Australian architect Conrad Gargett will design the headquarters of Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Misk Foundation, which will be the centerpiece of his planned Nonprofit City.
Misk’s principal goal is to empower youth and foster innovation and entrepreneurship, and, from beautiful outdoor gardens where people can relax and exchange innovative ideas to expansive views of the wadi and Riyadh’s skyline, every aspect of the new headquarters is specially designed to foster collaboration and creativity.
The 3.4 square kilometer Nonprofit City will be a regional and global centre incubating innovative, educational and creative industries located in Riyadh’s western Irqah neighborhood, adjacent to Wadi Hanifa valley.
Approximately 6,000m2 of offices will wrap around a central garden and public ground floor
Within it, approximately 6,000m2 of offices will wrap around a central garden and public ground floor. A large covering, known as a ‘mashrabiya’, will provide shade for the area. A spokesperson for Conrad Gargett describes it as “a horizontal interpretation of the traditional Arabic timber screening device, providing a comfortable place to meet and exchange ideas.”
The firm added that the design strives to achieve a ‘spirit of place’ by using local stone, non-reflective metal panels, and carbon sequestering hardwoods.
The building will meet LEED Gold certification through carbon-neutrality, water-conscious design and natural features.
The Chief Executive of the Misk Foundation, Dr Badr Al-Badr, explained: “Every part of the new offices is specially intended to create an environment which fosters collaboration and innovation.”
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