Foster + Partners has recently revealed their winning design for a luxury hotel and serviced apartments in the Saudi Arabian city of Mecca. The design’s vertical cascading elements are meant to resemble the surrounding mountainous terrain and form a new topography while its clustered appearance pays homage to traditional Arab architecture.
According to Foster + Partners, the development is meant to address the shortage of accommodations in Mecca as the number of annual visitors continues to grow. All of the rooms and apartments are oriented to maximize direct views towards the Holy Kaaba and the Grand Mosque and come equipped with a dedicated space for private prayer.
The new development will be located on the axis between the new Haramain High-speed Rail Station and the Grand Mosque and will form a key part of the pilgrims’ journey towards the Holy Kaaba. A new pedestrian ramp will be integrated into the new design and lead pilgrims through naturally lit spaces.
“Mecca is one of the most unique cities in the world. As the home of the Holy Kaaba - the holiest site in Islam - it presents a special challenge and honor for any developer and architect,” says Luke Fox, Head of Studio and Senior Executive Partner, Foster + Partners, on the firm’s website. “Our design sets out to create an innovative building form that will be respectful to the scale and importance of the Grand Mosque.”
Rendering courtesy of Foster + Partners.
Rendering courtesy of Foster + Partners.
Rendering courtesy of Foster + Partners.
Related Stories
Multifamily Housing | Aug 19, 2019
Affordable, senior development rises in the Bronx
RKTB Architects is designing the project.
Mixed-Use | Aug 14, 2019
Las Vegas’ $7.9 billion ‘mini-city’ will be a ‘digital revolution in motion’
All of the project’s buildings will be net-zero.
Mixed-Use | Aug 12, 2019
BIG will master plan Saudi Arabia's 'Giga-Project'
Qiddiya is currently under construction 28 miles outside of Riyadh.
Mixed-Use | Jul 25, 2019
5 ways to activate ‘dead space’ in mixed-use developments
By energizing the areas in between tenant spaces, design and real estate teams can drive more traffic—and revenue—for tenants.
Mixed-Use | Jul 24, 2019
Three-building development to rise on vacant parcel in Chicago suburb Arlington Heights
Tinaglia Architects designed the project.
Mixed-Use | Jul 23, 2019
Shanghai’s T20 stacks office and community space atop a plant-filled parking garage
Jacques Ferrier Architecture and Sensual City Studio designed the building.
Mixed-Use | Jul 19, 2019
Lendlease and Google to develop mixed-use neighborhoods in San Francisco Bay
The residential, retail, hospitality, and other civic components have an estimated development value of $15 billion.
Mixed-Use | Jul 18, 2019
POST Houston mixed-use development will include a five-acre “skylawn”
OMA is designing the project.
Mixed-Use | Jul 2, 2019
Brooklyn’s Flatbush Caton Market redevelopment will preserve the Caribbean community amidst gentrification
Freeform + Deform designed the building with Magnusson Architecture + Planning as the Architect of Record.
Mixed-Use | Jun 20, 2019
SOM-designed mixed-use tower opens in Sydney
The building is located in Sydney’s Central Business District.
