Following the success of the original site-specific art exhibition in AlUla, Desert X AlUla Visitor Center in 2020, KWY.studio was commissioned to design the 2022 edition, building upon the iconic circular courtyard, axial integrity, and deference to the encompassing landscape. Drawing from the acclaimed original structure, the design process for the 2022 Visitor Center begins with a deliberate focus on maintaining clarity and simplicity while reimagining key features for a new context. The project evolves as a unique iteration rather than a mere replica, allowing for the addition of North and East volumes to accommodate expanded program elements while preserving the essence of the original design. New volumes introduce corner shops, expanded event areas, indoor café seating, and upgraded staff amenities, enriching the visitor experience while maintaining architectural coherence.
An elliptical roof opening optimizes solar exposure, emphasizing the diagonal character of the redesign and enhancing the interplay between indoor and outdoor spaces. Four new courtyards introduce varied levels of privacy and alternative circulation paths, enriching spatial relationships and providing new perspectives of the surrounding landscape. While retaining the singular essence of its predecessor, the 2022 Visitor Center takes on a slightly more complex architectural character, continuing to serve as a captivating landscape viewing device. KWY.studio enables the exploration of typological concepts and the expansion of successful design ideas, resulting in a refined and nuanced architectural expression. The 2022 edition of the Desert X Visitor Center marks another chapter in the ongoing tribute to the AlUla landscape and its people, setting the stage for the upcoming 2024 exhibition.
▲ KWY.工作室設計的2022年的X AlUla游客服務中心是在2020年的游客服務中心中吸取靈感并有所突破，重新構建新的空間效果
KWY.studio draws from the iconic 2020 structure to reimagine the 2022 Visitor Center
▲ 該游客服務中心設計獨特，在原有游客建筑的基礎上增加了一些新的功能，其北部和東部進行了擴建
the center evolves uniquely, adding North and East volumes to enhance program elements
▲ 建筑師設計了臨街商店、休閑活動區、咖啡廳，也增設了很多員工專用設施
new volumes introduce corner shops, expanded event areas, indoor café seating, and upgraded staff amenities
▲ 建筑師設計的四個方形庭院提供了不同層次的空間貫通，增加了隱秘性
four new courtyards in the 2022 Visitor Center offer varied levels of privacy and alternative circulation paths
▲ 橢圓形庭院可以引入大量自然光線，且強調了室內外之間的聯系
an elliptical roof opening optimizes solar exposure and enhances the interplay between indoor and outdoor spaces
▲ 2022年設計的游客服務中心在保留了原有建筑的精華部分之外又新增了更為全面的建筑功能，滿足游客體驗需求
the 2022 edition retains the original essence while adopting a slightly more complex architectural character
▲ KWY.工作室設計的游客服務中心整體簡約，細部精致
KWY.studio’s deliberate focus on simplicity ensures a refined and nuanced architectural expression
▲ 大量的光線引入和室內外空間的聯系增添了建筑的神秘感
enhanced solar exposure and spatial relationships contribute to the captivating nature of the center
▲ 擴建部分設計有商業，給游客帶來多種體驗
the expansion houses commercial functions enriching the visitor experience
▲ 2022年設計的游客服務中心為2024年的藝術展提供了舞臺，讓更多的人欣賞到AlUla的自然景觀
2022 Visitor Center sets the stage for the upcoming 2024 exhibition, continuing the celebration of AlUla’s landscape
project info:
name: Desert X AlUla Visitor Center 2022
architect: KWY.studio | @kwy.studio
design team: Ricardo Gomes, Rebecca Billi and Luise Marter
commissioner: Royal Commission for AlUla
management: Aecom
contractor: Nesma
location: AlUla, Saudi Arabia
photography: Colin Robertson | @colinjr
