III. Competition

Emerald Necklace of the Red Sea

Amaala, Saudi Arabia | Resort/Hospitality/Masterplanning

Safdie Architects

Amaala island will be a destination for innovative experiential escapes located on Saudi Arabia’s north-western coast. Inspired by the shape of the island, the design starts with a promenade from North to South that is about water, landscape, and circulation, linking the diverse experiences. The path connects different hotel and resort zones, and along the path are integrated art installations and garden experiences, weaving together a collection of oases like an emerald necklace.

Responsibilities:

- Concept design of the art path

- Concept design of the south neighborhood

- Plan and section drawing sets

Software:

Rhino| AutoCad | Adobe Suite

Examples of the south neighborhood design

The south neighborhood, containing Boutique Hotels 1 & 2, the Southern Resort, and the marina, is designed in the spirit of integration into its unique site setting. These developments are generated into one of the more dramatic topography eruptions on the island. The two hill (mountain) peaks straddle the southern end of the island, framing the marina. Boutique Hotel 1 nestles in between them, terracing upon their lower reaches and forming a gateway to the rest of the island northbound. Boutique Hotel 2 opens to the sea, with the villas and suites taking advantage of the topography as they cascade down the hillside, each with uninterrupted views.

Examples of sections through a variety of promenade conditions

As the promenade flows onward toward the north, it goes through different experiences. At one point, it becomes slightly cut into the earth, creating a beautiful definition of the landscape. This also affords the possibility of integrated installations within the path. Above are example of possible art installations on the path.

Example of section diagrams