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KING SALMAN PARK – INTERACTIVE VISITOR CENTER:
Alsharif, Nada
Alsharif, Nada
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Abstract
The King Salman Park Visitor Center integrates the values of Salmani architecture with
sustainable innovation, reflecting the cultural identity of Riyadh and embodying the ambitions
of Vision 2030. Strategically embedded within the green cultural zone of King Salman Park,
the center acts as a gateway for discovery, environmental education, and community
engagement, rooted in the park’s natural topography and green landscapes.
The project program includes diverse spaces that serve public, semi-public, and private
functions: exhibitions, an auditorium, a VR area, shops, lounges, restaurants, training rooms,
and supporting technical and service zones. These functions are carefully organized to provide
an engaging and seamless visitor experience that encourages exploration and learning.
Inspired by the Salmani Urban Charter, the building’s architectural form responds to both site
topography and functional needs. Its folding geometry and triangular apertures evoke the
traditional architectural language of Najd while ensuring environmental performance through
natural ventilation, shading, and integration with the landscape.
The design philosophy emphasizes sustainability, wellness, innovation, and cultural continuity.
Eco-friendly materials and renewable energy solutions reduce the building’s ecological
footprint, while open courtyards, shaded walkways, and green areas enhance the quality of
public life. The triangular patterns rooted in Salmani architecture create a strong sense of
identity, harmony, and connection with Riyadh’s heritage.
This philosophy is aligned with the core principles of the Salmani Charter:
• Respecting and preserving the site’s natural elements
• Reinforcing architectural identity and continuity
• Enhancing community well-being through meaningful, inclusive spaces
A Qur’anic verse beautifully underscores this vision of environmental stewardship: