Zaha Hadid Architects Begin Mud-Brick Asaan Museum Project in Diriyah

In the sunbaked heart of Diriyah, where mud-brick silhouettes rise from the desert like echoes of centuries past, a new architectural landmark is taking shape. Zaha Hadid Architects have broken ground on the Asaan Museum, a project that reimagines the relationship between heritage and contemporary design within Saudi Arabia’s UNESCO-listed At-Turaif district.

Asaan is conceived as a cultural anchor and a testament to architectural innovation. Its name, derived from the Arabic word for “inheritance passed down through generations,” is reflected in every aspect of the design. Marking Zaha Hadid Architects’ first-ever mud-brick construction, the museum is built from locally sourced clay bricks, a deliberate homage to the Najdi building traditions that have defined the region for centuries. The design demonstrates a nuanced sensitivity to context: thick, low-carbon mud-brick walls provide natural insulation, ensuring cool interiors and reduced energy consumption in the desert climate.

Central to the museum’s spatial experience are three shaded courtyards, dedicated to Education, Arts, and Administration each. These courtyards serve as climatic buffers and vibrant gathering spaces, sheltered beneath a network of canopies that weave together gardens, plazas, and rooftop promenades. This approach blurs the boundaries between interior and exterior, forging a seamless connection to Diriyah’s historic urban fabric and inviting the public to engage with the museum on multiple levels.

Inside, the Asaan Museum offers more than static displays. Visitors will encounter exhibitions, workshops, and conservation laboratories, all designed to safeguard and celebrate Saudi Arabia’s archaeological treasures for future generations. Supported by the Misk Foundation and integrated into the ambitious Diriyah Gate masterplan, the museum aspires to be a hub for cultural exchange and education, a place where tradition and innovation meet.

While Zaha Hadid Architects’ signature fluidity is present, it is thoughtfully grounded by the tactile honesty of mud-brick, the very material that built Diriyah’s past - and now, lays the foundation for its future.