At-Turaif District in ad-Dir'iyah: A Masterpiece of Historical Illumination

DIRIYAH, Saudi Arabia — The ancient city of At-Turaif, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is now a stunning nighttime spectacle, due to the artistry of Speirs Major Light Architecture (SMLA) supported by 3,200 lighting fixtures by Martin Professional.
This lighting project brings to life the epic scale and historical significance of At-Turaif with a beautifully layered tapestry of golden light. Speirs Major’s design articulates the stories hidden in the layers of buildings, courtyards, and archaeological remnants, capturing and reflecting the site's extraordinary spirit to create a remarkable living national monument.
At-Turaif, dating back to the 15th century, was the first capital of the Saudi state. Perched on a raised site at the edge of the ad-Dir'iyah oasis, in the heart of the Arabian Peninsula, it includes the remains of many palaces and an urban settlement. The lighting design by SMLA enhances the site's historical essence, turning it into a nighttime masterpiece.
The lighting fixtures utilized in the At-Turaif project come from Martin Professional’s Exterior Linear and Exterior Wash families. These product lines are designed for demanding environments, ensuring longevity and reliable performance. Key features include ease of installation, deep saturated colors, smart infrastructure for individual fixture control, and durability in extreme conditions.
'The opportunity to create the after-dark experience of such a special and significant site is a rare honour,” said Keith Bradshaw, CEO of Speirs Major Light Architecture. “Our previous work on exceptional sites like the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi and the Dom Tower in Utrecht informed our approach at At-Turaif. We are fascinated by the stories and memories that live within these unique places and how we can use light as a narrative tool to draw them out, creating a meaningful connection between people, place, and architecture.
The feeling of walking within At-Turaif feels literally like stepping back in time. The design amplifies this sense of another time and place, animating the subtle tonal variations in the natural materials to feel as if they are lit by flickering torch light. Finding the right quality of light was crucial. SMLA tested a huge range of tones to achieve the exact shade of golden light that makes the mud-brick walls glow beautifully and naturally.
Addressing the sheer scale of At-Turaif, SMLA leveraged their extensive experience in city light master planning, breaking the project into phases and zones. They carefully analyzed the site from all important viewing angles, ensuring that the site remains a major focal point in the landscape when viewed from Diriyah Gate across Wadi Hanifah. Balancing the external identity and the internal experience of the monument was key to the design.
Bradshaw elaborates on the design approach: 'Having identified the surfaces, facades, streets, and courtyards that shape the site's most important views and experiences, we used a palette of differing light intensities to create a richly interwoven tapestry of layers and zones. This design supports locals and visitors in understanding and appreciating the site, while revealing its beauty.”
'The Martin lighting fixtures used in this project ensure longevity and reliability,” said Leif Orkelbog-Andresen, Manager of Business Development at Martin Professional. “The fixtures’ advanced features make them ideal for projects requiring robust and versatile lighting solutions.
“We have had the privilege of collaborating with SMLA on several prestigious projects. When we were considered for the At-Turaif project, we recognized its extraordinary scope and unique requirements. We assembled a specialized team and conducted extensive trials over five months. The project demanded exceptional support, and we are proud to have been part of this incredible journey.'
 Video: https://youtu.be/Gyh0IFIr9Cw