Building Heritage

Construction has officially begun on Asaan, the Misk Heritage Museum in Diriyah, Saudi Arabia – a landmark cultural institution dedicated to preserving the nation’s rich heritage while fostering a contemporary dialogue around creativity and knowledge-sharing. Meaning ‘inheritance passed down through generations’, Asaan is a project anchored in deep historical roots, named to reflect its core mission. 

Located in the UNESCO-listed At-Turaif district, which is considered the birthplace of the Saudi nation; Asaan is a cornerstone of the Diriyah Gate masterplan, an ambitious initiative that aims to create a walkable, climate-resilient city rooted in heritage. The museum is supported by the Misk Foundation, a non-profit organisation devoted to cultivating leadership and creativity among Saudi youth.

Designed by Zaha Hadid Architects, Asaan is the firm’s first project constructed using adobe techniques. It draws heavily from traditional Najdi architecture, utilising locally made clay mud-bricks that are both environmentally responsive and historically authentic. With thick walls offering thermal mass and natural cooling, the structure is tailored to the region’s desert climate so that it is low in embodied carbon, but remains high in cultural significance.

Organised around three shaded courtyards representing the museum’s key pillars – Education, Arts and Administration – Asaan will offer immersive exhibitions, workshops, public programmes and on-site conservation labs for archaeological restoration. Shaded gardens and rooftop promenades further blur the boundary between the built environment and natural landscape.

“Asaan seeks to inspire meaningful engagement through immersive experiences that connect past, present and future,” says Khaled Al-Saqer, CEO of Asaan. “It is a celebration of our heritage and a platform for collective pride, creativity and participation.”