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 | Mar 11, 2023
Austin mixed-use development will provide two million sf of office, retail, and residential space
In Austin, Texas, the seven-building East Riverside Gateway complex will provide a mixed-use community next to the city’s planned Blue Line light rail, which will connect the Austin Bergstrom International Airport with downtown Austin. Planned and designed by Steinberg Hart, the development will include over 2 million sf of office, retail, and residential space, as well as amenities, such as a large park, that are intended to draw tech workers and young families.
Sports and Recreational Facilities | Feb 27, 2023
New 20,000-seat soccer stadium will anchor neighborhood development in Indianapolis
A new 20,000-seat soccer stadium for United Soccer League’s Indy Eleven will be the centerpiece of a major neighborhood development in Indianapolis. The development will transform the southwest quadrant of downtown Indianapolis by adding more than 600 apartments, 205,000 sf of office space, 197,000 sf for retail space and restaurants, parking garages, a hotel, and public plazas with green space.
Retail Centers | Feb 24, 2023
Santiago Calatrava unveils plans for a luxury retail and office complex in Düsseldorf, Germany
Renowned architect and engineer Santiago Calatrava, along with the CENTRUM Group, has unveiled plans for Calatrava Boulevard, a luxury retail and office complex in Düsseldorf, Germany. Running parallel to Königsallee and connecting with the Steinstrasse station, Calatrava Boulevard will incorporate and connect to the boulevard’s existing buildings.
Mixed-Use | Feb 23, 2023
7 mixed-use developments that don't sacrifice housing affordability
Here are seven mixed-use, multifamily projects dedicated to providing affordable housing.
Multifamily Housing | Feb 21, 2023
Watch: DBA Architects' Bryan Moore talks micro communities and the benefits of walkable neighborhoods
What is a micro-community? Where are they most prevalent? What’s the future for micro communities? These questions (and more) addressed by Bryan Moore, President and CEO of DBA Architects.
Multifamily Housing | Feb 16, 2023
Coastal Construction Group establishes an attainable multifamily housing division
Coastal Construction Group, one of the largest privately held construction companies in the Southeast, has announced a new division within their multifamily sector that will focus on the need for attainable housing in South Florida.
Affordable Housing | Feb 15, 2023
2023 affordable housing roundup: 20+ multifamily projects
In our latest call for entries, Building Design+Construction collected over 20 multifamily projects with a focus on affordable housing. Here is a comprehensive list of all projects in alphabetical order.
Multifamily Housing | Feb 11, 2023
8 Gold and Platinum multifamily projects from the NAHB's BALA Awards
This year's top BALA multifamily winners showcase leading design trends, judged by eight industry professionals from across the country.
Multifamily Housing | Feb 10, 2023
Dallas to get a 19-story, 351-unit residential high-rise
In Dallas, work has begun on a new multifamily high-rise called The Oliver. The 19-story, 351-unit apartment building will be located within The Central, a 27-acre mixed-use development near the Knox/Henderson neighborhood north of downtown Dallas.
Mixed-Use | Dec 7, 2022
Bjarke Ingels’ first design project in South America is poised to open next year in Ecuador
In 2013, Quito, Ecuador’s capital, opened its new airport, which had been relocated from the metro’s center to an agricultural site 12 miles northeast of the city. Since then, Quito’s skyline has been reshaped by new, vertical structures that include the 24-story mixed-use EPIQ Residences, designed in the shape of a quarter circle by Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG).