Part of a larger effort to protect the architectural heritage of Bahrain, this project involves the preservation and addition to two "dar" or houses, some of the few remaining communal spaces where men would gather to perform the traditional pearl divers’ music. The renovation and extension of the houses created new indoor and outdoor performance halls, a reception space, toilets, teaching and storage room, and an office, kitchen, and two bedrooms--the latter are used to offer residencies to scholars and performers. Both houses were renovated and the extension built alongside, a simple structure of round concrete columns and platforms with the entire building covered in a distinctive, seamless steel mesh.
Source: Aga Khan Trust for Culture
