Ecological concern and urban well-being are the driving forces behind AGi architects' proposal for the new headquarters of KFAS, the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Science. In mid-2018, an international restricted competition was launched to design a new facility, along with a convention centre and a master plan for the area. International firms such as AZPML or Coop … [Read more...]
Manara Mall. New project by AGi architects
As you travel along Jahra Road to the west, a bright coloured block marks the presence of Manara Mall. Passing by, the building acquires different colours, going from greenish to yellowish tones, finally showing an intense maroon. The vibrant color finish on the exterior of Manara Mall appeals to the view from the automobile. The car is the observation point par excellence of … [Read more...]
Museum, heritage and territorial identity I. Kuwait National Museum
Between Spain and Kuwait. The influence of Modernity Kuwait's independence from Great Britain in 1961 meant imagining a new idea of State, one of a modern country. This was reflected in Kuwait's new architecture and urbanism, as well as in the construction of an official memory of its land and society. An important element conceived for this purpose was the Kuwait National … [Read more...]
Spaces of living: urban reflections of Kuwaiti society. A research project on residential architecture in Kuwait
One of AGi architects’ main areas of practice is residential architecture. The office has designed a large number of their projects in Kuwait City, where domestic space must accommodate very diverse lifestyles and inhabitants. The projects that AGi architects develops are based on an understanding of the society and the context in which they are located, both locally and … [Read more...]
BYOP: An urban tour to rediscover Kuwait City
The AGixMADEENAH Tour took place on April 25, 2015, under the title “BYOP: Build Your Own Place”. The purpose of the urban tour was to allow the participants to view Kuwait City in a new light, encouraging them to take ownership of its public spaces and imagine all the activities that can potentially vitalize them. Also, the tour showcased some the historically important, yet … [Read more...]
High Density Housing: 2015 Kuwait vs. 1960 Spain
Kuwait is experiencing a very unique period in terms of urban development; this is a period that is very reminiscent of the situation experienced in Spain in the 60s. It is a time of change in which urban chaos is expected. There happens to be many similarities between the two societies, similarities such as extremely conservative religious beliefs co-existing with highly … [Read more...]
City Models: Itineraries in the globalized city
It is inevitable not to compare two cards tacked on a fridge door. Photographs that show moments in the life of a city, analogous sites, monuments or buildings that in the twinkle of an eye reveal similarities and differences. In order to understand the current global city, we hope to initiate a series of tours – where we begin to look as tourists in quick, fleeting … [Read more...]