Project Overview

Kingdom Centre, Riyadh's preeminent retail destination, isset to be transformed by internationally acclaimed architecture and interiordesign studio Gabellini Sheppard Associates. This Gabellini Sheppard SaudiArabia commission—the firm's first major project in the Kingdom—sees the NewYork studio leading creative direction, design, and programming in closepartnership with Trade Centre Company Ltd. (sole owner), JLL as owner'srepresentative, and P&T Group as Lead Design Consultant.

About Kingdom Centre

One of the tallest buildings in the Middle East, the KingdomCentre has been a symbol of a modern Riyadh since its completion in 2002. The1.9 million square foot building is home to a preeminent shopping mallalongside the five-star Four Seasons Hotel, luxury residences, offices, eventand entertainment venues, and the Sky Bridge observatory. Now, 20 years afterthe Kingdom Centre was first introduced, Gabellini Sheppard will reimagine theCentre, maintaining its status as a world-class destination for futuregenerations. The studio is focused on refreshing the Centre's look and feelwith innovative technology, theatrical lighting concepts, and bespoke materials.These design and program updates will play a major role in defining theenhanced retail landscape of the Kingdom Centre for years to come.

Design Vision

“The next stage of the Kingdom Centre's evolution willreflect its prominence and renew its stature as a global luxury tourismdestination. We're thrilled to play a part in reimagining this landmark thathas made a substantial impact on Riyadh's cultural landscape. The aspirationhere is to create a shopping paradise,” says Michael Gabellini, GabelliniSheppard Associates Founding Partner.

Gabellini Sheppard'sdesign draws inspiration from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's depth of culture,natural beauty, and heritage, with an eye looking toward the future. Known fortaking a distinct hospitality-minded approach to experiential design, GabelliniSheppard sculpts with space, light, and movement to introduce an anticipatoryquality to retail experiences, carving out moments of spectacle and encouragingconsumer engagement.

Materials & Lighting

A revamped arrival experience warmly welcomes visitors fromthe moment they arrive, setting the tone for their experience within. For theCentre's interiors, Gabellini Sheppard selected a rich material palette ofbronze mirror, gradated honed stone, warm nickel silver, optical glass, andcrystal. Intricate custom chandeliers and integrated lighting fixtures will besuspended from undulating ceilings, dramatically sculpting the space. Thesedesign interventions, combined with a newly visioned program, will foster aninviting and enhanced environment for all to explore..

Vision 2030 & Tourism Goals

Kingdom Centre is a top international tourism destination,and this Kingdom Centre Mall renovation aims to attract even more visitorsthrough design enhancements that further the Riyadh Vision 2030 architectureambitions: attracting 100 million tourists to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.Vision 2030 is the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's ambitious plan to diversify thecountry, bolstering its place as the social, cultural, and economic hub of theMiddle East, the heart of the Arab and Islamic worlds, and a global investmentpowerhouse.

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