Location: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Architect: Zaha Hadid.

KAPSARC (King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Centre) is a non-profit institution that conducts independent research into policies that contribute to the most effective use of energy to provide social wellbeing across the globe. The 70,000m² KAPSARC campus incorporates five buildings: the Energy Knowledge Centre; the Energy Computer Centre; a Conference Centre with exhibition hall and 300-seat auditorium; a Research Library with archives for 100,000 volumes; and the Musalla, an inspirational place for prayer within the campus. The primary organising strategy of the design is a cellular, partially modular system that integrates different departmental buildings as a single ensemble with interconnecting public spaces. Hexagonal prismatic honeycomb structures use the least material to create a lattice of cells within a given volume. The honeycomb grid is compressed towards its central axis as an extension of the natural wadi that runs to the west. The modular design generates consistent organisational, spatial and structural strategies that drive all elements of the plan. KAPSARC’s architecture promotes transparency and encourages an active exchange between researchers and visitors. KAPSARC was awarded LEED Platinum certification from the United States Green Building Council (USGBC) through its application of passive and active solutions including a 45% reduction in energy performance, all potable water being recycled and reused on site, 40% of construction materials being sourced from within 500 miles, and 98% of all wood certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). KAPSARC has also been named Saudi Arabia’s ‘smartest’ building in the Honeywell Smart Building Awards programme.

Photo credit: Hufton+Crow.