AY participated in the Abdulrahman Al Sudairy Cultural Centre (AACC) international open competition for the redevelopment of the existing Dar Al-Uloum Public Library and surrounding campus located in Sakaka, Al Jouf Region. The call for a redevelopment stems from a desire to reinvigorate new life into the library in order to make the Centre once again a meaningful public place to promote learning and community engagement.
The project serves as the new central point for the city’s public library network. It consist almost entirely of public spaces and will offer flexible areas for a wide selection of services.
Client
Dar Al Uloum competition
Services
Architectural Design
Date
20 November 2018
The site is located in the Northern district of Sakaka, visible from King Fahd Ibn Abdulaziz Highway which runs the entire length of the city and connects Sakaka to neighboring municipalities. The surrounding fabric is largely made up of public buildings and spaces, responding to the wishes of Amir Abdulrahman bin Ahmed Al Sudairy, the founder of DAR Al- Uloum and governor of Al Jouf. These spaces include the Prince Abdullah Cultural Centre and public plaza, educational facilities both primary and secondary, the Al Nazal Hotel which not only accommodates visitors but also AACC conferences, as well as a host of civic buildings including the General Court and various Ministries of Public Works. More recent additions to the area include The Vocational Institute in Al Jouf university, Prince Metaab Bin AbdelAziz Hospital, and the Women’s Maternity & Children Hospital. Opposite DAR Al-Uloum Library and surrounding the Al Nazal Hotel are retail and restaurant establishments, with residential blocks bordering.
Led the design and implementation of a public library program aimed at enhancing community engagement and promoting lifelong learning. The program included the development of interactive spaces, educational workshops, and cultural events, resulting in increased library usage and community involvement. Coordinated with local stakeholders and community groups to tailor offerings to local needs, ultimately fostering a vibrant, inclusive environment for knowledge and cultural exchange.
Our design methodology centered on transforming it into a vibrant communal hub essential to the community. We began with a thorough analysis of the library’s current state and its role within the community, identifying key areas for enhancement. Our approach included engaging with local residents to gather insights and preferences, ensuring that the design would resonate with the community’s needs. We reimagined the space to incorporate flexible, multifunctional areas that could host various community events, workshops, and gatherings. Emphasis was placed on creating an inviting and inclusive environment with upgraded facilities, improved accessibility, and modern technological integrations. Throughout the project, we prioritized sustainable practices and integrated local cultural elements to strengthen the library’s connection with its users. The final design revitalized the library as a dynamic and integral part of the community, fostering engagement and serving as a central hub for social and educational activities.
In the project, sustainability was a key focus, particularly reflected in the design of the building’s facade. The facade was engineered to minimize direct sunlight and UV radiation, employing advanced shading techniques and high-performance materials. By incorporating elements such as dynamic shading systems, reflective surfaces, and strategic architectural overhangs, we effectively reduced heat gain and glare, which contributes to lower energy consumption for cooling and lighting. These design choices not only enhance the comfort of the library’s interior but also promote environmental sustainability by reducing the building’s overall carbon footprint. Additionally, the use of sustainable materials and finishes further supports our commitment to eco-friendly practices, ensuring that the library remains a model of energy efficiency and environmental responsibility while creating a more pleasant and functional space for the community.
