PH Museum is a 3800 m2 cultural institution designed to showcase
photography and photographic equipment. Situated in a desert climate,
the museum’s form functions as a large canopy, providing shaded public
outdoor areas that are complemented by water features and local
vegetation.
Inspired by the mechanics of a camera, the organization of the museum
reflects the complexity of camera lens. The interior is organized
radially from the center of the building and a spiraling ramp connects
these spaces to emphasize spatial continuity.
The facade is composed of a splayed steel structure, clad in thin panels
of local stone that interpret traditional Islamic motifs in an
intricate hexagonal pattern. Perforations in the stone panels allow the
main lobby to be naturally illuminated and casts lattice-like shadows
that help animate the space. These apertures in the facade are reduced
over exhibition spaces where environmental conditions must be carefully
controlled.