WORKac’s design for a new Cultural Center takes inspiration from in-depth research into and interaction with Muscat’s burgeoning youthful and creative class. The project combines both production and presentation in a hybrid building that has aspects of both a community center, geared towards the new neighbourhoods around it, and a cultural institution, acting as a beacon for creativity across Oman.

Architecturally, the design is organized as a pinwheel of six programmatic containers that spiral up and around a central lobby atrium. The atrium connects the main public plaza to the west to a new park to the east and from within allows views to the activity within many of the production and presentation spaces. Each bar-container is oriented with views towards specific areas within the new city, emphasizing its connection with the surrounding urban fabric and acting as a visual marker to encourage people to visit.

The roofs of each of these bars are open-air spaces, including a playground, outdoor work and classroom areas, a sculpture garden and a large events terrace overlooking the new city. The entire building is covered with a faceted shading structure; triangular openings or louvers are strategically placed to provide views both from and to the interior activities.