Al Ula Living Museum

Based in the ancient oasis city of Al Ula, Saudi Arabia, The Living Museum features exhibitions on the region's natural history and archaeological marvels. In collaboration with Goppion and The Hettema Group, Maaida created site-specific animations that were projected on clay-plastered walls.

The first animation, "The Calligraphic Oasis," focuses on the fluid evolution of Arabic calligraphy. Diacritical marks fall from the ceiling like stars and fragments form at the centre and appear to be written by light. Stylised palm trees grow upward, symbolising the connection between language, history, and the AlUla oasis.

The second animation, "The Calligraphic Caravan," pays homage to historic movement across desert trade routes, specifically the Incense Route. The procession of camels is composed of calligraphic script, which moves across the facade.

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