DAR06 –Princess Noura University – University Campus

Project Overview

The Princess Noura University campus in Riyadh is one of Saudi Arabia’s most prestigious educational developments. Designed exclusively for women, the project supports the national strategy to empower women through access to higher education.

Developed during my tenure as a Senior Architect at Dar Al Handasah, the campus was conceived and executed according to the highest standards of safety, comfort, sustainability, and integrated technical systems, reflecting the requirements of a modern, large-scale academic environment.

Key Responsibilities and Expertise

Programming and Site Analysis

1. Conducted in-depth analysis of institutional and academic requirements.
2. Adapted the educational program to the local context and environmental conditions.
3. Integrated the new campus harmoniously within the broader educational framework of Riyadh.

Architectural Concept and Space Planning

• Designed a modular layout for the main academic components, including:
  lecture halls, laboratories, administrative offices, and student life facilities.
• Organized all functions around central circulation cores to optimize movement, accessibility, and wayfinding.

Codes and Regulatory Compliance

• Applied Saudi Civil Defense regulations and international safety standards.
• Ensured full compliance with fire protection, emergency egress, and educational facility guidelines.

Design Development

• Led major phases including:
  • Concept design,
  • Final drawings and documentation,
  • Technical coordination with structural, MEP, life-safety, acoustics, and telecommunications teams.

Building Envelope and Climate-Responsive Design

• Designed façades adapted to extreme desert conditions, incorporating:
  sunshades, double-glazed systems, and thermally efficient materials.
• Improved indoor comfort while reducing heat gain and energy consumption.

Multidisciplinary Coordination

• Collaborated closely with engineering, sustainability, telecom, safety, accessibility, and acoustics teams.
• Ensured consistency between architectural intent and technical systems across the entire campus.

Sustainability Strategy

• Integrated energy-efficient solutions, natural daylighting techniques, and passive cooling strategies.
• Met national benchmarks for environmental performance and energy literacy targets.

Contract Administration

• Office phase: managed documentation, revisions, consultant feedback, and approval processes.
• Construction phase: attended site meetings, coordinated with suppliers, and monitored technical compliance.