Saturday, October 8, 2011

Arab Fund Building, Kuwait


Although not strictly open to the casual caller, the impressive Arab Fund Building, with a host of exceptionally beautiful rooms, is worth the trouble of gaining access. Email first to request an appointment and explain that you wish to see the building's interior and you'll be given a guided tour by one of the employees.

The gravity of the exterior belies the light and airy interior, designed upon Arabic architectural principles of integrity of space, decoration and function. The magnificent eight-storey atrium with wooden lattices, opening onto a transparent corridor or an exquisite hidden majlis (meeting room), is an exciting reinterpretation of a familiar theme. Traditional craftsmanship from around the Arab world is represented in lavish concoctions of ceramic, carpet and woodwork.

The Massive Handcarved Entrance Doors Each Weighing One Ton


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ceramic Tile Panels Surround the Tunisian Room
















The Elaborately Decorated Damascene Room Serves as a VIP Lounge
















The Cavernous Central Atrium Embodies Many Features of a Traditional Hoash

















LWDLIK - My daughter went today with the DAI Children's Workshop. She loved it. And wasn't a bit disappointed that there were no trampolines or bouncy castles - seems she'd heard Arab Fun Building and thought it was something else LOL. I enjoyed visits too, especially the concerts held in the gorgeous atrium which has great acoustics.

All enquiries email adnang@earthlink.net to view more pics or go on a virtual tour [link].




2 comments:

  1. Help a crazy person here.... what the hell is the function of this building? All that space and decorations for a non profit fund"!

    The finishing looks great to be honest. The logic behind it on the other hand is vulgar and stupid... in my crazy opinion anyway.

    EB

    EB

    ReplyDelete
  2. LOL EB maybe you're not so crazy. I didn't think of it like that. I'm sure you get lots of visitors when you're giving money away. This is like Kuwait's istaqbal room not the family room ;O)

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Always great to hear from you :O)