KFAS Headquarter
Kuwait City, Kuwait
Description: Park for the new KFAS HQ and Conference Center
Location: Kuwait City, Kuwait
Area: 5 Ha
Stage: Concept design
Status: Competition / Runner-up
Period: 2018
Client: Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Science (KFAS)
Architects: PetitdidierPrioux Architectes + Nasrine Seraji Architect
Djao-Rakitine Team: Irène Djao-Rakitine, Amélia Chevée, Jitka Benesova
The Promenade is continuously surrounded by multiple high canopies tree planting creating a subtle dappling light.
A generous and meandering walkway designed for both pedestrians and cyclists, connects the existing park, the HQ, the CC and the new park in between.
Reference images for the vegetation of the park.
Reference images for the beach side.
The masterplan strategy aims at creating a unique landscape connection between the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Science Headquarter (KFAS HQ) in the north and the KFAS Conference Centre (CC) in the south.
The proposal of a new KFAS park is an extension of the existing Marina Walk in the north and connects to the seaside in front of the CC. The park is designed to create various landscape experience for visitors, walkers and cyclists. By topographical movements, different horizons and relationships are created.
The KFAS HQ is located on a gentle planted hill. Its lobby resembles a public plaza and is surrounded by a woodland of mixed species which enhances the topographic movement. A grand staircase/amphitheatre is sloping down towards the sea in the north and is designed as an extension of the indoor plaza with magnificent views.
By the CC, in the south, a beach creates a link between the site and the sea. A meandering walkway connects the existing park, the KFAS HQ, the CC and the new park in between. The Promenade is surrounded by multiple high canopy trees.
Across the park different activities take place. The activities have a scientific focus and consist of an educational playground, experimental plantings and scientific installations. An outdoor amphitheatre is incorporated in the landscape providing a place to contemplate as well as a place where events can be organised.
All images are © Djao-Rakitine, unless otherwise stated.
