Thomas Heatherwick on Human-Centred Design, Astrotourism and his Vision for AlUla Manara

With AlUla Manara set for the remote sands of north-west Saudi Arabia, Thomas Heatherwick takes the case for architecture built for human experience.

Thomas Heatherwick wants to give architecture back to the people. Over the past century, he says, urban commissioners have prioritised cost efficiency over our shared humanity when designing cities and buildings. “The bigger issue is that society has become disconnected from the conversation about the built environment,” says Heatherwick, the celebrated British designer and founder of the London-based Heatherwick Studio. “As a result, we've created buildings that often fail society.”

So, when the concept of an expansive astrotourism centre came to his desk, set to be built in the remote deserts of north-west Saudi Arabia, he saw an opportunity to share in a human experience.