html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40/loose.dtd" Zaha Hadid Architects has begun construction on Asaan, the Misk Heritage Museum in Diriyah, Saudi Arabia. The Asaan museum will be created using locally made clay mud-bricks, drawing inspiration from traditional Najdi architecture. This will be ZHA's first adobe-constructed project worldwide.One of the most significant historical landmarks in the Kingdom, Diriyah is regarded as the birthplace of the Saudi Arabian nation. The At-Turaif district of Diriyah was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2010 because of the more than 600 years of Najdi history and architecture that have been conserved within its mud-brick buildings.Asaan, which translates to "inheritance passed down through generations," will be an organization devoted to commemorating and conserving this rich legacy while also encouraging innovation and information exchange.Through immersive experiences, workshops, events, and interactive exhibitions, the museum aims to strengthen connections to the country's cultural history. It is supported by the Misk Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering learning and leadership in young people. Historical archeological artifacts will be restored and preserved with the help of on-site conservation labs.Drawing inspiration from traditional Najdi architecture, the Asaan Museum will be built using clay mud-bricks made locally. The low-embodied-carbon adobe walls are thick enough to offer excellent insulation in Diriyah's scorching desert climate, and they also have a high thermal mass to keep the interior comfortable while using less energy for cooling.The museum's three main programs—educational, artistic, and administrative—are anchored by three shaded courtyards that are a defining characteristic of the local Najdi architecture. These courtyards offer visitors comfortable outdoor areas that protect them from the weather. Public plazas, rooftop promenades, and a variety of outdoor covered manicured gardens are all made possible by shading mechanisms.The Asaan, Misk Heritage Museum is part of the Diriyah Gate concept, which prioritizes water conservation, energy efficiency, wellness, and climate resilience while preserving and promoting Diriyah's rich cultural legacy. The city is also entirely walkable."Asaan’s role extends beyond preserving and displaying artifacts; it seeks to inspire meaningful engagement through immersive experiences that connect past, present, and future generations, strengthening pride in Saudi identity and sharing our cultural legacy with the world," said Khaled Al-Saqer, CEO of Asaan, Misk Heritage Museum. "Driven by our belief in community participation as a pillar of heritage preservation, Asaan will offer a wide range of interactive programs curated by leading experts." "These initiatives aim to foster cultural passion, inspire creativity, and empower all members of society to engage with and celebrate our heritage," Al-Saqer added."Asaan is a valuable addition to Diriyah’s portfolio of cultural projects and demonstrates our commitment to presenting the richness of Saudi heritage in a contemporary way that strengthens its global presence," said Jerry Inzerillo, Group CEO of Diriyah Company.Recently, Zaha Hadid Architects opened a new science and technology museum with layered form and glazed façade in Shenzhen, China. In addition, the firm unveiled plans for a new high-rise informed by Tbilisi's rolling hills. Further, the firm unveiled design for a new masterplan, featuring a pair of fluid towers in eastern Naples, Italy. Project factsClient: Diriyah CompanyArchitect: Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA)ZHA Design: Patrik SchumacherZHA Project Directors: Viviana Muscettola, Maurizio Meossi (Associate Director), Bidisha Sinha (Associate Director / Interior Design)ZHA Project Associates: Cristina Capanna (Senior Architect / Project Manager); Architecture: Nannette Jackowski, Marco Amoroso; Interor Design: Roberta Sartori, Marco Pavoni, Marie-Perrine Placais; BIM: Mark Winnington.ZHA Project Team: Alessandra Laiso, Andy Lin, Angela Augelli Curci, Angus Tung, Aysu Aysoy, Caleb Baldwin, Chhavi Mehta, Chiara Baiocco, Didem Sahin, Elizabeta Diakantonis, Gaurav Janendra, Gizem Muhtaroğlu, Henry Louth, Ines Fontoura, Juliana Hernandez Cardona, Karan Puranik, Karmung Sze, Karoly Markos, Karthikeyan Arunachalam, Keerti Manney, Lam Nguyen, Lars Elseth, Leeanne Li, Li Jin, Liam Rogers, Louai Jaber, Luciana Maia Teodozio, Michael Rogers, Muaz Masri, Muriel Boselli, Nailu Chen, Nannette Jackowski, Neli Vasileva, Nivedita Ramachandran, Noa Guy, Nurul Ahmad Fauzi, Peter Safranka, Rabiyya Huseynova, Roberta Sartori, Ruggero Bruno Chialastri, Shantanu Bhatt, Sonia Renehan, Teodor Andonov, Tommaso Casucci, Tracy Shum, Valeria Perco, Yihoon Kim, Zachariah Hong.Local Architect: WMA / InhabitStructural Engineers: InhabitQuantity Surveyor: AECOMGeneral Contractor: El SeifCost Consultants: AECOMEnvironmental Consultant: InhabitFaçade Engineering: InhabitM&E Engineering: InhabitMEP: InhabitFire Engineer: Egis / InhabitLandscape Consultant: DS LandscapeLighting Design: InhabitAcoustic Consultant: InhabitTheatre Consultant: Theatre ProjectsProject Management: AECOMRestaurant Kitchen Consultant: TriconWater Features Specialist: Fountain ProjectConservation Areas Specialist: Samuel Anderson ArchitectsAccessibility: CAESignage / Wayfinding: SpaceAgencyExhibition Designer: Opera Amsterdam; Sustainability: Egis; Security: Inhabit; AV / IT: Inhabit; Waste Management: Egis; Civil Engineer: Egis; People Movement: Systematica.All images © Specto-Digital. > via Zaha Hadid Architects