The new 2001-built icon for Riyadh and Saudi Arabia, the unique shape culminates in an inverted catenary arch – the ‘necklace’ of Riyadh, symbolising prosperity – spanned by a 56-metre skybridge with viewing deck. The tower is in direct axis with Riyadh’s other skyscraper, the Al Faisaliyah Centre. The driveway lighting fixtures mimic the arch’s ellipse, and in fact all interior designs (down to the dustbins) mimic the iconic arch. The arch exterior is aluminium, in contrast to thje reflective blue glass that dominates the rest of the building for emphasis. Perpetually colour-shifting lighting at night also set’s the arch off in the Riyadh skyline. Winner of 2002 Emporis Skyscraper Award. Architect: Ellerbe Becket

Written by  George Monkhouse.

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