A state-of-the-art design for the atrium of the Research and Development Center. 

MET Studio’s state-of-the-art design for the atrium of the Research and Development Center (R&DC) at Aramco in Dhahran was designed to provide staff and VIPs relaxed ‘out of office’ spaces to continue free dialogue when discussing innovative techniques and advanced technologies relating to surface upstream and downstream operations. Our remit from the client was initially to develop interactive exhibition spaces that would provide live and historical information on what happens in the R&DC.

However, after an intensive study of the space and function by MET we chose to push the brief beyond client expectations, and whilst still creating an information exhibition we chose also to create an environment that would bring the scientists, technicians and management together in relaxed environments that would help stimulate open discussion.

Our initiative was warmly received, and R&DC is now a place where scientists and others come together more often to work in closer collaboration to develop improved energy efficiency, cleaner fuels and reduced carbon emissions in a stress-free hub.