Honorable Mention: International Architecture Awards 2024
Ministry of Culture KSA - JAX Parking & Retail Building Plot B | Diriyah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia | 2023

Architects: Edgearch: Zaidan + Associates
Design Team: Pasquale Lorusso, Eugenio Moretti, Giacomo Sanna, Stefano Iacopini, and Ahmad Seya
Client: Saudi Arabia Ministry of Culture
Photographers: Edgearch: Zaidan + Associates

The Jax District Diriyah parking project embodies a harmonious blend of architectural innovation and historical sensitivity, making it an ideal candidate for recognition. The facility, designed to accommodate 323 vehicles, including electric vehicles, is a testament to the evolving needs of urban infrastructure, as well as the district's transformation from an industrial to a cultural nexus. The five-level, rectangular-shaped structure features one underground level and four above-ground levels, ingeniously integrating an L-shaped retail area that spans two floors. A terrace, affording panoramic views of the thriving district, adds an element of sophistication to the design.

Drawing inspiration from the pitched roof warehouses that once characterized the logistics district, the parking project pays homage to the area's rich history while embracing contemporary aesthetics. The structure, entirely composed of steel, utilizes corten rusted steel cladding to create a striking and visually captivating exterior. The cladding is meticulously designed, varying from solid to perforated sheets, based on the requirements for air circulation, light penetration, and interior perception.

This architectural marvel is not only a functional parking facility but also a symbol of the district's metamorphosis into a thriving cultural center, attracting artists, event organizers, and cultural enthusiasts from around the world. The Jax District Diriyah parking project epitomizes the fusion of history, functionality, and artistic expression, making it a deserving candidate for esteemed recognition. Its technical sophistication and innovative design merit the attention of architectural prize juries, as it sets a new benchmark for urban infrastructure development.