PEARL of the GULF – commercial, residential and offices area

In collaboration with: Buthina Al Tarawneh Consulting Engineering Office – www.bt-ac.com; Arch. Awad Tarawneh, Arch. Barbara Criscione, Arch. Cristina Bartolotta.

The project, based on curved shapes and welcoming, like the pearl in the shell, as the originai concept of the project, called "Pearl of the Gulf".

The project regards the construction of a new shopping complex in AI Khobar - KSA, located on King Abdulaziz Road No.615 to "King Abdulaziz Seaport" the Arabian Gulf.

The project consists of two main areas: a "commerciai area" on the side of King Abdulaziz Rd. and one "residential and offices area" with three towers and park. The two areas are divided by a main road.

The buildings are at a level above the streets level. The different levels are connected by gardens. The main road in the trenches is bypassed by three pedestrian bridges.

A - AREA of the TOWERS and the PARK

The area of the towers and the park is characterized by the curved geometry of the buildings with sinuous "s" at the first 6 floors.

The 60 upper floors, occupied by offices, hotels and residences, are with glass vertical walls on degrading planes.The vertical walls at the top have the form of slender sails in the sky.

The outdoor area and the roads of the towers area follows the sinuous geometry of the complex.

The park is crossed by the pedestrian route of the complex, called "The path of the water" that starts from the MalI. This pedestrian route crosses the main road.

The pedestrian walk continues on the upper level where there are green embankments. The path ends projecting above the waters of the artificiallake.

In this area are located two little buildings used as refreshmenl.

The zones are completed with water games and channels on multiple levels for the comfort and relaxation of the visitors.

B - COMMERCIAL AREAS

The form of the commerciai areas is of type radio-centric, with a events square in his centre, where the shops and pedestrian walk rotate on il.

In our idea the spaces are traversed by two main pedestrian routes: one fram the "Souk" and the other called "The path of the water" that through the internai and outer squares of the Mali continue after in the direction of the park outside.

B1 - LAND MARK MALL

is the biggest commerciai building that is spread over multiple levels with walkways and terraces on the upper floors, connected by lifts and ramps at the main squares, where they are placed decorative fountains.

It includes: the Main Mali, the Hypermarket, the Food and beverage and the multicinema.

B2 - FRENCH STYLE & EUROPEAN SHOP

is a collection of buildings on a single ground floor which consists mainly of clothing stores with fashion brands and fashion griffe and other.

B3 - OLD TYPICAL SOUK

Access is on the main road that crosses an important symbolic portai inspired by the architectural character of the traditional Arabic style is the most characteristic building of the compound where there are shops of typical food products and crafts of the Arab tradition.

Compared to the other buildings is closed on itself with self-internal routes arising fram the main road. Ali routes are covered by large sails windows that recall the typical environment of the markets covered traditional "Souk Bazaar".

C - EVENTS YARD

It is the square of the events, completely covered by a majestic glass dome with iron structure supported by important columns and characterized by a circular path that overlooks il.

Its surface is at a lower level connected by steps with the function of the stands at musical and cultural events, or simply act as a seat for the relaxation of the people.

There is a big stage as well as stairs andramps connecting with the main circular path.

In the lower floor of the square are provided for water games.