In response to an international competition for the refurbishment and extension of the pre-existing structure of the King Fahd National Library, German architecture and design firm Gerber Architekten recently won the competition to complete Saudi Arabia’s most significant cultural center -- the King Fahad National Library. The library is located in Riyadh, the country’s capital and was built to enhance collaborations, interactions and research.
The structure is a new addition to its surrounding historically significant landscape that strives to echo the heritage and history of the area, coupled with a new urban park. The exterior of the library is inspired by elements of traditional Arabian culture with a cuboid shape laced with a latticework of textile-like structure that is heavily inspired by traditional Middle Eastern architectural designs.
The interior is brightly lit with huge expansive spaces that provide comfort and relaxation for its visitors. The structure has exhibition areas, a bookshop, book depositories and a restaurant.
Textile-Inspired Libraries
King Fahd Library is a Lattice Cube Inspired by Classical Architecture
Trend Themes
1. Textile-inspired Architecture - There is an opportunity to create and explore architecture and design that take significant inspiration from textile patterns and structures to blur the line between traditional and modern architecture.
2. Hybrid Public Buildings - There is a new trend in designing public buildings that not only serve a particular purpose but also has a certain aesthetic appeal for the value it adds to the surrounding landscape.
3. Expansive Public Spaces - There is an opportunity for creating public spaces that provide comfort and relaxation for visitors to unwind and enjoy leisure time in, as seen in the King Fahd National Library.
Industry Implications
1. Architecture - Architectural firms can explore new ways of blending traditional and modern architecture using unique patterns inspired by textile structures to enable them to create aesthetically pleasing structures that add value to the environment.
2. Urban Planning - Urban planners can embrace and incorporate the new trend of hybrid public buildings into public spaces for specific purposes such as parks and libraries, providing an excellent opportunity for the creation of unique and functional places.
3. Hospitality - Restaurants can explore opportunities to collaborate with public buildings such as libraries to provide a peaceful and quiet space for relaxation and recreation where people can enjoy quality food and drinks while reading and studying.