Zaha Hadid Architects’ design for King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Centre (KAPSARC) has won the firm its first LEED Platinum certification from the US Green Building Council.KAPSARC’s futuristic design features a hexagonal honey-comb like structure, with crystalline forms rising from the desert landscape. The structure can be easily expanded or adapted for future requirements without impacting its visual identity. The 70,000m² campus comprises of five buildings — the Energy Knowledge Center, a Conference Center with auditorium and an exhibition hall, The Energy Computer Center, a Research Library, and a place for prayer. Each building is distinct in its size and organization.The five parts of the campus are structured around a shaded public courtyrad. The building is designed to soften the harsh sunlight and it opens towards north and west, receiving winds from north that help in cooling the temperature of the courtyard. An underground pathway links the entire campus and can be used in hotter months. The strong and protective outer façade, strategically located hexagonal cells, the crystalline forms and ‘wind catchers’ in the roof have been designed in response to the sun and wind conditions of the Riyadh Plateau.Honeywell Smart Building Awards programme has named KAPSARC as the ‘smartest’ building in Saudi Arabia for its environmental sustainability, productivity, and safety. The campus recently opened to the public as it hosted the Saudi Design Week 2017.For details, visit: www.zaha-hadid.comClick on the slideshow for a sneak peek at the project.  Read more