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DETAILS

Kuwait University Administration Facilities, Shadadiya, Kuwait

The Kuwait University Administration Facilities in Shadadiya, Kuwait, situated on the northern edge of the Kuwait University campus, is formed of six interconnected buildings conceived as the new campus core.

The impressive mashrabiya screen façades, designed by SOM in collaboration with Artist Farah Behbehani, celebrate the Kuwaiti culture and wrap all façades, providing an architectural narrative and continuity throughout the site. dpa considered the importance of how this was presented both during the day and at night. During the day, natural daylight render the screens bright and crisp, whilst at night they are transformed into silhouettes exposing the mashrabiya pattern with the internal artificial light.

The stunning central Convocation Hall building, known as “The Pearl”, is flanked by the Library and Administration buildings which are joined to the Cultural Centre, Conference and Exhibition building facilities, and Visitor Centre. All are sat within a grand and ordered landscape stretching to the wider campus.

dpa’s lighting approach aimed to expose and complement the interesting interior and exterior architectural materials, enhancing them visually with light, while also providing functionality and consistency throughout the six buildings, illustrated by the following selection of photographs.

Client: Kuwait University
Architects: SOM
Local Architects/Engineers: Pan Arab Consulting Engineers (PACE)
Artist – Mashrabiya Screens: Farah Behbehani
Photography: Dave Burk © SOM