About the project
Mohammed Bin Salman Nonprofit City is the first nonprofit city of its kind which will contribute to achieving the goals of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman Foundation “Misk”. The vision behind the City is to serve as a model for the development of the nonprofit sector globally, and as an incubator for youth as well as local and international institutions. The City will contribute to achieving the goals of Misk in supporting innovation, entrepreneurship, and qualifying future leaders by defining nonprofit work in its internal operational concept, and in terms of opportunities and youth training programs it will provide. In addition, the City will provide services that contribute to creating an attractive environment for all beneficiaries of the City’s offerings. For more information, please visit MiskCity.sa
Misk Foundation headquarters is located on a prime elevated peninsula formed by the Wadi and located in the heart of Mohammed Bin Salman Nonprofit City as the future “signature” headquarters for the Foundation. Comprising approximately 9,400 square meters of A-grade office space and inspired by the Najdi architecture it will provide a range of flexible offices and work-spaces, break-out areas, meeting rooms, library, staff amenities, a café and exhibition space. A striking feature is the external public gathering spaces when combined with the internal covered Forum Garden courtyard allows the public to walk through the ground floor of the building also acting as an extended thoroughfare of the ‘Lifeline’ pedestrian route to access the other Misk Asset and areas within the city.
Design Strategy
At the heart of Mohammed Bin Salman Nonprofit City is the Misk Foundation headquarters, which is sited on a peninsula formed by deep ravines or “wadi”. The distinctive ternary form orientates to Wadi Hanifa as well as the capital of Riyadh and includes approximately 6000sqm of office accommodation wrapping around a central garden and a publicly accessible active ground floor level with café, function room and exhibition space.
An expansive gathering space surrounded by the lush Forum Garden is protected and shaded by an over scaled ‘mashrabiya’ – a horizontal interpretation of the traditional Arabic timber screening device, providing a comfortable place to meet and exchange ideas.
The office accommodation wraps to enclose, protect and engage with the Forum Garden; its transparent internal courtyard façade facilitating the interaction of the staff. This contrasts with the exterior of the building, where a protective sculptured enclosing wall references traditional Najd architecture and celebrates the sun’s strength through the ever-changing play of light and shade on its tessellated surface.
The narrow floor plates of the office accommodation inside are linked through generous voids which bring light through the building, and enable spectacular views of the wadis and the ever-expanding urban fabric of the city.
Sustainability
Seeking to achieve GBCI LEED Gold certification, the design incorporates water conscious initiatives, best air quality and connection to nature and will be capable of carbon-neutral operations.
The garden court supports the Riyadh Green initiative, which reflects the vision of the leadership to increase the per capita share of green space that will add to the wellbeing of the residents. With young professionals seeking a healthy work environment, the focus on setting the highest standards will help attract more talents by delivering a collaborative, open, and healthier workplace. The building will also be seeking an IWBI WELL Gold rating which recognises spaces that enhance human health and wellbeing.
Materials
The design of the building celebrates genius loci, or spirit of place, and pays respect to the Salmaniah architectural style through its strong response to urban planning, choice of materials and the provision of high-quality open space. Using local stone, non-reflective metal panels, and carbon sequestering hardwoods, the Foundation headquarters will feature a range of healthy and comfortable environments.
