For many, Hawally is seen as just another busy district in Kuwait—a densely built, concrete sprawl with a reputation for being practical but not particularly picturesque. But to the Promenade Culture Centre, it’s so much more. Nestled behind the shiny façade of the capital city lies a rich tapestry of history, architecture, and community spirit. And over the past few years, The Promenade has been dedicated to reintroducing the city’s hidden stories to its residents through a series of workshops and projects centered on architectural exploration, urban storytelling, and cultural heritage.
Back in 2019, “Community” was formally recognized as a strategic pillar for The Promenade Culture Centre. This initiative was rooted in a desire to support diversity, enhance cultural life, and respond to the needs of the community. With a unique position at the intersection of heritage and modernity—home to Beit Othman, Al Othman Mosque, and The Promenade itself—the centre has naturally evolved into a research and resource hub, advocating for the preservation of Hawally’s overlooked urban gems.
It all began with a simple but ambitious idea: to highlight the beautiful buildings and spaces in Hawally that often go unnoticed. The team launched the “Hawally Map” project in collaboration with Innarative, a multidisciplinary platform founded by architects Mishari Al Najjar and Sara Abdulla. Together, they developed workshops that blend architecture, storytelling, and design to document and celebrate the city’s physical and emotional landscapes.
In February 2022, Hawally Bound brought together participants from various backgrounds for a three-week workshop that explored historic routes and landmarks in the city. It was more than just a tour—it was a hands-on experience where participants analyzed spaces, mapped routes, and even created block prints of their favorite architectural elements. The workshop culminated in a beautiful tapestry—a collaborative collage showcasing their research—exhibited at The Promenade Mall. The installation invited the public to share their own memories of Hawally, transforming observation into conversation.
The momentum continued with Hawally Kitsch, a workshop held in December 2023 that focused on the iconic Al Othman Centre, designed by Polish architect Wojciech Jarząbek. Often referred to as the king of “Kitsch Architecture,” Jarząbek’s bold and unconventional style provided the perfect case study. Participants explored the building’s vibrant aesthetics, documented their observations, and created a collage of printed architectural elements that paid homage to the Centre’s unique charm and lasting impact.
Hawally Dreaming in May 2024 turned its lens on the South and North Nugra complexes—structures significant for their cultural and architectural relevance. But rather than starting with facts, participants were first invited to “dream” the buildings through experiential diagramming. Only later were they introduced to the real structures, allowing them to reconcile imagination with reality through block printing and storytelling. The result: two new tapestries that captured both the dreamed and the manifested city, forming a trilogy with Hawally Bound and Hawally Kitsch.
Many of us who grew up in Kuwait understand the cultural importance of Al Rihab Complex. Participants of that workshop, explored the intersection of architecture and narrative through both literal and experiential mapping of the Al Rihab Complex and examined the building’s diverse realities—lighting retail, gaming/electronics, and residential spaces—each offering distinct experiences. The workshop blended creative writing with illustrative techniques and resulted in uniquely crafted narratives and visual maps that reflected the participants’ personal journeys through the building which helped show them how architecture is more than just a structure, but a host of coexisting yet separate realities.
Most recently, Innarative instructors led participants on a guided visit to the Hasawi complex in Hawally—an iconic residential development designed by renowned Iraqi architect Rifat Chadirji, located at the corner of Muthana and Tunis Streets. The visit, which took place in April, was guided by Mishari Al Najjar and focused on encouraging participants to observe and engage with the site’s architectural layers.
During the tour, participants were invited to take their time exploring the building, considering its history, present function, and future potential. The inner courtyards revealed a surprisingly serene atmosphere, with pockets of greenery and shaded areas designed for rest and reflection. Though modern in style, the architecture draws heavily from traditional forms, reinterpreted through a contemporary lens.
Participants were also encouraged to photograph not just the tranquil inner spaces, but the more chaotic, commercial edges of the complex. The contrast was striking—while the interior conveyed a sense of peaceful living, the building’s outer facades along Tunis Street had been overtaken by vibrant signage and busy storefronts, reflecting the pressures of a constantly evolving urban environment.
The purpose of the visit was to foster a deeper understanding of architectural transformation. Participants were tasked with documenting the building’s evolution and imagining its future possibilities through creative mediums like illustration, collage, and block printing. These visual interpretations were not just exercises in creativity—they formed part of a broader effort to cultivate architectural awareness and preserve the cultural identity of Hawally through active observation and artistic engagement.
Each workshop not only brings people together, but also builds a living archive of Hawally’s past and present. These workshops aren’t just about architecture—they’re about people, memory, and placemaking. They create space for oral histories, shared experiences, and reimaginings of public spaces.
As The Promenade Culture Centre continues to grow this collection of tapestries and stories, its mission remains clear: to document, celebrate, and preserve Hawally as more than a backdrop, but as a city full of life, history, and possibility.
Follow Promenade Culture Centre on Instagram @pcckuwait.
