King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center (KAPSARC)
Saudi Arabia

As a landmark building, the KAPSARC building complex creates a striking impression – both as seen by cars driving into Riyadh, and as viewed by planes flying into the city.

Our groundbreaking lighting design reinforces the complex’s iconic visual character and supports its agenda as a global sustainable energy research centre. At night, the folded, honeycomb structure is visually sculpted by a gradation of light. Differing intensities of light and shadow underscore the interlocking, multi-dimensional cellular forms.

A masterplan of energy efficient lighting and sustainable lighting design solutions is being used throughout the 51,000m2 (548,960sq.ft.) building complex to meet its LEED-Platinum goal, a first-of-its-kind in Saudi Arabia.

Client: Saudi Aramco
Architect: Zaha Hadid Architects
Graphics: Zaha Hadid Architects, OVI