Kuwait launches new hitech museum district

SSH, a leading master planning, infrastructure, building design company in the Middle East, has announced the launch of the Sheikh Abdullah Al Salem Cultural Centre (ASCC), a new world-class museum district within Kuwait City. Together with the Sheikh Jaber Al Ahmad Cultural Centre, it will form Kuwait’s new national cultural district, stated SSH, which was appointed by Al Ghanim International as lead architecture and engineering designer on the complex. Working collaboratively with world-leading museum specialists, the company was able to deliver the ASCC project for the Amiri Diwan to the stringent standards required of world-class public cultural buildings. HH Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah, the Emir of Kuwait, and representatives of the Amiri Diwan attended a private inauguration of the country’s latest cultural showcase. ASCC is not only a celebration of the scientific and cultural achievements of mankind, but also of Kuwaiti, Islamic and Arab culture and history, and the scale, shapes and shades of the centre’s buildings are designed to convey a sense of wonder and awe. The complex was recently named Public Building of the Year at the prestigious ABB LEAF Awards 2017, said the statement from SSH. Sheikh Sabah was treated to a colourful opening performance showcasing the complex’s six main buildings: A Natural History Museum; Science Museum; Museum of Islamic History; Space Museum; Fine Arts Centre; and a Theatre. Each building will contain an array of permanent and temporary world-class exhibits and artworks. "The Cultural Centre is a fitting and spectacular addition to Kuwait’s cultural heritage, and sets out to embrace the rich diversity of the world’s finest achievements,” remarked George Abi Hanna, the managing director of SSH Kuwait. “As the largest museum project of its kind in the world, SSH is proud and honoured to have been involved helping HH Sheikh Sabah and the Amiri Diwan to fulfil their cultural aspirations for Kuwait and the region." "Kuwaiti architecture is represented by the main ‘street’, which meanders echoing the traditional ‘Ferej’. This creates exciting spaces, Islamic patterns, corners and walkways, mirroring the experience of walking down a traditional, busy Kuwaiti street,"