King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

The futuristic King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center was designed by award-winning Iraqi architect Zaha Hadid.

Its gray, cellular outer shell emerges as a crystalline form in the middle of the desert. The design is meant to be fluid, making the building open to continual expansion and transformation.

Beneath the massive steel cover, sheltered courtyards offer protection from the heat.

The estimated cost of the project is US$11.5 billion and began construction since 2009. The structure covers more than 65,000 square meters and was developed by Aramco, the largest energy company in the world.

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; www.zaha-hadid.com 


http://www.zaha-hadid.com/architecture/king-abdullah-petroleum-studies-and-research-centre/