Designed for a leading banking institution located in the heart of the King Abdullah Financial District this new build embraces new ways of working.

The design is born out of a deep understanding of the principles of Islamic mathematics and is respectful of the geometric ideals that underpin the traditional structures of the region. Simply put, the bank is about numbers, Islamic geometry is about numbers; so is the building. The shape of the building is derived from a nested and repeated fractal form within an overall Islamic pattern. By following mathematical rigor to create an interlocking and infinite geometric pattern the design creates a balanced and harmonious building form.

The client/end-user is currently housed in four separate buildings and lacks a sense of community. To address this condition we have developed an optimum floor plate by creatively reconsidering the central core solution. The central core has been replaced with an internal vertical courtyard that visually and physically connects the entire building.

A light funnel at the top of the atrium harvests sunlight and heliostats bounce light deep into the heart of the building ensuring deep light penetration to the lower ground levels. The heart of the bank is a light filled vertical courtyard that is open to its people and customers. The harnessing of the bountiful daylight, combined with a broad range of other sustainable initiatives addresses energy, water, indoor environmental quality and material use.

 
          

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Animations by GlowFrog Studios