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 | Aug 17, 2020
New Sydney towers will have the world’s first AI-driven facade system
SOM and Fender Katsalidis are designing the project.
Mixed-Use | Aug 4, 2020
San Jose’s new tallest building tops out
Steinberg Hart designed the project.
Mixed-Use | Jul 27, 2020
$92 million reconstruction of St. Petersburg Municipal Pier completes
Rogers Partners, ASD | SKY, and landscape architect Ken Smith Workshop designed the project.
Mixed-Use | Jul 22, 2020
Skanska selects Pickard Chilton to design innovative office tower in Bellevue, Wash.
The 800,000-gsf mixed-use project is located at 10660 NE 8th Street.
Mixed-Use | Jul 21, 2020
Phase one of The Orbit masterplan detailed for Innisfil, Ontario
Partisans is designing the project.
Mixed-Use | Jul 20, 2020
J. Small Investments, Lyda Hill Philanthropies have unveiled plans for a 23-acre mixed-use development in Dallas
The vacant campus was purchased from ExxonMobil Oil Corporation in 2015.
Mixed-Use | Jul 17, 2020
Ryan Companies breaks ground on 122-acre Highland Bridge redevelopment in St. Paul, Minn.
The community’s goal is to provide 100% renewable energy to its houses and businesses.
Mixed-Use | Jul 15, 2020
1928 hotel reimagined as new residential and cultural hub in Merced, Calif.
Page & Turnbull designed the project.
Mixed-Use | Jul 14, 2020
Apartments and condos occupy what was once a five-story car dealership
Wisznia | Architecture+Development designed, developed, and is managing the project.
Mixed-Use | Feb 21, 2020
SB Architects to design Fort Lauderdale’s FATVillage mixed-use destination
The project will build upon the existing FATVillage Arts District.
