The competition design of the Four Points Hotel is inspired by ancient earthworks and wadis of the Saudi Arabian desert. Reminiscent of streams carving wadis from the desert floor, the design sculpts curvilinear forms and green oases from the gridded streets of Riyadh, creating a distinct symbol of the city’s forward-looking vision.
The building’s curvilinear form calls attention from its context. The rounded exterior pulls back from the street edge and creates a unique public space. The hotel is elevated above the public domain by a system of columns and arches that defines a distinct lobby welcoming guests on arrival.
Green elements weave from the street through the lobby, to an interior courtyard and up to a garden roof. A modular stone screen carved with the Four Points logo shades guests from the powerful Saudi sun and projects the logo throughout the hotel, branding the rooms with light. Each of these elements embrace the climate and traditions of Riyadh while embodying advanced sustainable building strategies.