KAUST Academic Library in Thuwal, Saudi Arabia

March 14, 2011 Category: Education, Public Buildings

The Thuwal, Saudi Arabia designed by HOK International is located in Thuwal, Saudi Arabia. The academic library is situated at the physical and symbolic heart of the new university. The building opens to the campus’ main circulation spine on one end and to the Red Sea on the other, relating the campus to the surrounding landscape. It is covered with a hyper-diagrid curtain wall system that diffuses the sunlight. The building’s skylightsare shaded by perforated panels, creating intricate patterns of dappled light reminiscent of the traditional Middle Eastern mashrabiya screens.

The interior of the library has expansive volumes of space for its study areas and seminar rooms, anchored by a wood corewhich gradually steps down toward the sea, linking the plaza level with the topography of the site. This creates an inviting space where scientists come together and share ideas in a dramatic, yet comfortable setting. The warm environment serves to balance the more technical nature of the surrounding engineering and laboratory buildings.

KAUST Academic Library design by HOK International