In the heart of Diriyah, near the capital of Saudi Arabia, a groundbreaking new institution is redefining the future of creativity and cultural exchange. Diriyah Art Futures (DAF), the MENA region’s first hub of its kind, fuses the Kingdom’s rich heritage with cutting-edge innovation, offering a dynamic space for art, research, and education. As DAF celebrated its opening in November with a bold exhibition titled Art Must Be Artificial: Perspectives of AI in the Visual Arts (open till February 15th 2025), the hub now seems poised to become a global hub that explores the potential of a cutting-edge multidisciplinary approach to arts.
Curated by Jérôme Neutres, Art Must Be Artificial: Perspectives of AI in the Visual Arts features over 30 regional and international artists, tracing the evolution of computer art from the 1960s to the present. Looking to the future, DAF has launched the Emerging New Media Artists Programme in partnership with France’s Le Fresnoy. The year-long initiative provides emerging artists with equipment, mentorship, and funding to create multidisciplinary works. Artists selected for this programme come from diverse global backgrounds, with an emphasis on providing standout talent with world-class mentorship. In addition to its exhibition spaces, DAF introduces impactful programmes such as the Mazra’ah Media Art Residency, inviting established artists and scholars to engage with the centre’s resources and explore the dynamic relationship between nature, technology, and society.
DAF is located in the UNESCO World Heritage site of Diriyah, one of the most important national heritage sites of Saudi Arabia and the capital of the first Saudi State, providing a unique symbolic and practical foundation, merging centuries-old heritage with futuristic aspirations. Established as part of Saudi Arabia’s broader cultural agenda, DAF is designed to promote art and culture as essential components of national life. It also aspires to foster global cultural exchange and position the country as a leader in contemporary creative practices.
The duality of DAF – rooted in the past yet oriented toward the future – creates a rich, dynamic environment for artistic and academic exploration. The building complex was designed by the Italian architectural firm Schiattarella Associati, which specialises in cultural public spaces and emphasises urban design, restoration, and research to support community and cultural needs.
Inspired by Najd architecture
Aside from its unique location, a significant influence comes from traditional Najdi architectural practices, which harmonises with the natural surroundings and minimises environmental impact. As such the building itself overcomes the challenge of merging contemporary architecture with history and tradition. It is divided into segments positioned along the Wadi Hanifa ridge, an agricultural depression in the desert plateau.
The monumental volumes emerge from the surrounding landscape, while narrow corridors evoke the shaded passages of ancient settlements. Najdi architecture avoids sharp angles, instead emphasising smooth, flowing shapes that blend organically with the landscape. Two large blocks are connected by a glass pedestrian bridge, which along with serving its functional purpose as a walkway also forms a beautiful exterior composition, complementing this desert-inspired architecture. Wind-carved stone walls, shaped by erosion and weathering, create a sense of continuity between the built environment and the land.
Sustainable design and use of local materials
A fundamental element of sustainable Najdi architecture lies in the use of locally sourced materials like mud, clay, and timber, not only lowering carbon emissions by reducing transportation needs but also supporting local economic growth. The project further prioritises sustainability through features such as geothermal cooling, rainwater harvesting, and careful solar orientation to maximise energy efficiency.
When asked about the relationship between traditional Najd and contemporary architecture, Schiattarella Associati explained that “The marks and forms of architecture evolve, age, and intertwine with the contents of each era. We did not seek mere symbols but rather the identity-defining characteristics of Saudi architecture. We sought permanent and enduring values. We wanted to express these values through a contemporary language, grafting onto the essence of a culture an expression that looks toward the future.”
A space for creativity and collaboration
The centre prioritises the creation of open and fluid areas where texture, light, and shadow all work together to create a dynamic and immersive space. The absence of material is as powerful as its presence. Covering 12,000 square meters, DAF offers a dynamic blend of studios, exhibition halls, research labs, artist residences, a fabrication lab, immersive lecture spaces, sound and film studios and more, fostering a thriving environment for creativity and collaboration with the cafeteria being enclosed in an elaborate skin – reminiscent of the traditional wind-carved stone walls.
While the complex primarily utilises Riyadh stone (solidified sand) in both its interiors and exteriors, the material palette also incorporates steel, glass, concrete, and wood – a combination that is not typical to the Saudi Arabian context.
“DAF is not only home to exhibition spaces but is also a building dedicated to production, education, and residency. Each part interacts with the others; areas like the large central void serve as a connection point, allowing artists to meet and exchange information. It is a cohesive whole composed of shapes and natural and artificial light that adapt to the activities taking place within. Zenithal light is essential in spaces dedicated to gathering, while darkness is fundamental in areas where digital art is created and displayed. Light, whether filtered or vibrant, is also connected to the building’s educational function and those of rest and leisure”, says the studio.
The design of DAF also raises important questions about how space can be shaped, experienced, and interacted with. The movement of people through the space transforms its perception, as open areas act as connectors, enabling different parts of the building to flow together. “In architecture, we must restore the centrality of emptiness and immateriality. Today, architecture is dominated by masses and solids. In contrast, our approach begins with voids and their relationship with movement and light. For us, the void—created through excavation or addition—is not absence but presence. Our architecture untangles the knots between interactions; movement reweaves them”, they explain.
While DAF unites education, exhibition, documentation, and research, all in an iconic architectural landmark, it also has a strong community aspect, nurturing the local art scene. Aligned with Saudi Vision 2030, DAF is committed to creating a global platform for cultural exchange and amplifying regional voices in global discourses, enriching the creative ecosystem. By highlighting these aspects, it has a unique opportunity to assert its role as a transformative force, both for Saudi Arabia and the global art community.
