A multifunctional campus hub

Located along the eastern edge and within the center of the Kuwait University campus, the Student Activities and Athletic Facilities (SAAF) encompass a broad range of functions to serve the university’s sports and recreational programs. The facilities include an indoor tennis center stadium, an outdoor stadium, additional outdoor sports facilities, a student union building, and men’s and women’s centers for athletics, aquatics, and student life. SOM also designed information booths, back-of-house structures, a student union facility, and a bus station.

A unified design language

While each building conveys its own architectural identity, all 10 facilities share a common design approach. Inspired by geode rock formations, the facades of the men’s and women’s athletic centers are composed of natural limestone panels with punched openings for daylight and ventilation, while the interiors use color to denote all the different functions housed within.

Whereas most college campuses separate building entrances, many of the new structures at Kuwait University are connected to one another by a “galleria.” Defining a path through the SAAF structures, the galleria is designed as one continuous, three-story space that alternates between indoor spaces and outdoor courtyards covered by canopies. The galleria allows students and faculty to seamlessly navigate the campus, protected from the hot exterior temperatures.

Elevating the spectator zone

SOM used the galleria as an opportunity to create an engaging sports complex within the two Athletics, Recreation & Aquatic Centers. At the top of the galleria, students, staff, and visitors will have views out to the surrounding campus, the ability to circulate easily between different sports venues, and direct access to the seating levels. Spectators will be able to walk down from the galleria into the seats overlooking basketball courts, swimming pools, practice areas, and other venues. This configuration helped optimize the interiors—by raising the public concourse, the remainder of the ground floor became available for athletic support facilities, including locker rooms, showers, and therapy rooms.

Minimizing materials at the largest building

A 15,000-seat outdoor soccer and track and field stadium is the largest structure in the development. Its raised entry and sunken field in the center together enhance visitors’ moment of arrival to create an immersive environment, while maximizing views at every level. The spectator sections are covered by two cascading structures, composed of triangular steel arched trusses that reach their apex 45 meters above the playing field and span over 200 meters. The form of the trusses maximizes material efficiency and limits environmental impact, while also maintaining a sleek aesthetic, appearing as feathered wings in flight.

A highly efficient structural dome

Adjacent to the stadium, the 2,000-seat indoor tennis center will house additional athletic programs in its conditioned space, as well as support facilities, a dining hall, VIP areas, press conference rooms, fitness rooms, and administrative areas. The structure is enclosed by a thin-shell reinforced concrete dome in a catenary shape, with triangular perforations for the entrances—a fusion of form and utility that, like the stadium, minimizes material use. Geometric patterns inspired by traditional Islamic art are inscribed on the roof’s surface, where skylights provide the entire indoor facility with natural light.