Saudi MISK appoints Australian architect Conrad Gargett for its HQ project

MISK Foundation
Representational image
By Arya M Nair, Official Reporter
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Saudi Arabia-based Mohammed bin Salman Foundation (MISK) has appointed Conrad Gargett, an Australian architecture & design practice, for its Headquarters project that is set to be a distinctive landmark of the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Nonprofit City coming up in Saudi capital Riyadh.

The Nonprofit City, a first-of-its-kind facility, is being built on 3.4 square kilometers in the Irqah neighborhood, near Wadi Hanifa. According to MISK, more than 44 percent of the city’s total area will be dedicated to open green spaces in order to ensure the city’s long-term sustainability.

On the award-winning design of the headquarters, MISK said it celebrates the Salmani architectural style, to ensure that it reflects the identity of the Saudi capital Riyadh, whereby it combines the originality and spirit of the ancient Najd with the spirit of modernity. The Salmani style features the details of the overall scheme, identifies the materials, and ensures the design has open and integrated spaces.

Once completed, MISK Foundation headquarters will include a boutique museum that showcases The Foundation’s journey, and also highlights the rich heritage of Wadi Hanifa.

David Henry
David Henry
CEO
Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Nonprofit City

“We are looking forward to working with Conrad Gargett on this unique and timely asset for Prince Mohammed bin Salman Nonprofit City. Another distinctive asset of the City’s ecosystem for the youth of the Kingdom and their partners. At the heart of the headquarters’ design is a publicly accessible central gathering space. This landscaped space ‘Garden Court’ will attract pedestrians into the building and allow them to experience the micro-climates of the covered garden.”

Conrad Gargett Director Mr. John Flynn, said that “We are honored to deliver a cutting-edge design for MISK Foundation headquarters, which takes into consideration the vision of the founder as well as the long-term strategic goals of Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Nonprofit City. With our focus on environmental sustainability and our ambition to achieve LEED Gold certification, the new design incorporates traditional design elements with healthy environments that promote the well-being of all staff and visitors. We hope that it will become a treasured part of the new city.”

According to MISK, the Foundation headquarters supports the Riyadh Green Initiative, reflecting the kingdom’s vision of increasing the per capita share of green space while adding to the MISK Foundation team’s overall well-being.

Related: Saudi Research & Media Group opens new HQ at KAFD