The Hub: A Contemporary Mixed-Use Building Inspired by Traditional Souqs

Creating an Authentic Urban Experience in Al Riyadh, KSA

The design of The Hub draws inspiration from the narrow corridors and canopies of traditional souqs, creating a vibrant and bustling atmosphere. The universal canopy covering the spaces underneath not only adds to the urban aesthetic but also protects people from the harsh sun rays. The facades of the building feature traditional patterns, juxtaposed with a contemporary treatment that appeals to modern-day customers and retail brands.

What sets The Hub apart is its focus on creating distinct experiences for each function within the building. The ground and mezzanine floors are dedicated to restaurants, while the first floor houses both restaurants and a recreational area for the youth. The second floor is reserved for office spaces, ensuring separate accessibility and vertical circulation for each function.

The realization of The Hub required careful consideration of different privacy levels and the need to create a small urban project within the building. The design team incorporated various buildings, heights, and access points, with corridors and landscaped areas in between. Bridges were created to connect different buildings, and roof gardens were added to enhance the feeling of a living city under one roof.

The Hub boasts impressive technical specifications, with a total built-up area of 20,000 m2. The indoor and outdoor rentable areas cover 10,100 m2, while service areas occupy 2,400 m2. The remaining 8,400 m2 is dedicated to outdoor and landscape spaces, providing visitors with ample opportunities to relax and enjoy the surroundings.

This contemporary mixed-use building is located in the heart of Al Riyadh, at the intersection of the eastern ring road and Abdullah Bin Rashed road. The design process began in March 2019, and construction is currently underway.

The Hub presented several challenges for the design team. One of the main challenges was accommodating multiple functions with different privacy levels under one roof. The team had to ensure that the youth recreational area was separate from the restaurants, adhering to cultural norms that restrict unaccompanied youth in malls and food courts. Additionally, the hot and dry climate of Al Riyadh required the inclusion of outdoor spaces, roof gardens, and terraces, all while providing comfort climate solutions for users.

The Hub has received recognition for its innovative design. It was awarded the Iron A' Design Award in the Architecture, Building, and Structure Design category in 2021. This prestigious award acknowledges the practicality, innovation, and integration of industry best practices in the design, contributing to a better world.