Saudi Aramco, the world’s largest oil company, celebrated its 75th Anniversary with a new cultural institution in tribute to King Abdulaziz, the founder of the modern state of Saudi Arabia.
Construction on the iconic King Abdulaziz Center for Knowledge and Culture has just begun, and aims to promote cultural development, diversity, understanding and appreciation in the Kingdom.
Designed by Norwegian architectural firm Snøhetta, who won the invitational design competition by the Saudi authorities with their concept reflecting the rich history of oil in Saudi Arabia, the project is to be constructed on Dammam Dome, along the site of Prosperity Well No. 7, the first well in Kingdom to yield oil in commercial quantities.
The Saudi Aramco initiative with a construction budget of $300 million will feature a museum showcasing the rich history of the Kingdom, a world-class public library with digital information access, a theater and outdoor amphitheatre, and an education center for children aged two to twelve. The bold new facility is scheduled to open its doors to the public in 2012.
(Source: The Design Blog)
