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Manarat Al Khafji is a civic cultural center located in Al Khafji, Saudi Arabia. Conceived as a contemporary landmark along the Arabian Gulf, the project integrates architecture, landscape, and public space into a unified urban destination. The design extends the coastal edge into an activated civic promenade, creating a layered environment that connects retail, culture, and leisure through a continuous spatial experience.
Situated at the intersection of land and sea, Manarat Al Khafji redefines the traditional civic center as an immersive public landscape. The project unfolds as a gently undulating architectural surface, forming a continuous roofscape that mediates between built form and open space. This approach transforms the building into an accessible topography rather than a singular object.
The design draws inspiration from the movement of coastal waves, translating this into a fluid architectural language that shapes both circulation and form. A shaded souk promenade acts as the project’s spine, extending over 250 meters and organizing the spatial sequence of retail, dining, and cultural programs. Vertical and horizontal transitions are choreographed to create a dynamic journey through terraces, arcades, and layered public spaces.
Beneath the lifted landscape, an underground concert hall is embedded within the الأرض, offering an intimate performance venue integrated into the site’s topography. Above, a panoramic observatory and slender lighthouse tower establish a visual anchor for the project, reinforcing its identity as a civic landmark. The interplay between enclosed and open spaces allows the project to function as both a destination and a continuous public realm.
The project balances heritage and innovation by referencing regional architectural principles while adopting contemporary construction techniques. Shaded arcades, layered façades, and controlled openings mitigate solar exposure, creating comfortable microclimates throughout the development. Material selections emphasize durability and tactility, reinforcing the project’s identity within its coastal desert context.
Al Khafji, Saudi Arabia