Gateway to the Living Museum

WAHO developed a unified landscape treatment of unique character, form and design to the arrival experience for visitors landing in AlUla. In collaboration with Dabbagh Architects, the team was awarded the responsibility to upgrade of the existing entrance plaza of the Main Terminal Building of AlUla International Airport. Prioritising ambiance, aesthetic and functionality, the WAHO team used research, observations, and local insight to develop a contextual and thoughtful landscape design that offers a prelude for the adventure ahead for those who come to explore and connect with this destination.

Minimal Intervention

Sense of place is already strong in AlUla. For WAHO, the opportunity to work within a natural landscape of such wonder where the nature speaks for itself and remains the primary attraction was humbling and brought with it a clear awareness of the responsibility to respect, prioritise and subtly enhance the surrounding environment.

The landscape elements of the plaza are in harmony with the wider landscape and are carefully considered to maintain the natural visual hierarchy and retain the essence of place. Placing the visitor immediately within the context of AlUla, the design concept introduced thoughtful interventions as a continuation of what was already there.

This was done by using locally sourced materials, establishing context within a sustainable design. The entry plaza features a variety of different local materials including sand, rocks and boulders. These, as well as the Acacia trees, were all found in abundance within the immediate environment. All plants included in the design are endemic or adaptive, creating a cohesive planting palette that responses to the local environment and has low maintenance and irrigation requirements.

Rammed earth blade walls constructed from local sand stand as signage elements. These were strategically positioned to frame captivating perspectives of the immediate surroundings and the natural landscape beyond.

Visible & Invisible

The art of designing within the natural AlUla landscape that already has such a powerful presence, pushed us to explore and embrace the creative space between visible and invisible, tangible and intangible: to create a landscape intervention that is seen, yet at the same time is almost unnoticeable.

The key was to harness inspiration, knowledge and innovation into a comprehensive design that complements the natural setting and is considered, beautiful, simple and in many ways under-designed. This was achieved primarily through the integration of organic forms and colours that are inspired by the character of AlUla and respond to the surroundings.

During concept development phase, an exploration of the different micro-landscapes found in the terrain surrounding the airport, including rock formations and built forms in the Old Town, produced palettes of hues, textures, patterns and planting. These inspirations directed towards a coherent synergy of all landscape components including paving, signage, lighting and softscape. The formation of the neighbouring mountains evoked the horizontal lines reflected in the paving pattern, while the juxtaposition of hard rocks and soft sand created a contrast between hardscape and softscape, represented as irregular cuts in the main plaza.

Installation in Context

Clio Dorada, a large sculpture by artist Manolo Valdes, characterises the entrance plaza and speaks to the history of AlUla as a crossroad of cultural and artistic exchange. The location of the sculpture was determined by the client, making it reliant on the positioning and spacing of various landscape elements surrounding it to assert its presence and elevate the aesthetic of the arrival experience.

Stabilised desert sand forms the base of the art piece, visually connecting the gold with the natural materiality. Lighting embedded in the base produce a stunning impression for nighttime arrivals.

The planting strategy was instrumental in ensuring that the sculpture remained the hero element of the design while also allowing space for the eye to gaze beyond. Clusters of trees were spotted around the main road and intersections, with the number of trees increasing closer to the Main Terminal Building. In immediate proximity to the sculpture, clusters of trees and planting decreases in density once more, allowing for visitors to engage with the installation as well as enjoying open views and clear perspectives towards the desert.

Connection Through Landscape

The design of AlUla International Airport’s entry plaza articulates the essence of AlUla: an omni-present dichotomy of the visible and invisible, the present and the past, the story of which is told through the landscape.

Architecture offices involved in the design: Dabbagh Architects

Location: AlUla International Airport, AlUla, Saudi Arabia
https://maps.app.goo.gl/EDxpRssS65JwD4vE9

Design year: 2020

Year Completed: 2021

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