The SR200 million ($53.33 million) Amana Tower has been purpose-designed to accommodate the headquarters of Jeddah Municipality. Great care has been taken in the design of this landmark structure which is designed to be a model for other building projects in Jeddah, according to a spokesman for the consultant, Zuhair Fayez & Partners,

Piling work is set to begin now following completion of mobilisation work on the project which is being built over a 22,205 sq m site near the Coastguard Road. Due to the nature of the terrain, two contractors - Arab Soil Contractors and Soil and Foundation Company - have been selected to install the cast insitu post grouted piles.

Work on the foundations is expected to be completed in three months time, according to the spokesman.

Conceptually, the project has been divided into three zones - public, administrative and exhibition spaces. These comprise the main 18-storey (plus ground floor) tower which makes up the administrative zone, a three-storey block adjacent to the main block, which is the public zone, and a function area which includes outdoor venues to stage exhibitions, conferences and other similar events.

The development also includes a five-storey car-park building accessed via two circular ramps to the north and the south of the structure

The project includes a built-up area of 30,452 sq m, with the net office area being 21,100 sq m.

The tower will house a mayor's meeting hall, lecture hall, exhibition hall, prayer room, public relation offices and library on the ground floor. Levels one to 16th floor have been assigned for administration offices, while the 17th and 18th floors will house the mayor's office.

The project has been designed to be a harmonious blend of the indigenous cultural heritage and modern technology, the spokesman says.

"Basing the design concept on these parameters, the project delicately balances the characteristics of the old and the new. Traditional mashrabia shapes have ben stylised into modern-day sunscreens at the edges of the tower, flanking the centre which comprises neat glass surfaces that reflect today's technology," he explains.

The external facade of the main tower is clad in curtain-walling which features bluish-green reflective glass, with the four corners - which have a leaf-shaped geometric cross-section - clad in beige-coloured precast concrete. The parking structure to the east of the tower and the public zone building will be clad in precast concrete with an identical finish to give a harmonious appearance to the entire project..

The complex includes two main entrances on the north and the south and two side entrances.

The function area is located to the south of the tower that is semi-attached to the Amana Tower on the ground level and overlooks a lagoon. This section has a semi-circular entrance area which is covered with a tensile fabric structure.

Elaborating on the cross-section of the building, he says: "Entering from the north site, the visitor is ushered in through a symbolic grand entrance and via the main lobby where he witnesses an architecturally rich spine running through the building towards the south, which culminates into a tent structure housing the outdoor exhibition areas."

Though the building makes extensive use of glass careful thought have been given to ensure energy efficiency, he says.

"The three lower public floors have internal courtyards, which are shaded to protect the area from direct sunlight. The building is oriented in the north-south direction and vertical and horizonal sunshades have been used over the glass windows facing the east and the west. In addition, the design incorporates open areas and trees for shaded pedestrian walkways," he explains.

The Amana Tower is due for completion in January 2005. A joint venture of Almabani General Contractors Company and Al-Saad (MSJV) has been engaged as the main contractor.