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An artist's impressions of the shopping centre.
Bids are currently being evaluated for the Al Ajlan Shopping Centre in Riyadh. The estimated SR50-60 million ($13-16 million) project is expected to be completed in June 2004.
The client is Mohammed Al Saad Al Ajlan & Sons and the consultant is Omrania & Associates (O&A) Architecture and Engineering Consultants.
The project involves construction of a commercial complex consisting of a 7,412 sq m shopping mall on the ground level with a mezzanine, two levels of leasable office space over an area of 14,000 sq m, and a basement for parking and service amenities, said a spokesman for Omrania.
''The building has been designed in such a way that the shopping mall is accessible from the west side, facing King Fahad Road, while the offices are accessible from the east side, thus providing direct, efficient circulation for both,'' said the spokesman. ''The shops will be reached via a grand atrium which orients visitors and guides them through to their shopping destinations. Offices are planned on a modular basis to provide maximum flexibility in the use of rented space.
''Based on a high-quality, modern design, the building will be constructed using large spans of structural glazing combined with a stainless steel/polished metal canopy to express the grand scale of the project.
''This contemporary approach is carried through the interior of the building by the use of granite floors, glazed storefronts, stainless steel balustrades, escalators and the like.
''Exterior design is streamlined to make it a landmark on King Fahad Road, while interior design provides a comfortable environment for shoppers.
''The amenities of the entire project are distributed around four circulation cores which include dedicated lifts, stairs and lobbies for the offices, while allowing uninterrupted service areas for the shops along the back road.''
