Ithra and Colab Unite to Launch Pioneering Materials Library in Saudi Arabia
Empowering the Kingdom’s Creative Community Through Innovation and Inspiration
The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture, known as Ithra, is set to unveil a groundbreaking addition to Saudi Arabia’s cultural landscape: a purpose-built Materials Library showcasing the latest advancements in material development. Commissioned to Dubai’s first materials library, Colab, this monumental venture aims to serve as a launchpad for new and exciting ideas within the Kingdom’s burgeoning creative community. Slated to open in late 2024, the library will be housed within Ithra’s iconic building in Dammam, a fitting location that underscores the project’s significance.
“Ithra is where ideas come to life,” says Nourah Alzamil, Manager of Ithra Programs. “We are thrilled to work with Colab to create this exciting new facility that will spawn further innovation and build on Ithra’s fast-growing reputation as a world-class destination and the beating heart of Saudi Arabia’s culture and creative industry.”
A Catalyst for Innovation
The Materials Library is not just a repository but an inspirational hub designed to ignite creativity among designers, architects, artists, and innovators. By exposing the local community to over 200 innovative materials, the library positions Saudi Arabia as a global leader in material innovation and implementation. It offers a unique platform where the latest materials and design trends from around the world converge with regional excellence.
Richard Wilson, Founder and Creative Director of Colab, is spearheading the project. “It’s a great honor to be entrusted with a project of such cultural importance,” he remarks. “To have been commissioned by Ithra is an achievement in itself and one we are extremely proud of. We anticipate that this project is just the beginning of a long and fruitful relationship with Ithra, with many more positive things to come.”
An Architectural Marvel Rooted in Tradition
Designed by the innovative studio IAMMI, the library’s architecture reflects a harmonious blend of futuristic design and traditional elements. The structure employs two primary materials:
AeroGraph™: A cutting-edge, self-assembling graphene nanocomposite, also utilized by the European Space Agency. This material contributes to the library’s lightweight and modular design, ensuring ease of use and durability.
DesertBoard’s PSB®: Recognized as the region’s most sustainable building material, this palm biomass residue is produced locally in the UAE. Its use underscores the project’s commitment to sustainability and regional resource utilization.
“A product may go out of vogue, but an idea is timeless,” note Nicolau dos Santos and Stephanie Blanchard, Co-Founders of IAMMI. “The entire design is exceptionally lightweight and modular, ensuring ease of use and durability. More than just a material collection, the Ithra Material Library offers a unique design journey that fosters exploration, interaction, innovation, and tradition.”
The library consists of six modules characterized by intricate and smooth lines that echo Ithra’s interior aesthetics. Central and side counters display material cubes, paying homage to Ithra’s exterior architecture and creating a cohesive visual experience.
Bridging Communities and Fostering Collaboration
This venture marks Colab’s first expansion outside the United Arab Emirates, signifying a significant step in enriching the global creative community. The collaboration involves co-curation of the material collection, emphasizing innovation and responsibility. The library will serve not only as a material showcase but also as a gallery, event space, and networking hub, aiming to bring the entire creative community together.
Material designers worldwide are encouraged to participate. Richard Wilson invites designers to reach out if they wish to showcase their materials in the library, emphasizing the project’s inclusive and collaborative spirit.
About the Collaborators
Ithra (The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture) is a beacon of culture and creativity in Saudi Arabia, aiming to contribute to human development by inspiring a passion for knowledge, creativity, and cross-cultural engagement.
Colab is the first purpose-built material library in the UAE, dedicated to supporting the design community by showcasing the latest materials and design trends globally while highlighting regional excellence.
IAMMI, founded by Nicolau dos Santos and Stephanie Blanchard, is a design studio focused on blurring the lines between classic and contemporary design through the exploration of new and unconventional combinations.
Looking Ahead
As the countdown begins for the late 2024 opening, anticipation builds around the potential impact of the Ithra Materials Library. This initiative is poised to be a cornerstone in Saudi Arabia’s cultural and creative evolution, providing resources and inspiration that will empower the next generation of designers and innovators.
“We are all excited to see the ideas and creations that will emerge from this collaborative space,” says Alzamil. “The Materials Library is more than a physical place; it’s a catalyst for innovation, a hub for the exchange of ideas, and a testament to the limitless potential of our creative community.”
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For more information, visit Ithra’s website and Colab’s website. Follow their social media channels for updates and opportunities to get involved in this groundbreaking project.