▪ INFORMATION

DATE : 2023 - CURRENT

STATUS : CONSTRUCTION

LOCATION : SHUWAIKH, KUWAIT

AREA : 1000 SQRM

PROGRAM : RECREATIONAL

▪ DESCRIPTION

DIWAN M reimagines the traditional Kuwaiti Diwan—a quintessential social and cultural space—by honoring its historical essence while reinterpreting it through refined geometry, texture, and light. The project draws on the concept of the Arabic reception hall as a place of gathering and exchange, translating it into a contemporary language that balances clarity, proportion, and openness. In doing so, it establishes a dialogue between the simplicity of modern design and the enduring spatial values of Kuwaiti heritage.

Architecturally, the building follows a clear hierarchical system divided into three main sections: the Diwan, a grand reception hall positioned to frame the guest’s movement and experience; the Mukhtasar, a smaller daily hall for more intimate gatherings; and the Diwaniya, a space dedicated to the younger generation. These distinct zones are supported by back-of-house functions and complemented by outdoor seating areas. A prominent open corridor spine connects them all, beginning at a welcoming entrance that not only receives guests but also draws in natural light and greenery through open skylights and palm trees placed along the path, creating a continuous spatial and visual connection throughout the structure.

Through this refined orchestration of form, light, and material, DIWAN M successfully fuses a deeply rooted cultural tradition with a contemporary architectural experience. The project demonstrates how modern spatial organization and minimal expression can preserve the essence of the traditional Kuwaiti diwan, reinforcing it as a timeless social institution that meets today’s social, climatic, and psychological needs.