Architects: Karim+Elias
Area: 220 m²
Year: 2024
Photographs: Elias El Hage
Lead Architects: Karim Tamerji, Elias El Hage
Event Design and Coordination (of Layali Diriyah): Design Lab Experience
City: Diriyah
Country: Saudi Arabia
From This Earth, an installation by Karim+Elias in Diriyah, Saudi Arabia, highlights the city’s earthen architecture. Diriyah, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is known for preserving traditional craftsmanship. The installation, made of 1,400 hand-sculpted modular spheres from local materials, forms earthen screens that echo traditional “mcharrabiyah” designs. Part of Layali Diriyah, the installation was on display until March 2024.
This installation by Karim+Elias highlights and celebrates Diriyah’s architectural tradition of earth-based construction. Diriyah, known as the “city of earth,” is one of Saudi Arabia’s most celebrated UNESCO World Heritage sites, recognized for its efforts in preserving and promoting earthen craftsmanship.
From This Earth consists of over 1,400 modular spheres, each hand-sculpted from locally sourced materials and arranged into earthen screens. These porous surfaces serve as a modern-day ‘mcharrabiyah,’ paying homage to Diriyah’s traditional triangular wind perforations and distinctive rooftop silhouettes.
The installation was on display until March 2024 as part of Layali Diriyah, an annual event hosted by Diriyah Season that celebrates the traditions, heritage, and birthplace of Saudi Arabia. The event was designed by Design Lab Experience.
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Project Location
Address: PHPH+26J Layali Diriyah, Al Ain Al Jadida, Al Bujairi, Diriyah 13711, Saudi Arabia
Location is for general reference and may represent a city or country, not necessarily a precise address.
