Saudi Arabian Mixed-Use Development, Building, Architect, Image, News

Saudi Arabian Development

Mixed-Use Development in Saudi Arabia design by Capita Symonds

5 Dec 2011

Saudi Arabian Development Design

KSA

Architects: Capita Symonds

Capita Symonds Unveils Plans For Saudi Arabian Mixed-Use Scheme

Plans for a new £20m, 50,000 sqft, mixed-use development on the east coast of Saudi Arabia have been unveiled.

Designed by Capita Symonds on behalf of a private client, the development comprises six floors of circa 8,000 sqft open plan office space, retail units on the ground floor, and a new gymnasium and spa facility.

The design features a triple skinned facade with chevrons of stainless steel set apart as a grid by a thousand individually LED-lit faceted acrylic crystals – each held in place by a plated gold finial – which act as low angle and high angle solar control and refer back to the traditional ‘Mashrabiya’ of Islamic and Middle Eastern architecture.

The roof is formed as a carefully balanced wing with tapering edges to all sides and has a gold leaf soffit to reflect light and activity on the ‘executive’ top floor, which in turn features a carefully designed prayer space as well as boardrooms and private offices.

Chris Boyce of Capita Symonds said: “The project explores the way a facade can alter the internal environment by providing shade, and at the same time can deliver very different visual impact at differing times of the day and night. The crystals on the facade and gold leaf underside to the roof are a nod to the client’s connections to the precious stones and gold trade.”

Work is expected to start on site in spring with the project due for completion in 2013.

Saudi Arabian Mixed-Use Development images / information from Capita Symonds

Capita Symonds Architects, UK

Location: Riyadh, KSA

Architecture in Saudi Arabia

Contemporary Architecture in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabian Architecture – Selection

Museum of the Built Environment, Riyadh, central Saudi Arabia
Design: FXFOWLE

image from architects
Museum of the Built Environment Saudi Arabia