KAUST Art Map Tour
An interactive map that walks you through the beautiful sculptures and art pieces across King Abdullah of Science and Technology
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KAUST Breakwater Beacon
The “KAUST Breakwater Beacon” is a contemporary interpretation of a lighthouse that doubles as a community gathering place. 60m tower was inspired by Arabic maritime traditions, regional artwork and architecture and coral in the nearby Red Sea. The honeycomb pattern was created by using pre-cast concrete blocks to form a collection of hexagonal sections. The spacious interior is lit by daylight thanks to a dappled shading effect provided by the skin.
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CAMPUS MOSQUE
The work of Nja Mahdaoui explores this rich literary tradition in ancient and contemporary Islamic culture through the aesthetic form of the letters and words, as opposed to the content.
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SPHERES
The work of Carsten Höller speaks of the importance of science and technology and the capacity to imagine and be innovative, a core mission of KAUST. Höller’s futuristic spheres exist in a state between stasis and movement, as though they had fallen to the desert, the product of an intergalactic experiment.
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STAR PROJECTOR
The work of Oliver van den Berg speaks of humanity’s shared desire for knowledge and the unknowable, and acknowledges the legacy of Arabic scholars and scientists in the fields of astronomy and science.
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CYCLE
The work of Sopheap Pich is an undulating, organic form 6.2 m in length and serves as a seating element in the plaza. Originally made from rattan, it has been cast in bronze in UAP’s Brisbane foundry. It connects us to a simpler understanding of the process of hands-on art making.
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UPSTREAM
The work of Sopheap Pich ” is inspired by fish traps and aims to express movement visually. It appears to shoot upwards from the water a height of 8.9m, and is made from laser cut electro-polished stainless steel.
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DELPHINUS
The work of Donna Marcus deeply informed by science, astronomy and philosophy that look to the past, both recent and ancient, at the same time they speak of the universal human condition and shared life experiences. Marcus’ sculptures appeal to - broad audience—they are both humble and profound in spirit.
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TWO BROTHERS
The work of Dennis Nona reminds us of a simpler existence and traditional ways of living. Most importantly, Nona’s work reminds us of the importance of celebrating the ancient in relation to the contemporary and acknowledging the contribution of indigenous cultures to humanity.
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RAIN PAVILLON
The work of Dalziel & Scullion is an immersive experience that portrays the diversity and subtlety of rain. Within this specially designed structure is an audio archive of rain days, recorded in the artist’s homeland of Scotland. A circular seating area has been provided inside the structure allowing visitors to sit, relax and enjoy the sound of rain.
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KING ABDULLAH MONUMENT
Kind Abdullah monument is an eye-shaped tribute to the late King Abdullah with a Murano glass sculpture atop a water fountain in the center. it represents his vision of the university