Floating Stones. Jeddah

Jeddah, Arabia Saudita

TITLE

Project for a Tourist Complex on the Jeddah Waterfront

CLIENT

Ente Governativo – Regno dell’Arabia Saudita

TYPE OF INTERVENTION

New construction

SURFACE

2.500 mq

STATE

Project

Floating Stones. Jeddah

Jeddah, Arabia Saudita

TITLE

Project for a Tourist Complex on the Jeddah Waterfront

CLIENT

Ente Governativo – Regno dell’Arabia Saudita

TYPE OF INTERVENTION

New construction

SURFACE

2.500 mq

STATE

Project

The project is located in the northern part of Jeddah City, which lies along the seashore not far from the major road linking the Red Sea coast to different towns. The uniqueness of the project area as well as the fascinating relationship between desert and sea – tightly linked to Saudi Arabia’s traditions and history – have inspired and guided the design project. The design links, (more specifically merges) the sea with the land, the rocks and the water, in a highly representative and strongly symbolic architectural complex able to provide its guests and visitors with a unique experience and the chance for a firsthand encounter with the riches of the Arabic culture and landscape.

Desert stones reflected in the water of the Red Sea

The design proposal is, for this reason, made up of two different parts: a base – closely recalling the horizontal development of the surrounding landscape - to house the common spaces, and the visitor areas: a series of “stones” or stone-shaped buildings that “float” either on artificial water surfaces (the pools) or on natural ones (the sea). The play of reflections of each building on the water multiplies its surfaces and brings out its geometries and shapes. The seven “stones” are made up of two to eight levels with a circular floor plan of different diameters and heights.

Inside are green courts, “oases” filled with lush indigenous vegetation, that provide different sights and spatial conditions, depending on whether the rooms give onto the exterior or the interior of the building. Three of the “stones” are for the mostly house hotel rooms and suites, while the remaining ones serve for prominent functions such as a Convention Hall, Restaurants, Concert Hall. The upper floor of the higher “stone” houses a “food court” with several different restaurants that offer an undisturbed view of the surrounding landscape. The top floors are characterized by terraces and lookout points, which host recreational functions.

Credits

DESIGN ARCHITECTS Guendalina Salimei – Tstudio | Alessandra De Berardis 

MEP Interstudio, Carlo Ripanti

Published in

Riciputo A., Arcamone S., Torre G., Guendalina Salimei. La cultura della cura condivisa. In: “Social Cohesion” di OFARCH n.158/2022 pp. 52-67.

Salimei, G., Complesso turistico Jeaddah, Arabia Saudita, In: “Metamorfosi Quaderni di Architettura” n.4. Lettera Ventidue: Siracusa 2016, pp. 76-79.

Salimei, G., City Landscape. Iliosa Editore: Bari 2012, pp. 156-163.