El Khayyat Centre
The Context
The El Khayyat Centre (2014–2015) is a luxury shopping mall currently under construction in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Designed to become a major destination for upscale retail, it is conceived as a commercial street with boutiques on both sides, combining elegance, functionality, and a high-quality visitor experience. The project was developed in collaboration with Inea srl.
The Concept
The design emphasizes luxury and spatial clarity, using a simple, pure parallelepiped form articulated with a large frame at the top and a sequence of portals along the main façade. Entrances are expressed as solid volumes, animating the exterior while concealing the double-height interior gallery, creating a striking contrast between exterior monumentality and interior openness.
High-quality materials and transparency are central to the concept. The fully glazed roof allows natural light to penetrate deep into the interior, while horizontal projections introduce subtle dynamism to the building volume. The interplay of light, material, and water integrates the building with the surrounding urban and landscape context.
The Project
Façade and Materials
The façade features premium stone cladding, including Carrara and Black Marquina marble, combined with colored glass inserts that highlight boutique storefronts and brand visibility. The material palette emphasizes refinement and elegance, reinforcing the luxurious character of the mall.
Interior Spaces and Skylight
The shopping gallery is covered by a steel-and-glass roof, allowing abundant natural light to illuminate the double-height interior. The horizontal projection of the skylight “breaks” the purity of the volume and creates a visual connection with the south façade.
Water Feature and Visitor Experience
A large fountain, positioned along the south façade beneath the skylight overhang, provides dynamic water and light effects, creating a focal point and enhancing the overall visitor experience. The combination of spatial transparency, natural light, and premium finishes delivers a luxurious, inviting environment that will establish the El Khayyat Centre as a landmark retail destination in Jeddah.
