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Helen Betts | all galleries >> Saudi Arabia: Life in the Desert >> Riyadh Architecture > King Fahd National Library
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16-OCT-2013

King Fahd National Library

I had previously called this the "sail" building, which was a misnomer because the rhomboid textile awnings were designed to resemble traditional Arab tents, a common motif in this country. It’s actually a more interesting building than I had imagined (as I have now done some reading on it), but what is visible from the street encloses the original library and dome, utilizing monument preservation principles. It is also described as one of the most important cultural buildings in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia http://www.archdaily.com/469088/king-fahad-national-library-gerber-architekten and looks to be very impressive inside as well. Now I really have to go back because “At night the façade glows with changing colors and becomes the city’s cultural lighthouse.”

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Allan Jay30-Dec-2015 21:59
Unique shot and interesting subject, Helen!
Gervan20-Dec-2015 09:46
A fine abstract showing a fascinating pattern. V.
Chris Gibbins29-Nov-2015 13:00
Fascinating pattern picture - I wonder what the whole building looks like? V.
Jola Dziubinska29-Nov-2015 00:21
Very interesting architecture and beautiful image. V.
nederlanduardo28-Nov-2015 05:47
I can't imagine the maintenance in that place. How do they even clean the windows?
LynnH28-Nov-2015 03:08
An amazing 3D kaleidoscope! V
larose forest photos27-Nov-2015 15:02
Impressively designed and beautifully captured by you, giving a sense that the building is about to sail away! V
Gerard Koehl27-Nov-2015 14:53
Là aussi, c'est très réussi. V
Jim Coffman27-Nov-2015 14:33
A great capture of this unusual building!! Hope your surgery went well, Helen!!
Karen Moen20-Nov-2015 07:43
Interesting that a desert country has so many structures designed like water craft. It seems to be a popular theme. Nicely captured detail from a moving car! LOL! Voted.
Alexander Kazakov20-Nov-2015 06:11
Superb! V
hamery20-Nov-2015 03:32
A fine art and an abstract, Helen. What a beautiful image with massive tone and in a beautiful light ! BV x 10
victorswan28-Aug-2015 19:18
very special complex Helen Nicely composed A masterpiece of abstract lines Well seen and done I love it VV
Chris Morton22-Mar-2014 18:22
an excellent drive-by shot; possibly the sort of thing that might not have worked so well if laboured over
Julie Oldfield01-Jan-2014 16:59
Nicely composed.
Guest 19-Nov-2013 01:55
Excellent abstract, Helen! V!
janescottcumming24-Oct-2013 13:05
Love these awesome lines! V
Jola Dziubinska23-Oct-2013 16:46
Very interesting architecture, superb framing. V.
Carol Rollins23-Oct-2013 15:30
That is way cool!! ~
Milan Vogrin22-Oct-2013 07:48
Well seen!
Zoltán Balogh22-Oct-2013 07:24
Outstanding image, wow! V
Lillian Rodriguez22-Oct-2013 05:29
Great pespective to highlight the unique design! V
larose forest photos21-Oct-2013 21:54
What an amazing building and superb shot. V
Chris Spracklen21-Oct-2013 20:24
Well seen and taken, Helen.
An excellent architectural abstract. *V*
danad21-Oct-2013 16:15
Excellent work ! V.
Will Hoskins21-Oct-2013 16:04
Love the abstract geometry of this one. It would be really nice in B & W :-) V
Tom LeRoy21-Oct-2013 15:41
A great capture of the fascinating and interesting architectural details on this building. V
Walter Otto Koenig21-Oct-2013 15:31
Fascinating these patterns and lines. What an interesting architectural feature. "V"
William Barletta21-Oct-2013 14:43
How cool! ~V~
globalgadabout21-Oct-2013 14:25
complex, yet so vibrant with the angled lines..V
Bill Miller21-Oct-2013 13:51
Almost an abstract. I guess they need those shades because acres of glass and hot sun don't make for a comfortable office!
Gary Hudes21-Oct-2013 12:47
Terrific light and tones in this superb image. V
Jim Coffman21-Oct-2013 12:38
A masterpiece of abstract,Helen! Love it!!
pkocinski21-Oct-2013 11:56
Nicely seen. Great engineering idea to shade the windows.
Stephanie21-Oct-2013 11:47
This is soooooo cool! Excellent capture from the moving vehicle! V
marko gregoric21-Oct-2013 11:22
Very good composition. V
Chris Morton21-Oct-2013 08:32
nice way of sunshading - I wonder if the skipper trims the sails as the sun goes round?
fotabug21-Oct-2013 05:18
Good eye!
Gerard Koehl21-Oct-2013 04:46
Superbes détails... V
Long Bach Nguyen21-Oct-2013 04:23
great shot