The diwaniya in Kuwait is a traditional space used primarily used for male social gatherings. In the newly completed AlOsami diwaniya guests are welcomed with a main iconic wooden door, a minimalistic version of its traditional counterpart. The visitor then enters a reception hall which leads them to the smaller daily diwaniya room where people gather and socalize. Just opposite of the daily is the grand diwaniya hall which is usually used for both male and female weddings, funerals, and other family occasions.
The concept of this project is dervied from the Arabian palm grove, which once surrounded the site. Each column shape respresents an abstracted palm tree and together form a repetitive pattern creating and intriguing contempoary traditional verncular expression. The façade speaks to the environment and culture while using modern technology and constructon. The concrete structure is covered with mocha cream limestone, chosen for its durability and harmony in the harsh desert landscape.
In the inside the design attempts to echo the façade back to the interiors creating a modern sophisticated yet warm vibrant feeling. All the walls are also covered with the same limstone and oak wooden panels of similar patterns shape the main diwaniya walls. Different cove and back lightning provide a comfortable and balanced ambience while modern chandeliers are used as a statement piece at the center of the grand recpetion hall.