Misk picks Australian architect Conrad Gargett for HQ project
RIYADH, June 5, 2022
Australia architecture and design practice Conrad Gargett has been appointed architects of the Mohammed bin Salman Foundation (Misk) Foundation Headquarters that is set to be a distinctive landmark of the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Nonprofit City coming up in Saudi capital Riyadh.
A first-of-its-kind facility, the Nonprofit City is coming up in Irqah neighbourhood, adjacent to Wadi Hanifa, on a 3.4-sq-km area. According to Misk, more than 44 per cent of the city’s total area will be dedicated to open green spaces in the continued advancement of its sustainable development.
Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Nonprofit City’s general masterplan includes residential areas with 500 villas and townhouses, as well as 6,000 apartments with multiple floor plans; all are anticipated to accommodate nearly 18,000 residents. Overall, the city embodies a human-centered, advanced digital metropolis designed to be sustainable and pedestrian-friendly.
On the award-winning design of the headquarters, Misk said it celebrates the Salmani architectural style, to ensure that it reflects the identity of Saudi capital Riyadh, whereby it combines the originality and spirit of the ancient Najd with the spirit of modernity.
The Salmani style encompasses the details of the overall scheme, identifies the materials, and ensures the design has open and integrated spaces.
On completion, Misk Foundation headquarters will include a boutique museum that showcases The Foundation journey, and also highlights the rich heritage of Wadi Hanifa.
"We are looking forward to working with Conrad Gargett on this unique and timely asset for Prince Mohammed bin Salman Nonprofit City. Another distinctive asset for the City's ecosystem for the youth of the Kingdom and their partners," remarked David Henry, the CEO of the new city being built in the Saudi capital Riyadh.
At the heart of the headquarters design is a publicly accessible central gathering space. This landscaped space 'Garden Court' will attract pedestrians into the building and allow them to experience the micro-climates of the covered garden, it stated.
With professionals seeking a healthy work environment, the focus of setting the highest standards in environmental care will attract more talent by delivering a happier, healthier, and serene workplace.
The office accommodation wraps around this central garden space, which will allow the Foundation team the opportunity to engage with nature, make connections and exchange ideas away from their desks. The nurturing environment will be shaded by an over-scaled Mashrabiya roof structure, that filters light and heat for optimal comfort.
The foundation held an employees’ survey to get them involved in the design by understanding what they look for in their work environment, it added.
On the contract win, Conrad Gargett Director John Flynn said: "We are honoured to deliver a cutting-edge design for Misk Foundation headquarters, which takes into consideration the vision of the founder as well as the long-term strategic goals of Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Nonprofit City."
"With our focus on environmental sustainability and our ambition to achieve LEED Gold certification, the new design incorporates traditional design elements with healthy environments that promote the well-being of all staff and visitors. We hope that it will become a treasured part of the new city, he added.
According to Misk, the Foundation headquarters supports the Riyadh Green Initiative, reflecting the kingdom’s vision of increasing the per capita share of green space while adding to Misk Foundation’s team overall well-being.
The commercial areas in the city are estimated to cover more than 306,000 sq m of space, of which around 99,000 sq m have been allocated for retail, entertainment and food and beverage outlets serving both residents and visitors alike.-TradeArabia News Service
