07 January 2018
Dar al Muharraq & Dar Al-Riffa Al Ouda”, Among the most important Cultural Projects in the Middle east and North Africa in 2017
By the end of 2017, DesignMENA Magazine for architecture, interiors & industrial design listed seven cultural buildings that made their mark the Middle east and North Africa during the year. These highly-anticipated cultural buildings characterized by an exceptional architectural design, in addition to the historical cultural and artistic aspects, t have contributed a strong cultural value to their cities.
DesignMENA magazine article highlighted the importance of Dar al Muharraq restoration enhanced by Bahrain’s Authority for Culture & Antiquities in order to enrich the intangible heritage of Muharraq city. The building is located along the Pearling: Testimony of an Island Economy pathway, an open air natural museum along 3.5 kilometers that will be completed by 2018 when Muharraq will be celebrated as the Capital of Islamic Culture. The Dar Al Muharraq project comprises the transformation of the existing Dar Jinaa in the old city of Muharraq as well as an extension on a neighbouring plot, which will accommodate workshop and training areas. The three-storey building, Dar Al Muharraq, will act as a training and research centre for traditional folk music and will enhance the intangible heritage of Muharraq.
The article also mentioned Dar Al Riffa project, inaugurated last December, coinciding with BACA’s Bahrain National Day’s celebrations. This project is in tune with BACA’s strategy and work plan aiming at building a strong sustainable cultural infrastructure.The project comprises the conservation and rehabilitation of the existing Dar in the old neighbourhood of East Riffa as well as an extension on a neighbouring plot, and accommodates a larger performance hall and residency spaces, as well as sleeping quarters. The new Dar Al Riffa enhances the intangible heritage of Riffa, and the folk singing that is specific to this area of Bahrain.
Worth to mention that DesignMENA Magazine article also listed Louvre Abu Dhabi building, Yves Saint Laurent in Marrakech, Morocco, Palestine Museum in Palestine, Etihad Museum, Dubai, Sheikh Jaber Al Ahmad Cultural Centre in Kuwait and Concrete Building, a based multi-functional events and cultural space .
