hall.

Project Summary

Title Center of Islamic Studies and Dialogue of Civilizations
Location Riyadh, KSA
Client Al Imam Muhammad Ibn Saud University
Main Consultant TYPSA, Tecnica y Proyectos S.A
Design Architect: Juan Camilo Medina
Design Team Arch. Gisella Montes, Arch. Hugo Fiestas, Arch. Natasha Calderon
BUA 65,000m² (approximately)
Status Approved Concept Design