zaha hadid architects’ first adobe project, asaan museum, breaks ground in riyadh

asaan misk heritage museum echoes riyadh’s najdi architecture

Construction has begun on Asaan, the Misk Heritage Museum in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, a new cultural institution designed by Zaha Hadid Architects. Set within At-Turaif, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the historic heart of Diriyah, the museum takes it name from Arabic word meaning ‘inheritance passed down through generations’, and in its program, centers on preserving and celebrating the Kingdom’s rich cultural heritage.

Drawing inspiration from the surrounding Najdi architecture, a vernacular tradition that has shaped the region’s mud-brick buildings for over six centuries, the museum marks Zaha Hadid Architects’ first use of adobe construction. It is formed from locally produced clay mud-bricks whose high thermal mass and insulating qualities are well-suited to the desert climate. 

all renders by Specto-Digital

marking Zaha hadid architecture’s first adobe construction

Diriyah is widely regarded as the birthplace of the Saudi Arabian state, making the new museum a symbolic addition to one of the Kingdom’s most significant heritage sites. The Asaan museum also forms part of the Diriyah Gate development masterplan that envisions a fully walkable city prioritizing water conservation, energy efficiency, wellness, and climate resilience. Within this context, the team at Zaha Hadid Architects has envisioned a low-embodied-carbon building stretching across three storeys.

Its facade is punctuated by the geometries of the old town, while within, it is organized around three shaded courtyards — a hallmark of traditional Najdi design. These courtyards serve as climatic buffers and functional anchors for the museum’s key programs: Education, Arts, and Administration. Landscaped gardens, public plazas, and rooftop promenades will also wind through, further extending the museum’s public realm, with shading devices enhancing outdoor comfort.

construction begins on Asaan, the Misk Heritage Museum in Riyadh

part of the Diriyah Gate development masterplan

Backed by the Misk Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to youth education and empowerment, the museum by Zaha Hadid Architects aims to foster deeper engagement with Saudi heritage. Interactive exhibitions, workshops, and immersive experiences will be paired with on-site conservation labs to support the preservation of archaeological artifacts. ‘Asaan’s role extends beyond preserving and displaying artifacts,’ says Khaled Al-Saqer, CEO of the museum, ‘it seeks to inspire meaningful engagement through immersive experiences that connect past, present, and future generations, strengthening pride in Saudi identity and sharing our cultural legacy with the world. Asaan will offer a wide range of interactive programs curated by leading experts. These initiatives aim to foster cultural passion, inspire creativity, and empower all members of society to engage with and celebrate our heritage.’

Zaha Hadid Architects punctuates the adobe facade by the geometries of the old town of At-Turaif

within, the museum is organized around three shaded courtyards

project info:

name: Asaan Misk Heritage Museum

architect:  Zaha Hadid Architects | @zahahadidarchitects

location: Diriyah, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

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