King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals has commissioned Page to plan and design what will be the first new building in many years on the almost 50-year-old campus. Envisioned as a landmark facility to attract and retain world-class scholars and foster interdisciplinary collaboration, the Petroleum Engineering and Geosciences School will integrate academic and commercial research with classic petroleum engineering and earth sciences programs.
The modularly-planned facility will house more than 100 advanced energy research lab and lab support spaces in 380,000 gross square feet, providing maximum flexibility to accommodate changing needs and research initiatives. Responding to the uniquely arid and humid climate, the design will incorporate a number of active and passive building systems and conservation measures such as demand-controlled ventilation, dynamic shading, condensate reclamation, and sun-harvesting to maintain occupant safety and comfort while reducing energy and water consumption. The building will complement the existing campus aesthetic, but will provide an updated, 21st Century focal point for the university.
