At-Turaif, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the first capital of the Saudi state dating back to the 15th century, sought to transform its historical landscape into a breathtaking nighttime spectacle. Perched on a raised site in ad-Dir’iyah, Saudi Arabia, At-Turaif’s palaces and urban settlements hold immense historical significance. However, after dark, much of this rich history faded into obscurity. The goal was to create a lighting design that would not only preserve but also enhance the historical essence of At-Turaif, enabling visitors to experience its grandeur and stories even after sunset. The challenge was to illuminate the site’s vast and varied architecture while maintaining the authenticity of its historical character.
To bring this vision to life, Speirs Major Light Architecture (SMLA) collaborated with Martin Professional to design and implement an intricate lighting solution using 3,200 Martin Professional light fixtures from the Exterior Linear and Exterior Wash families. These fixtures were selected for their durability, ability to deliver deep and saturated colors, and smart infrastructure that allows individual fixture control, making them ideal for the demanding environment of At-Turaif.
SMLA’s lighting design aimed to capture the spirit of At-Turaif by creating a layered tapestry of golden light that highlighted the mud-brick walls, courtyards, and archaeological remnants with a natural glow reminiscent of flickering torchlight. This was achieved by carefully testing a wide range of tones to find the perfect shade of golden light that would enhance the site’s natural materials without appearing artificial. The lighting design emphasized different intensities and zones to distinguish key surfaces, facades, streets, and courtyards, enhancing the site’s depth and complexity.
Given the sheer scale of At-Turaif, SMLA approached the project with a city light master planning mindset, dividing the site into phases and zones based on extensive analysis from all important viewing angles. The goal was to ensure that the site remained a focal point in the landscape, visible from Diriyah Gate across Wadi Hanifah. The fixtures’ smart control capabilities allowed for precise adjustments to lighting intensity and color, creating a dynamic yet historically respectful lighting experience.
Keith Bradshaw, CEO of SMLA, emphasized the importance of using light as a narrative tool to convey the site’s history and stories to visitors. His team drew on their experience with other prestigious sites, such as the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, to inform their approach at At-Turaif. The lighting design not only enhanced the visibility of the site’s architecture but also amplified the sensation of stepping back in time, transforming the ancient city into a living monument after dark.
The lighting project at At-Turaif has transformed the site into a masterpiece of historical illumination, allowing visitors to experience its grandeur and history in a new light—literally. The use of Martin Professional’s lighting fixtures has ensured both the longevity and reliability of the installation, capable of withstanding the harsh desert environment while maintaining superior performance.
The dynamic lighting design has significantly enhanced the visitor experience, drawing out the architectural details and historical narratives of At-Turaif in a way that feels authentic and immersive. The interplay of different light intensities and zones has helped visitors navigate and appreciate the site’s complex layout, making the history of the first Saudi capital accessible and engaging even at night.
Leif Orkelbog-Andresen, Manager of Business Development at Martin Professional, highlighted the success of the project, emphasizing the advanced features and durability of the fixtures used. The collaboration between SMLA and Martin Professional not only met but exceeded the project’s ambitious goals, showcasing the potential of lighting design to bridge the past and present seamlessly.
Keith Bradshaw praised the project as a rare honor, describing the design as a living tapestry that captures the spirit of At-Turaif. The lighting installation has not only preserved but elevated the site’s historical significance, turning it into a nighttime beacon that celebrates the rich cultural heritage of Saudi Arabia. By balancing the external visibility of At-Turaif with an immersive internal experience, the lighting design has set a new standard for illuminating historical sites worldwide.
