Colin Robertson Returns to Alula to Photograph the 2024 Desert X Visitor Center
This week’s featured project takes us to the sandy dunes of Saudi Arabia. Beneath a rocky outcropping in the 2024 Desert X visitor center in Alula Colin Robertson POTW sits a sculptural structure – The 2024 Desert X Visitor Center.
Architectural photographer Colin Robertson is no stranger to the Desert X pavilions. Since 2020, he’s been photographing KWY.studio‘s visitor centers.
“I believe it was due to covid, but KWY was not able to supervise the construction as closely or attend the opening. There were architectural elements that needed to be ‘fixed’ in post production and some of the furniture and decor was not to KWY’s specification. I began shooting it on the day of the press or VIP opening and quickly learned that those were not ideal days for capturing the entourage—it was extremely hectic with lots of staff and attendees moving about,” says Colin while recounting the shoot on the Angles blog.
Colin photographs the sleek and symmetrical building against the jagged rock and heavily textured sand. The juxtaposition is beautiful and eye-catching.
The next two images are my favorites. The enormous sunflare is perfectly positioned. There is a sense of heat and warmth. Plus, it’s just so dang fun!
Framed by the dark foreground, the visitor center beckons to us below the cliffs.
What awesome geometry and shapeliness. Colin’s ability to showcase the structure and its environment is masterful!
What I really appreciate about Colin’s photographs of the 2024 visitor center as compared to years past is how he captured the spirit and artistry of the place. With a mix of deep, dimensional light, perfect symmetry, shadow play, and incorporating lots of human elements, Colin’s photographs feel really special this year. Just take a look at these:
Awesome job with this year’s visitor center Colin! We can’t wait to see what you come up with for the 2025 Desert X pavilion!
Don’t hesitate to drop by colinrobertsonphoto.com to see more of Colin’s work. You can also keep up with him on Instagram @colinjr.
If you have a project you’d like to be considered for Project of the Week, you can submit it here.
