Bids have been invited for the construction of the new Tradco Center, which will be a new landmark structure for the city of Al Khobar. To be built on a 9,600 sq m site, the new complex will become the catalyst for development along Prince Turki Street, says Tariq Hajj, the principal of Tariq Hajj Architects.

Tariq Hajj Architects designed the Tradco Center in association with Pei Partnership Architects, New York.

The complex will combine an attractive retail centre with modern office space to form a coherent development. At the same time, it is inspired by the rich tradition of Arabic architecture and geometry expressed in a thoroughly contemporary way, says Hajj.

The Tradco Center will tower above its neighbours to take advantage of wonderful views to the Arabian Gulf over the redeveloped waterfront.

The 16-storey highly modern office tower integrates all the latest features of intelligent buildings, sophisticated communications and low-voltage controls, says Hajj.

The engineering systems are, nevertheless, simple and economical.

Each office floor has its own air-cooled air-conditioning unit that can be controlled by the tenant.

The structural system is conventional concrete with 6.9 m spans. At the same time, the design is inspired by traditional Arabic civic architecture, and incorporates classical Arabic patterns in the paving, windows and other areas.

Behind the tower is the retail complex which has fully air-conditioned shops with frontage on the street or on a landscaped interior court.

The entire development is unified through the use of the same materials and design details.

A total of 250 shaded parking spaces are provided on grade and underground.

"The retail buildings feature an interior arcaded courtyard where fountains will bring a welcome sense of serenity. Arabic geometric patterns are invoked not only in the paving and fountain design but also in the square courtyard set inside the square building. Here, the interior square is rotated 45 degrees to open the corners of the courtyard to the perimeter sidewalk.

The separate retail elements - each facing both the street and the interior courtyard - have large attractive perimeters so that they can be easily subdivided or left as single large shops.

The office tower is split into two parts to accentuate its height. The offices have a total area exceeding 17,000 sq m.

"Glass 'crystals' are incorporated into the corners and down the centre, bringing sparkle to the exterior fenestration and also reducing the stone-clad shaft to an even narrower proportion that is reminiscent of minarets," says Hajj.

He continues: "The glass 'crystals' themselves are protected from the harsh solar rays by horizontal louvres that reflect light deep into the office space. These "light shelves" are a proven passive technology that lowers energy consumption by reducing glare at the perimeter and sending useful sunlight to the interior space. The louvre blades are deep near the ceiling and shallow at eye level so that the views to the sea remain unobstructed.

Two luxurious duplex apartments, which are symmetical twins, are located at the top of the office tower to take advantage of rooftop terraces and the magnificent view over the sea.

Abundant natural light and outdoor terraces are the hallmark of both apartments. A private entrance adjacent to the office building entrance serves both units.

A dedicated elevator, also accessible from the underground parking, leads directly to the top, opening onto the first of several sky gardens.