Diriyah, Saudi Arabia
Responding to the local vernacular archetypes, local crafts, and its surrounding desert landscape, Snøhetta’s design for the Royal Diriyah Opera House is built on the idea of earth from the riverbeds, which crack when exposed to the hot sun, is molded by wind and rain, and then finds a new shape as separate forms.
The Royal Diriyah Opera House is part of a wider master plan to redevelop the ancient Diriyah area on the outskirts of Riyadh into new vibrant destinations and communities while being embedded in the region’s cultural heritage and vernacular architecture.
“We are excited to design a new stage for Saudi and worldwide music and performing arts for today’s and tomorrow’s generations. This project aims to connect the area’s rich history with contemporary culture, highlighting the importance and integrity of arts when building future communities,” states Snøhetta’s co-founder Kjetil Trædal Thorsen.
“Through this project, Diriyah Company showcases the significance of architecture as a catalyst for building a profound cultural understanding and for sensitizing the societal experiences.”
Designed as a cluster of buildings interconnected by open access passages throughout, the project will provide shaded relief away from the intense sun with green gardens open to both visitors to the opera house and the wider public.
Seamlessly integrating these public spaces enriches both the cultural and recreational experiences and enhances the intrinsic value of the location.
Inspired by the linearity of the region’s geometric forms, history, and craft, Snøhetta has also explored patterns in a variety of materials, resulting in distinct textures providing new perspectives on traditional shapes.
The project is designed to achieve compliance with the highest environmental regulations by considering water conservation, lighting, building orientation, and thermal comfort strategies that reduce unnecessary energy and water wastage.
Utilizing open spaces and natural lighting efficiently have all been considered in the design.
Scheduled to open in 2028, the opera house will be built by Diriyah Company and operated by the Royal Commission for Riyadh City.
Project: Royal Diriyah Opera House
Architects: Snøhetta
Lead Architect: Kjetil Trædal Thorsen
Renderings: Binyan
