The SSH-designed, $775 million Sheikh Jaber Al Ahmad Cultural Centre (SJAAC) recently opened in Kuwait with an inaugural performance by legendary Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli.
The four jewel-styled buildings are set to be the centrepieces of the new cultural district in central Kuwait, close to historic Flag Square. The buildings are billed as a new architectural reference for the Middle East.
“It was a challenge for us to complete the design and construction of a project of this size and complexity in 22 months. This achievement was possible thanks to the support and intervention by the office of the Amiri Diwan,” stated Sadoon Al Essa, executive partner at SSH.
“We have designed to the highest international quality standards within such a challenging time frame. With other successfully completed mega assignments, this makes us the ‘Consultant of Choice’ and hopefully the premier pick for future world class cultural and heritage projects,” commented Bob Hope, CEO, SSH Architects.
SSH was the lead architecture and engineering designer working with the world’s renowned specialists in lighting, acoustics, theatre engineering and historical archives. “SSH worked closely with theatre engineers and acoustic specialists and other consultants and contractors to create multiple performance spaces that are sophisticated in design and engineering,” added Hope.
The Cultural Centre includes a performing arts centre, music centre, conference centre, historical documents centre as well as libraries, parks and fountains.
