Next Hub: A Fusion of Tradition and Modernity

Ahmed Habib's Award-Winning Mixed Use Design in Jeddah

Ahmed Habib drew inspiration from traditional markets, or "Wikala", arranging the project masses to enclose a central plaza. This arrangement creates an urban-like experience with internal views and promotes social interaction. The skyline of the project is dynamic, with varying heights inspired by natural mountains and skylines of Saudi topography. The hotel and admin buildings feature internal courts, a nod to Arabic traditional architecture, to facilitate natural ventilation and sunlight.

Next Hub stands out for its integration of architecture and landscape. The design explores the relationship between solid and void, creating a dialogue between internal and external spaces. The result is a space where occupants can enjoy natural daylight and landscape views throughout the year. The main structure is made of concrete and steel, with honed silver travertine stone, black steel, desaturated brown stucco, and double glazed glass as the main architectural finishes.

The project spans a plot area of 23,000 sqm, with a maximum footprint ratio of 0.6 and a maximum FAR of 1.2. The complex includes a hotel with 108 rooms, admin buildings, food and beverage shops, a kids' entertainment zone, an outdoor plaza, and parking. The design also takes into consideration the cultural needs and climate requirements dictated by Arab traditions.

The design process, which started in July 2020 and concluded in October 2020, involved a series of research activities. These included data collection, cultural research, architectural design direction research, technical research, environmental research, landscape research, and presentation direction research. The main challenge was to create a destination that offers a quality social experience and redefines the image of a mixed-use complex in Jeddah.

Next Hub's innovative design has not gone unnoticed. It was awarded Silver in A' Architecture, Building and Structure Design Award in 2021. The Silver A' Design Award is given to top-of-the-line, creative, and professionally remarkable designs that illustrate outstanding expertise and innovation. These designs, admired for their strong technical characteristics and splendid artistic skill, showcase a remarkable level of excellence and introduce positive feelings, amazement, and wonder.