At-Turaif Living Museum
Old Diriyah, Saudi Arabia
Ayers Saint Gross
Photographer:
Daniel Henderer
At-Turaif is the most historically significant district of Old Diriyah, the capital of the first Saudi state. Located northwest of Riyadh, this UNESCO World Heritage Site spans 60 acres of 18th century ruins, all being restored to a world-class tourism destination. Lighting design for At-Turaif incorporates distinct scope areas.
At the Gateway, night arriving visitors are oriented and guided by hierarchical illumination leading them to the reception center and beyond. The Salwa Palace and Addiriyah Galleries lead visitors along an elevated walk through the most revered buildings within At-Turaif; the inviolability of the site is revealed through concealed lighting within and under the walkway and between the historic mud brick walls and modern glass galleries being set within the ruins. The Souk will offer visitors hospitality services as well as markets demonstrating traditional arts and crafts. Museum goers will be oriented and guided by hierarchical illumination for navigation through the souk’s myriad of streets and buildings.