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While rare, it is an honor for S/L Architects to have been given the privilege to design and deliver signature projects such as the Al Dana Amphitheater. We thank our pre engineering partners Ove ARUP Amsterdam and our post engineering and supervision partners Gulf House Engineering for their assistance in completing this unique venue.

the amphitheatre

Form and function should be joined in a spiritual union.

Respecting the nature of the surroundings, the nature of the location’s individual characteristics, such as sun paths and shadows, wind direction and terrain. This is what ultimately evokes the strongest bond to that nature, allowing the amphitheatre to be part of its existence...organic and everlasting.

The materials and technologies chosen were done so to compliment this theme, allowing for a low impact footprint and meeting recycling/re-use objectives.

The amphitheatre was essentially inserted into a quarry and orientated to have the ‘Jebel’ as a backdrop as the sun path rises from behind said Jebel and sets behind the audience and the BIC tower in the distance. In addition, a predominantly NW wind meant that the sound could be carried in the direction of the audience, maximizing the efficacy of the space as a theatre.

The use of recycled materials where possible, such as the quarried rock sheet piles and shipping containers, and the simplified use of other materials such as raw concrete, recycled rubber flooring or epoxy coatings instead of tiling and painting, helped to maintain the light touch design goal.

“The good building is not one that hurts the landscape, but one that makes the landscape more beautiful than before the building was built”

 Frank Lloyd Wright

Further design highlights include the detailed study of sound dispersion in the space and low level ambient lighting, allowing for flexibility in the use of the space, whether that be for a moonlight cinema or for an international race screening.

The Back of House facility is state of the art and includes all the necessary requirements for any high level international act that the Kingdom would seek to attract. The area also boasts a secondary more intimate venue that can host events during the off season including, but not limited to, House of Blues, weddings, private parties and corporate events.

The office structure provides enough space for all the required staff involved in hosting major international events, and the running and maintenance of the facility. It also boasts a roof top space that offers a spectacular view of both the race track and the amphitheatre.

Marwan Lockman

Our multiple designed and delivered commercial projects have offered excellent aesthetics and functionality.

We have successfully exceeded our customers expectations by designing and delivering high quality luxury residential projects.