Diriyah Nights
The heritage farms of Diriyah were transformed into Layali Diriyah, a vast boulevard engulfed by palm trees. Designlab Experience designed the 40.000 sqm open-air wonderland for Diriyah Season, the annual celebration honoring the traditions, heritage, and birthplace of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Visitors were invited to wander along the elevated walkways illuminated by twinkling lights and explore the mesmerizing site, bringing together international design, contemporary art, world-class cuisine, and local cultural talent in the capital.
When entering the space, guests were welcomed by a sleek wooden tunnel with beams jutting into the sky. The semi-open installation offers partial views of the farm grounds lit by a myriad of glowing roses and showcases local art.
The Designlab Experience team designed a masterplan of seamless circulation, incorporating retail and dining venues, spaces to relax, socialize and be entertained, all connected via pathways encompassing the palm trees within the existing landscape. Aiming to preserve nature’s harmony by building an ecosystem that maintains a communal yet modern environment.
The development began with a complete survey of the palm tree positions, diameters, and angles for the team to map out the different functions strategically. A perfect balance was created between aesthetic and ambiance, using rustic materials such as wood, metal, and rope in earthy tones reminiscent of the traditional mud architecture of Najdi, a nearby UNESCO-protected site.
