Royal Diriyah Opera House, Saudi Arabia
Snøhetta has revealed the design of a new opera house to be added to the historic area of Diriyah in Saudi Arabia. The proposal strives to blend the local cultural heritage and Najdi building traditions with the contemporary requirements of an international music and performing arts venue. Scheduled to open in 2028, the Royal Diriyah Opera House anchors a wider master plan to redevelop the Diriyah area on the outskirts of Riyadh, aiming to transform it into a cultural destination.
The vernacular style of Najdi architecture employs mud-brick structures. Similarly, the opera house project is organized as a cluster of buildings, with open-access passages connecting all functions. The materiality and geometric textures and patterns of the new cultural venue also take cues from the Najdi cultural identity.
The building, with an area measuring 46,000 square meters, is designed to house around 3,500 people across its four venues. The main one is a 2000-seat opera theater created for large-scale productions. Additional performance spaces include a 450-seat adaptable theater and a 450-seat multipurpose theater for smaller events and rehearsals. Outdoor performances can also be held at the 450-seat shaded rooftop amphitheater. Supporting facilities are distributed across the site, including cafes, retail spaces, and a visitor service pavilion.
References:
www.arcrealestate.ir
