Dynamic Design Meets Traditional Inspiration: The Park Inn Hotel Riyadh

MZ Architects' Award-Winning Design Fuses Innovation and Tradition

The inspiration behind the Park Inn Hotel Riyadh is rooted in the concept of blocks. MZ Architects drew from this simple form to create a series of variations and alternatives, minimizing waste and creating a cohesive whole. This approach mirrors construction wood stacking, where new variations can be continuously generated, demonstrating the power of modular design.

The resulting building is both dynamic and static. The movement of the blocks lends a sense of dynamism, while the rectangular and sober shape provides a static foundation. The hotel stands as a large dynamic element, radiating light from the elongated slim slits of its façade, breaking up to expose its central spine, the atrium, which defines the entrance and the common spaces of the hotel.

Inspired by the design of the Muqarnas, a feature reminiscent of stalactites in traditional Arabic architecture, the internal vertically zigzagging atrium functions as a courtyard. This design allows for continuous ventilation along the building while creating a hub for interaction and public activities. The design investigates the relationship between mass and void, creating a sense of privacy where little exposure of the hotel’s internal private activities are reflected to the outside.

Every technical aspect of the project is considered an opportunity to enhance performance. Sustainable site planning, light pollution reduction, water-efficient landscaping, and outdoor air delivery monitoring are all incorporated into the design. The building's systems are designed for low energy consumption and high control levels, promoting productivity, efficiency, comfort, and wellbeing of building occupants.

The project, covering a total surface area of 23,000 sqm, houses 200 rooms, 10 suites, dining areas, a business center, health club, and a large underground parking. Located within the vibrant yet calm Al Ahsa street, the hotel caters primarily for businessmen on short trips to the kingdom, offering a safe haven from the noise and traffic of the city.

Designed in 2012, with construction expected to start in June 2013 and last for 18 months, the Park Inn Hotel Riyadh is a testament to MZ Architects' design prowess. The project was awarded the Golden A' Architecture, Building and Structure Design Award in 2013, a prestigious accolade granted to marvelous, outstanding, and trendsetting creations that reflect the designer's prodigy and wisdom. This award-winning design is a shining example of how innovation and tradition can come together to create architectural masterpieces.