Two of RMJM Dubai’s projects, the Grand Mosque of Gate Avenue and the KSA Pavilion, were selected to be part of the final shortlist for the upcoming d3 RIBA Gulf Architecture Festival 2020, which will take place in Dubai on 11-13 November 2020.
The event is organised by the Royal Institute of British Architects as part of their Gulf Chapter program, in parallel with the Dubai Design Week. The programme aims to promote architecture and design excellence in countries of the Gulf, including the UAE, Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the Sultanate of Oman.
Grand Mosque
The state-of-the-art Grand Mosque of Gate Avenue in Dubai was completed in 2019. With a capacity of 500 people, it is located at the heart of Dubai International Financial Centre and while its design includes traditional references, it was conceived to be a modern and non-conformist facility. It marks an important addition to the interconnected ecosystem that exists at DIFC. The building is easily recognisable thanks to its exterior Mashrabiya screen decorated with Islamic geometric patterns.
Grand Mosque
The KSA Pavilion was created as a concept for the Expo 2020, with the goal to take its visitors on a “Journey of Discovery” through Saudi Arabia.
“KSA has been in the heart of RMJM since the 60s, we are always very proud to be involved with landmark projects that help realise the vision of the kingdom.” said Sotiris Tsoulos, Design Director at RMJM Dubai.
KSA Pavilion
Its design was inspired by the winding tracts of the country's desert landscapes and it is organised in four hubs, centred around four themes: Connection, Creation, Innovation and Opportunity.
“Kingdom's Expo 2020 Pavillion was one more time a challenge to express the agile and young face of the kingdom and the concept of open walls, and the pavilion was designed around the idea of a country with open walls, a country that embraces change, a country of youth.” Sotiris Tsoulos added.
KSA Pavilion
Both these projects combine modern traits and traditional elements, which make them two great showcases of architecture in the Gulf. While preserving a certain cultural identity, they illustrate the innovative ambitions of the region.
KSA Pavilion
