Zebra Building in Riyadh Reacts to Thunderstorms

Daniel Canogar's work projected on the Zebra Building
Daniel Canogar's work projected on the Zebra Building
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Zebra Building in Riyadh Reacts to Thunderstorms

Daniel Canogar's work projected on the Zebra Building
Daniel Canogar's work projected on the Zebra Building

Daniel Canogar’s Bifurcation, which is part of the Noor Riyad festival, has drawn many visitors to the Zebra Building who flock to see its facade

Connected to the internet, the building responds to real-time data tracking thunderstorms across the globe.

The Spanish artist, Canogar, is one of the prominent light artists whose artworks have been projected on emblematic facades, including Amalgama El Prado in Madrid and Times Square in New York.

Relying on an algorithm created by Canogar that uses data from a storm-tracking webpage, the Zebra Building in the King Abdullah Financial District has a lightning bolt that sparks with every thunderstorm striking somewhere across the globe. The projected animation gets stronger with the magnitude of thunder.

For his part, Canogar said it was an honor for him to be present this work alongside his colleagues.

"Some of them were my teachers in the field of light art.”

The Noor Riyadh festival is one of the programs of the Riyadh Art project, which aims to place 1,000 original public art installations across the city and transform Riyadh into an open art gallery.



Saudi Arabia Marks World Environment Day, Urges Global Action on Plastic Pollution

The Saudi flag. Asharq Al-Awsat
The Saudi flag. Asharq Al-Awsat
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Saudi Arabia Marks World Environment Day, Urges Global Action on Plastic Pollution

The Saudi flag. Asharq Al-Awsat
The Saudi flag. Asharq Al-Awsat

The Saudi Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture reiterated on Thursday the Kingdom's unwavering commitment to environmental protection, the preservation and sustainability of natural resources, and the rehabilitation of ecosystems.

It also stressed the critical need to mobilize national and international efforts to reduce environmental pollution worldwide, aligning with the objectives of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

On the occasion of World Environment Day, annually observed on June 5, the ministry underscored the grave threat posed by plastic pollution, which has escalated into a widespread global crisis.

United Nations statistics reveal that over 400 million tons of plastic are produced annually worldwide, yet the recycling rate for this immense volume does not exceed 10%. This alarming statistic highlights the severe harm inflicted upon marine life and the alarming entry of microplastic particles from plastic waste into the food chain within seas and oceans.

The world celebrates World Environment Day with this year's theme being "Beat Plastic Pollution," which emphasizes the importance of raising awareness about tackling plastic pollution and fostering enhanced cooperation between the government sector and local communities. The goal is to encourage the adoption of sustainable environmental practices that will lead to a healthy, pollution-free future.

The ministry said that the Kingdom has made tangible progress in aligning its national environmental policies and plans with global developments. It has launched several pioneering environmental initiatives, both locally and internationally, including the Saudi Green Initiative and the Middle East Green Initiative.

Additionally, numerous national programs and initiatives are in place to enhance community awareness of the importance of environmental conservation through the adoption of sound practices.

The Kingdom also annually organizes the "Environment Week" event across all its regions to contribute to raising the level of community participation in environmental programs and practices, reflecting the profound concern for environmental issues within Saudi society.