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
Mixed-Use | Apr 7, 2021
New mixed-use rental community breaks ground in Chicago’s Bronzeville neighborhood
The building marks the latest phase of the Oakwood Shores revitalization plan.
Mixed-Use | Mar 24, 2021
Austin United Alliance’s proposal selected for redevelopment of Chicago’s Austin-Laramie State Bank site
The winning scheme was chosen from among six others.
Mixed-Use | Mar 22, 2021
Mixed-use, mixed-income development under construction in Salt Lake City
KTGY Architecture + Planning is designing the project.
Mixed-Use | Mar 9, 2021
47-story residential and office building set for San Francisco’s new ‘Hub’
Solomon Cordwell Buenz designed the project.
Mixed-Use | Mar 8, 2021
Chicago’s South Side to receive new Entrepreneurial and Community Hub
SOM and TnS Studio will lead the design.
Mixed-Use | Feb 24, 2021
Skanska completes primary construction work on Nashville’s largest ever mixed-use project
Gresham Smith is serving as architect-of-record for the entire project and is part of the design team with Pappageorge Haymes and Gensler.
Mixed-Use | Feb 22, 2021
Mixed-use development will occupy former manufacturing industrial site near the Chicopee River
Paul A. Castrucci Architects is designing the project.
Reconstruction & Renovation | Feb 18, 2021
Connecticut’s Swift Gold Leaf Factory becomes a community job incubator
Bruner/Cott Architects designed the project.
Mixed-Use | Jan 21, 2021
3XN and IttenBrechbühl to design a wooden tower in Switzerland
The project will be located in Lausanne, Switzerland.
Mixed-Use | Jan 20, 2021
Union Square’s first ground-up development in two decades completes
MBH Architects, in collaboration with Page & Turnbull, designed the project.