Bahrain Authority
for Culture and Antiquities

Dar Al Riffa Al Oda

Statue
Ongoing
Location
East Riffa
Architects
Office Kersten Geers David Van Severen in collaboration with Emaar
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Designed by the Belgian architecture firm, Office Kersten Geers David Van Severen in collaboration with Emaar, the Dar Al Riffa Al Oda project comprises the conservation and rehabilitation of the existing Dar in the old neighborhood of East Riffa as well as an extension on a neighboring plot, which will accommodate a larger performance hall, as well as sleeping quarters. The new Dar Al Riffa Al Oda will enhance the intangible heritage of Riffa, and the folk singing that is specific to this area of Bahrain. The extension is a three- storey building enveloped with a steel mesh, which also acts as a cooling device shading the building from direct sunlight. The mesh can be lifted on the ground floor, opening it up directly to the street and reinforcing its role as an open majlis to the city. Designed according to a similar design as the Dar Jinaa majlis the two dars will help in creating a network of Dars across Bahrain and work towards revitalizing the folk singing traditions and making them more accessible to visitors and tourists.