museum exterior renovation

dahran, saudi arabia

An existing museum, The Energy Science Center, explores the science of fossil fuels and its impact on the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. However, recently the museum has fallen into disrepair and is no longer open to visitors. With the iconic King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture by the Norwegian firm Snohetta now occupying the site adjacent to the museum, a complete exterior renovation was required to integrate the existing museum with its new neighbor and provide a new and exciting look that would draw visitors to explore the renovated space.

The main floor plan of the Energy Science Center contains a dozen exterior courtyards currently hidden by precast concrete arches. The design proposal seeks to replace these arches with two foot wide metal panels that gradually twist 90 degrees to reveal the space beyond and provide access to it. These series of curving metal “veils” respond to the sensual curves of the Center for World Culture as well as reference the traditional garb of Saudi Arabia. Flat panels of the same material clad the remainder of the façade to help accentuate the courtyard spaces and create the feeling of a whole.