Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA) has been awarded first prize in a competition to build the Urban Heritage Administration Centre in Diriyah, Saudi Arabia.
The competition for the 8,780 square metre head office of the Heritage Museum began in 2015.
![](https://www.globalconstructionreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/846zha2.jpg)
The centre will be part of restoration works at the Unesco world heritage site (http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1329/). The development will include a permanent exhibition gallery, library, lecture hall and educational spaces for all age groups.
It will also establish a scientific institution for conducting field research and documentation of archaeological sites in Diriyah.
![](https://www.globalconstructionreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/846.zha3_1.jpg)
The centre contains an atrium with water at its core, as well as four "scooped" green oases within its facade, described as a "perforated outer skin that protects the interior from solar gain while maintaining visual connections with the natural surroundings".
ZHA has 30 years’ experience working across the Middle East.
![](https://www.globalconstructionreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/846zha4.jpg)
Images via ZHA, render by Methanoia