Textual content description offered by the architects. The Desert X AlUla 2024 Customer Centre is situated on the finish of a slim canyon, a cul-de-sac that implied the place of the constructing in addition to its spatial organisation. Nested between rock formations, the construction gives a singular uninterrupted view in direction of the West, starkly contrasting with the adjoining canyon partitions to the North, East, and South. These rapid views of the stratified cliffs turn out to be important to the expertise.
The directional motion by the Customer Centre, from the arrival deck on the East to the overlooking terrace on the West, is of a processional character. The area is compressed by the prismatic entrance vestibule, into the courtyard open to the sky, and onwards by the mirrored vestibule increasing to a panorama view. This sequence feels pure and intuitive, permitting guests to know the constructing’s structure in just some moments.
The 45-degree rotation ofthe courtyard intersects with generously shaded vestibules to the East and West, whereas to the North and South the rotation creates entrances to the first capabilities of the constructing: a restaurant́, a store, and an occasions room. The areas generated by this rotation are distinctive and body diagonal views by the constructing in direction of the panorama.
Whereas the first axis and various diagonal views present spatial orientation, the courtyard paradoxically feels extra enclosed but protecting, fulfilling its shading perform whereas providing glimpses of the sky and surrounding geological wonders. When standing throughout the courtyard, one’s horizon is equally tilted 45 levels and aligned with the round oculus.
The Desert X AlUla 2024 Customer Centre is the third in a collection of associated constructions. Whereas it revisits major concepts, it has been additional expanded, with inside areas gaining character and vital alterations to the constructing’s axiality. In contrast to its predecessors, the secluded location of the 2024 version gives extra internalized views, fostering an intimate reference to the rapid environment. First time guests to Desert X AlUla will hopefully discover it appropriately measured, returning guests could discover the delicate but distinct spatial expertise ensuing from the rotation of the courtyard and the shifting of its openings to the corners.
Sure qualities have been elevated within the 2024 version – the obvious solidity inherited from the 2020 Hegra reference is extra consequent, and the courtyard entrance expertise is additional refined: in 2020 a easy passage, in 2022 a transitional area by adjoining yards, in 2024 a beneficiant vestibule which initially directs and in the end frames a monumental panorama.
Our journey with AlUla since 2019 has been enchanting, witnessing spectacular developments through the years. Desert X AlUla has turn out to be an establishment, and we really feel privileged to be a part of its household. From the profitable first design in 2020 to the pure transformation in 2022, the 2024 course of was essentially the most collaborative but, reflecting the mutual respect and appreciation cultivated through the years. It has been a privilege to share and collaborate on this collection of quiet, spatial experiments, contributing to the renewed vibrance of AlUla and turning into humble residents of this distinctive place.
