Masarat (Arabic for “trailways”) is a sports and recreation facility with social and cultural components, designed as a hub for community, culture, and nature. Inspired by Al-Ula’s mountains and agricultural oases, the project bridges these landscapes by bypassing the dividing highway, enhancing access to natural resources. The design features interconnected pathways and modular shell structures (S, M, L) that adapt to diverse programs – sports, food, recreation, and community activities. Between these shells, shaded gardens and outdoor zones foster ecology and social interaction.
Masarat draws inspiration from the landscapes and people of Al-Ula—from dramatic rock formations to lush oases, rhythmic palm groves, and winding desert trails. Like the shifting contours of the land, the architecture rises and recedes, echoing the adventurous and joyful spirit of Al-Ula’s people. Recognizing the city’s diverse community, the architecture invites everyone to explore, gather, and grow. It transforms trails into shared journeys, and the spaces between into moments of rest, play, and connection with both nature and one another.
