Layali Diriyah: a beacon of festivity and transformation in the ‘City of Earth’

Nestled within the historic grounds of Diriyah, Layali Diriyah is a melting pot of culture and celebration. Now in its second edition, the two-month-long annual festival commenced on March 18 and will go on until April 1, put together by Designlab Experience—a creative studio with offices in Dubai, Riyadh, and Beirut. What was once a 35,000 square metre palm tree farm, was transformed into a sprawling boulevard and exhibition, fostering heritage, cuisine, art, and entertainment, while drawing over 110,000 visitors. Designlab Experience conceived this 40,000 square metres open-air park of Al-Bujairi as a sparkling wonderland for the Diriyah Season.

Drawing inspiration from the local Najdi architecture, structures and installations within the park pay homage to the region's rich artistic and architectural heritage. A blend of cultural symbolism, aesthetics, and ambience is articulated through the use of vernacular materials such as wood, metal, and rope, echoing the ancient mud architecture of Najdi—the UNESCO-protected site which is a part of the Diriyah town and immediate site context. The studio’s planning process involved a meticulous survey of the position and dimensions of the existing palm trees, allowing the team to strategically lay out the site's various functions, adapting to and taking advantage of the trees. The architects, for example, built elevated platforms around the palm trees to protect the farm's irrigation system.

The guests’ journey begins by entering a sleek wooden tunnel, marked by a series of vertical members with gaps in between each frame. These members create semi-transparent space and visibility toward the ongoing activities and installations. As one walks through this tunnel, one gets glimpses of the farm illuminated by glowing roses and bursting with celebration.

The fluid circulation in the master plan ensures easy navigation, with retail and dining venues strategically interspersed amidst the palm trees. Quaint treehouses are provided to add a playful element, while also providing space to showcase products of homegrown brands and local retailers. The dining venues too are decorated with elaborate motifs reminiscent of traditional Diriyah doors that offer a sensory feast. Engraved patterns on the wooden panels and digitally printed designs embellish the structural elements.

Layali Diriyah offers a diverse array of experiences. From farm-to-table restaurants to shisha cafes, pop-up markets, luxury boutiques, art installations, immersive exhibits, live entertainment, workshops and even children’s activities have been provided. The venue nods to its historic surroundings, with an earthy colour palette and inclusion of local art and iconography, while integrating modern technology in its programmes. There is a clear emphasis of the country on development and its commitment to international exchange.

The new art installations and immersive digital experiences added another layer of enchantment to Layali Diriyah. Fragments of Diriyah, a digital exhibit projecting the vision of the Diriyah Gate Development Authority, offers a glimpse into the area's evolution and imagined future. Collaborations with international artists brought additional flavour to the festival. These include From this Earth, a walk-through sand structure by Dubai-based duo Karim + Elias. Palm Whispers, is another Karim + Elias collaboration, that uses gold reflective material to symbolise the sound of leaves.

Karim+Elias’ contribution to Layali Diriyah pays homage to the architectural heritage of Diriyah, appropriately known as ‘the city of earth', for its earth architecture. From This Earth, is an installation that comprises more than 1,400 modular earthen spheres, each meticulously hand-sculpted, and then stacked to form a series of earthen screens. These porous surfaces symbolise a contemporary interpretation of the traditional ‘mashrabiya', which is a projecting window with screens made of wooden lattices—an element iconic to vernacular architecture in Islamic regions. Thus, this installation fits perfectly in the narrative and cultural tapestry of Layali Diriyah.

Transient though it may be, Layali Diriyah exemplifies the potential of temporary architecture in urban development and community revitalisation. As visitors meander through this luminous wonderland, they are not merely spectators but active participants in a journey through time, culture, and creativity.