Spanning an expansive plot area of approximately 133,600 square meters, the Creative Cluster encapsulates a blend of culture and commerce, featuring co-working spaces, hotels, museum galleries, cafes, retail outlets, workshops, restaurants, and more. The design aims to cater to both local residents and international creatives, fostering an environment conducive to the growth of talents and imaginative minds.
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Urban Design & Architecture Design Awards 2025
Creative Cluster in Riyadh
Cultural Architecture (Concept)
Firm
IND (IND STUDIO ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN L.L.C.)
Architect/Designer
IND
Design Team
IND
Location
Jeddah
Country
United Arab Emirates
Photographer/Copyright
©IND
The exterior shape of the Creative Cluster complex, a rectangle, pays homage to significant historical monuments of Saudi Arabia, such as Mecca. Meanwhile, its internal structure draws inspiration from the movable, yet orthogonal grid layout of ancient cities like Alula, incorporating the concept of courtyards formed within them.
The main building of the complex, the cube, has a double façade system. The outer layer incorporates patterns inspired by Saudi Arabian culture: vertical gardens girdling the building’s perimeter and a glass cube inside. The double façade system allows the building’s internal temperature to be regulated, ensuring its overall sustainability.
The entire complex operates as an integrated system of buildings and gardens, with the gardens serving a variety of functions that span from recreational spaces to exhibition areas and educational venues. The integration of greenery is complemented by a strategic use of water surfaces, contributing to a subtle reduction in air temperature.
The canopy system serves as a visual connector between various functions while also providing essential shade in the local climate. Integrated lighting within the roof frame illuminates the canopy, creating a captivating glow after sunset. The dynamic lighting system can change colors, serving as both accents and navigational aids for events, enhancing the overall atmosphere of the Creative Cluster.
What sets the Creative Cluster project apart is its emphasis on sustainable and eco-friendly solutions. The use of rammed earth, an environmentally friendly material, as the primary façade material for most buildings not only draws on historical and aesthetic references but also emphasizes our commitment to sustainability. The ability to produce this material in close proximity to the building site minimizes the carbon footprint associated with the cost of transporting the material.
The complex encapsulates an array of diverse functional zones with the ability to adapt to changes in user demands. These encompass co-working spaces, hotels, museum galleries, cafes, retail outlets, workshops, restaurants, and more. At the Cluster core lies the event plaza, capable of accommodating events of varying scales.