• EN
  • Library of Light

    Location

    Makkah, Saudi Arabia

    Site Area

    240,000 sqm

    GFA

    50,000 sqm (internal) 18,500 sqm (external)

    Client

    Confidential

    To visit the land where the Prophet Mohammed (PBUOH) was born and first received his calling to devote the rest of his life to preach the word of Allah is intrinsic to each pilgrim.

    The spiritual connection to breath the air and walk the land, a profound and greatest aspiration. Our design approach sought to provide an urban institution where the individual spiritual solace is placed at the core and the crowds’ communal aspirations are catered for, by safe and comfortable means.

    The location of this project is on a highly strategic and precious plot of land within the overall Jabal Omar development site immediately adjacent to the Haram Mosque in the holy city of Makkah, Saudi Arabia.

    Inspired by traditional Arab architecture, its design reinterprets the traditional dense building clusters, creating a new contemporary vernacular that respects its sacred location. Following and respecting the mountainous terrain, its cascading elements form a new topography.

    The deliberate use of raw, unprocessed materials in the design showcases an appreciation for authenticity and the inherent beauty found in nature. These materials, complemented by a carefully curated neutral color palette, imbue the buildings with an ageless grace, ensuring they remain relevant and appealing across different time periods.

    Greenery is not just an afterthought here; it's an integral part of the design. The seamless melding of indigenous vegetation with built structures not only promotes sustainability but also encourages social interaction. Pathways wind their way around, though, and even over the buildings, fostering a sense of community and promoting a free flow of knowledge meteorically and literary.

    The meticulous attention to lighting is employed in the archetype of this significant building. Sunlight filters through the spaces, not merely to illuminate but to animate the entire area. These shafts of light create pockets of warmth, offering moments of quiet reflection and inviting introspection—a harmonious blend of design and nature at play.

    This architectural manifestation doesn't just cater to the intellectual; it nurtures the soul. It beckons visitors to immerse themselves in an environment that's equally conducive to rigorous academic pursuit and leisurely relaxation. The exterior design perfectly marries form and function. Integrated seating areas and walkways urge visitors to linger, savouring the outdoors, making it apparent that the exteriors hold as much significance as the interiors.

    The building is choreographed as a set of in lighting experiences, a journey of discovery, and a celebration of knowledge and nature in harmony.

    1/4