syn architects' pavilion evokes najdi architecture at concéntrico 10

open segments revisits the courtyard house typology

Reimagining the traditional courtyard house typology for the public realm, syn architects’ Open Segments pavilion evokes the essence of Najdi architecture. Unveiled at the tenth edition of Concéntrico in Logroño, Spain, the work fosters small-scale interactions to examine elements of regional space-making and culture. A cluster of volumes dot the palm tree-shaded site, recalling the rectilinear units forming small neighborhoods in Saudi Arabia’s Najd region. Wrapped in plywood columns and burlap produced from regional flora and fauna, they create an interplay of translucent fragments and openings that invite exploration and play.

image by Josema Cutillas

syn architects cites collective memory of space at Concéntrico

Open Segments investigates spatial and cultural ideals embodied by the courtyard home, typically hosting both private moments as well as communal Majlis-like gatherings. Drawing on this duality of purpose and its ensuing flexibility, Riyadh-based syn architects disassembled this archetype, conceiving forms that can be configured in an array of formulations with just two simple building blocks. A modular construction system is employed, vertically laying a series of planks along the perimeter of the space which are held together by a semi-translucent mesh material. The continuous repetition of the spine wall is broken by various openings along two adjacent facades which softly filter in sunlight while creating future interpretations and preserving the integrity of the traditional architectural language.

The continuity and morphology of these spaces in the context of Concéntrico, Logroño’s Festival of Architecture and Design, cite the collective memory of space, resulting in various physical and intangible narratives. Its configuration showcases the flexibility and sequences of fragmentation and continuity of the native architectural and social structures. Following the festival, the pavilion will be dismantled and returned to Saudi Arabia, its fabric components repurposed to extend their life cycle at Tanween 2024, embedded with the patina of its time in Spain.

syn architects presents Open Segments at Concéntrico 10 | image by Laurian Ghinitoiu

Concéntrico returned to Logroño, Spain, for its tenth edition from April 25th to May 1st, envisioning the future of cities and the lessons learned about urban processes — from incorporating new formats to integrating publics, and facing challenges that explore time as a factor of change in urban and social design.

the pavilion evokes the essence of Najdi architecture | image by Josema Cutillas