CONFERENCE - "The NEW SHELTER HUB - Shaping systemic interfaces"

Introduction

This conference is organised by the Saudi French Business Council (CAFS) and will be delivered by ABA-WORKSHOP, VALORHIZ and DELHOM ACOUSTICS.

The event will take place in person, on 6th October 2026, at 7 PM, at the Federation of Saudi Chambers, in Riyadh.

It is open to everyone and participation is free of charge. Registration is mandatory.

Summary of conference

Infrastructure performance also takes shape at the interfaces between mobility, architecture, the environment and acoustics. We propose to address these interactions from the earliest project decisions by bringing together three complementary areas of expertise. Our aim is to connect the quality of user journeys and comfort with operational requirements, resilience and the long-term value of the investment.

The Hub as a demonstrator of the method

The New Shelter Hub is a conceptual demonstrator that can be adapted to each location: a place for mobility, rest and services that brings together user journeys, hospitality, climate protection and sensory experience. It provides a shared setting to consider wayfinding, waiting areas, shade, water, soil, vegetation and acoustics alongside flows and security requirements. These interactions inform design choices tailored to the project’s users and resources.

Three complementary areas of expertise

Speaker

Contribution to the project

Nelly Bussac
ABA-WORKSHOP
CEO and Cofounder

Architecture, urban strategies, mobility and user journeys. Connecting interfaces and creating continuity in the user experience.

Dr Hassan Boukcim
VALORIZ
المدير التنفيذي

Environment, water, soil and ecological restoration. Microclimate and resilience, adapted to local resources and conditions.

Antoine Pommier
DELHOM Acoustics
Partner and Head of Strategic Projects

Acoustics, comfort and sensory experience. Integrating the sound environment into the design of spaces and their uses.

Application to projects in Saudi Arabia

The method is adapted to the climate change, water availability, cultural practices, mobility needs and operating models of each project. It aims to support shared use of resources, optimise capital and operating expenditure, and integrate services that can generate revenue. Reversibility and changing functions are considered from the outset to limit obsolescence and support the long-term value of the asset.
The symposium invites decision-makers to identify critical interfaces and their potential within ongoing or planned projects. Discussions will explore the expertise required and the conditions for putting this approach into systemic practice.

Provisional program

6.45 PM – Arrival of participants
7 PM – Welcoming speech by Dr. Mohamed Ben Laden, Presidenf of the Saudi French Business Council (CAFS)
7.10 PM – Conference “The New Shelter Hub” delivered by:
- - Mrs. Nelly BUSSAC, CEO and Co-Founder of ABA-Workshop
  - Dr Hassan BOUKCIM, CEO of VALORHIZ
  - Mr. Antoine POMMIER, Partner and Head of Strategic Projects at DELHOM Acoustics
8.10 PM – Networking session
9 PM – End of event