Prince Sultan Center
The Context
The Prince Sultan Center (2013–2015) is a prestigious shopping mall built in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Designed to cater to luxury shopping enthusiasts, it will become one of the city’s main retail destinations. The project encompasses architectural and structural design as well as site supervision, reflecting a high level of craftsmanship and attention to detail. The project was developed in collaboration with Inea srl.
The Concept
The mall is conceived as a luxurious shopping street, with boutiques arranged on both sides and a strong focus on material quality and visual experience. The design aims to create a seamless flow between indoor and outdoor spaces while emphasizing elegance, transparency, and natural light.
The exterior is a clean, minimalist parallelepiped, defined by a large upper frame and a rhythmic sequence of gates that shape the main façade. Entrances are articulated with full volumes, masking double-height interior spaces and reinforcing the monumental character of the gallery.
The Project
Façade and Materials
The façade is clad in precious marbles, including Carrara and Black Marquina, with colored glass inserts that highlight boutique windows and brand visibility. This careful material selection elevates the perception of luxury while providing a refined contrast between opaque and transparent surfaces.
Interior Spaces and Skylight
The mall’s main interior space is covered by a glazed steel-and-glass structure, flooding the gallery with natural light. The skylight is horizontally articulated, projecting subtly above the building and visually interrupting the purity of the volume. This projection also defines a south-facing feature, under which a large fountain creates a dynamic focal point with water and light effects.
Visitor Experience
The design emphasizes a sense of fluidity and openness, guiding visitors naturally through the mall while reinforcing the prestige of the commercial environment. Double-height spaces, elegant materials, and a central skylight create an immersive and luxurious shopping experience, making the Prince Sultan Center a landmark destination in Jeddah.
