ALKHOBAR: The development of an iconic cultural landmark passed a major milestone this week when the first concrete was poured for the King Abdul Aziz Center for World Culture.
Saudi Oger, the main construction contractor for the unique project, began the foundations after several months of site excavation and preparation work. An advanced technology contract was recently awarded to South Korea-based global technology leader Samsung, with a scope covering design of integrated applications, a data center, intelligent building management system and technology-intensive exhibits to be designed with Atelier Bruckner of Germany.
Located near the Saudi Aramco Exhibit grounds in Dhahran, the center is a forward-looking Saudi Aramco initiative scheduled to be completed by 2012. It will stand alongside the site of Prosperity Well No. 7, the first well in Saudi Arabia to yield oil in commercial quantities.
The center will consist of several institutions under one roof, including a 21st century library, museum, children's museum, archive, theater, multimedia theater, youth creativity center, a great hall for international traveling exhibits, a lifelong learning facility and an environmental garden.
The center was designed by the Norwegian architectural firm Snohetta, which was awarded the design work after winning an international competition that included top-tier Saudi and international design firms.
The center's museum is envisioned to showcase the rich history and legacy of Saudi Arabia. Its programs and exhibits will connect the past with the future and fire the imaginations of visitors of all ages. An exhibition hall will be the focal point for showcasing cultures of the world in Saudi Arabia through exhibitions that stimulate cross-cultural engagement and appreciation.
"The commencement of the center's construction is a proud moment for us," said Nasser A. Al-Nafisee, general manager of Saudi Aramco Public Affairs. "For over 75 years, Saudi Aramco has been committed to making significant contributions toward the betterment of the nation, and the King Abdul Aziz Center for World Culture will be one of the most visible and creative manifestations of that commitment, extending not just to the people of the Kingdom but around the world."
"This stage of construction marks a key milestone in the progress of this extraordinary project, which we hope will be one of the world's wonders," said Fuad F. Al-Therman, director of the center. "We envision the center as a world wonder not only because of its exceptional architecture and engineering, but also because of the way it connects with society to advance knowledge, creativity and cross-cultural engagement."
Al-Therman says the center is envisaged to fulfill various goals in the Saudi community and the world at large: to be a catalyst for cultural and social progress, a repository and disseminator of knowledge, a platform for creative expression, a facilitator of civic service and cross-cultural engagement and as a forum for social interaction, new ideas and dialogue.
"The center will offer an array of exhibits, events and learning tools that engage and educate students, adults and scholars," he said. "Individually, these experiences will enable visitors to develop their potential as human beings; collectively, they will help Saudi society to succeed in an increasingly globalized world. By educating visitors about yesterday's challenges and achievements and exciting them about tomorrow's possibilities, the center will enrich lives and accelerate future accomplishments."
By SIRAJ WAHAB
© Arab News 2010
