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he King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Centre, also known as KAPSARC, claims to be an extremely futuristic structure, which continuously expands its crystal shape within the desert. The centre is designed to give an illusion that a white oasis descended on land directly from the sky – it is inspired by the nature of a fresh leaf, which catches the sun and flourishes. The shape of the spaces, which alternates between colours, closed and modern, particularly conceived to serve the purpose of studying and researching, but also resting and meeting people in an inspiring environment. KAPSARC, launched in 2009, is a non-profit institution focused on finding solutions for the most effective and productive use of energy to enable economic and social progress in the region and across the globe. The research areas include global energy markets and economics, energy efficiency and productivity, energy and environmental technologies, and carbon management – relevant to a country such as Saudi Arabia whose activities have always been linked to extractions. However, its work aims at improving the economies of many other countries, such as China, India, and East Africa. Additionally, the centre employs workers from 15 different nationalities, 40% of which are women. The centre includes two main areas, the first contains the IRA, while the second contains the research complex within five main buildings. A field of solar panels produces 20% of the electricity needs, with an area of 55,000 sqm and 18,000 units generating about 5,800 megawatt hours (MWh) of electrical energy annually. KAPSARC stands as one of the biggest projects in Riyadh, with numerous companies wanting to be part of this major development. Mapei was chosen as the waterproofing supplier/ manufacturer due to its expertise and competitive pricing. As a result of its old ties and joint projects history, the contractor, DEPA Saudi, was familiar and confident with Mapei’s reliable construction business news me // August 2017 //
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