adrian smith + gordon gill architecture: jeddah tower in saudi arabia

chicago-based practice adrian smith + gordon gill architecture has recently unveiled plans to construct the ‘kingdom tower’ in jeddah, saudi arabia. projected to become the world’s next tallest building, it will be the primary component within the kingdom city development intended to revive the city’s urban core. the slender form is conceptually derived from the fronds of a native flower emerging from the arid desert sand. the mixed use program will accommodate a four seasons hotel, apartments, office space, luxury condominiums and the world’s highest observatory overlooking the adjacent red sea.

all images © adrian smith + gordon gill architecture

the asymmetrical vertical arrangement is formed from three converging ‘petals’ which reduce wind forces generated from the building’s extreme height. horizontal notches in the facade provide shadows to protect the open air terraces from strong direct sunlight. serviced by 59 elevators and 12 escalators, it is confirmed that it will be over 1,000 meters tall, only revealing the ultimate elevation to the public upon final completion. the projected realization will be five years from ground breaking with an overall cost of $20 billion USD, with approximately $1.2 billion USD assigned solely for the tower.

view of the kingdom city complex from the top of the tower

architect adrian smith has stated in reference to the design: ‘with its slender, subtly asymmetrical massing, the tower evokes a bundle of leaves shooting up from the ground – a burst of new life that heralds more growth all around it.’

(left) the entrance to the enormous tower
(right) an aerial view of the structure’s waterside location

world’s tallest observation deck

observation deck from below

a view of ‘kingdom tower’ from across the water

the spire of the tower peaks through the clouds

project info:

name: kingdom tower
location: jeddah, saudi arabia
client: jeddah economic company
cost: $1.2 billion USD
function: mixed use
height: 1,000+m / 3,280+ft
area: 530,000 sqm /  5,704,872 sqf