Highlights
- Tuwaiq Palace, a stunning masterpiece nestled in Riyadh's prestigious Diplomatic Quarter.
- Tuwaiq Palace was completed in 1985 and received the Aga Khan Award for Architecture in 1998.
- Explore the unique design features, including the "Living Wall" and the tensile structure "Tents.
- The design is a testament to the collaborative efforts of Omrania & Associates, Frei Otto, and Bureau Happold.
- Tuwaiq Palace, a testament to the power of design to bridge tradition and modernity.
Overview
A 3-hour guided tour of Tuwaiq Palace, a stunning cultural facility in Riyadh's Diplomatic Quarter. Explore the unique design features, including the "Living Wall" and the tensile structure "Tents," which blend traditional Saudi elements with modern innovation. Discover how the palace's design creates a harmonious relationship with its environment, showcasing a fusion of tradition and high tech. Learn about the palace's award-winning design and its lasting impact on the landscape of Riyadh. Prepare to be inspired by this architectural masterpiece.
Details
Join us for a captivating 3-hour architectural tour of Tuwaiq Palace, a stunning masterpiece nestled in Riyadh's prestigious Diplomatic Quarter. This award-winning cultural facility, completed in 1985, is a testament to the power of design to seamlessly blend traditional Saudi elements with modern innovation.
Our tour will delve into the unique design features of this remarkable structure, exploring:
The "Living Wall": Discover the 800-meter long, sinuous wall that wraps around a lush garden, creating a tranquil oasis within the bustling city. Witness how this innovative design draws inspiration from traditional Saudi archetypes, such as the fortress and the tent, while incorporating the natural phenomenon of the oasis.
The Tensile Structure "Tents": Marvel at the five giant tents that sprout from the wall, offering a sense of both shelter and openness. Learn how these structures contribute to the palace's unique architectural language.
A Celebration of Contrast: Explore the interplay of light and heavy elements, such as the lightweight tensile structures and the heavy masonry walls, creating a captivating visual dialogue. Discover how the lush inner garden contrasts with the stark, surrounding desert, highlighting the palace's harmonious relationship with its environment.
A Fusion of Tradition and Modernity: Understand how the palace's design is a bold departure from the western building models prevalent in Saudi Arabia during the 1980s, instead embracing easily understood signals from past desert civilizations. Witness the successful marriage of tradition and high tech, a testament to the collaborative efforts of Omrania & Associates, Frei Otto (Germany), and Bureau Happold (UK).
A Response to the Landscape: Appreciate how the palace's design is a direct response to the unique opportunities presented by its site, a majestic promontory plateau overlooking the sweeping Wadi Hanifa and the cityscape of Riyadh beyond. Discover how the landscaping creates a stark contrast between the lush greenery of the garden inside the wall and the arid nature of the rocky plateau outside, offering a truly immersive experience.
This tour will provide a deeper understanding of the architectural brilliance of Tuwaiq Palace, its cultural significance, and its lasting impact on the landscape of Riyadh. Prepare to be inspired by the fusion of tradition and innovation that defines this architectural masterpiece. Tuwaiq Palace, a testament to the power of design to bridge tradition and modernity. This cultural landmark stands as a testament to Saudi Arabia's rich heritage and its vision for a future that embraces both innovation and its roots.
Our tour will delve into the unique design features of this remarkable structure, exploring:
The "Living Wall": Discover the 800-meter long, sinuous wall that wraps around a lush garden, creating a tranquil oasis within the bustling city. Witness how this innovative design draws inspiration from traditional Saudi archetypes, such as the fortress and the tent, while incorporating the natural phenomenon of the oasis.
The Tensile Structure "Tents": Marvel at the five giant tents that sprout from the wall, offering a sense of both shelter and openness. Learn how these structures contribute to the palace's unique architectural language.
A Celebration of Contrast: Explore the interplay of light and heavy elements, such as the lightweight tensile structures and the heavy masonry walls, creating a captivating visual dialogue. Discover how the lush inner garden contrasts with the stark, surrounding desert, highlighting the palace's harmonious relationship with its environment.
A Fusion of Tradition and Modernity: Understand how the palace's design is a bold departure from the western building models prevalent in Saudi Arabia during the 1980s, instead embracing easily understood signals from past desert civilizations. Witness the successful marriage of tradition and high tech, a testament to the collaborative efforts of Omrania & Associates, Frei Otto (Germany), and Bureau Happold (UK).
A Response to the Landscape: Appreciate how the palace's design is a direct response to the unique opportunities presented by its site, a majestic promontory plateau overlooking the sweeping Wadi Hanifa and the cityscape of Riyadh beyond. Discover how the landscaping creates a stark contrast between the lush greenery of the garden inside the wall and the arid nature of the rocky plateau outside, offering a truly immersive experience.
This tour will provide a deeper understanding of the architectural brilliance of Tuwaiq Palace, its cultural significance, and its lasting impact on the landscape of Riyadh. Prepare to be inspired by the fusion of tradition and innovation that defines this architectural masterpiece. Tuwaiq Palace, a testament to the power of design to bridge tradition and modernity. This cultural landmark stands as a testament to Saudi Arabia's rich heritage and its vision for a future that embraces both innovation and its roots.
Know Before You Go
• Dress modestly and respectfully, especially when visiting religious sites.
• Check the weather forecast and dress accordingly, as Riyadh can be hot during the day and cooler at night.
• Respect local customs and traditions, including cultural norms regarding greetings and interactions.
• Be prepared for some walking and wear comfortable shoes.
• Stay hydrated and carry sunscreen, especially during the warmer months.
• Check the weather forecast and dress accordingly, as Riyadh can be hot during the day and cooler at night.
• Respect local customs and traditions, including cultural norms regarding greetings and interactions.
• Be prepared for some walking and wear comfortable shoes.
• Stay hydrated and carry sunscreen, especially during the warmer months.
What To Bring
• Comfortable, walking shoes - You're going to be on your feet a lot exploring all those incredible historical sites, so make sure your footwear is up for the task.
• Wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses - protect your face and eyes. A stylish sun hat will keep you cool and shaded from the sun during the daytime.
• Reusable water bottle - Staying hydrated is key, especially when you're active sightseeing. Bring a large bottle to refill throughout the day.
• Wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses - protect your face and eyes. A stylish sun hat will keep you cool and shaded from the sun during the daytime.
• Reusable water bottle - Staying hydrated is key, especially when you're active sightseeing. Bring a large bottle to refill throughout the day.
Location
قصر طويق Tuwaiq Palace, حي السفارات, Riyadh, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
