NULLAH
The site is located on the Eastern delta of Dammam City in Saudi Arabia, facing the Persian Gulf. Nullah is a new luxury retail destination in Dammam which draws reference from the vernacular rammed earth construction methodologies in the region to create a more sustainable alternative to air conditioned shopping malls.
The site is located on the Eastern delta of Dammam City in Saudi Arabia, facing the Persian Gulf. Nullah is a new luxury retail destination in Dammam which draws reference from the vernacular rammed earth construction methodologies in the region to create a more sustainable alternative to air conditioned shopping malls.
The design also takes further reference from the traditional souks as the building will close during the heat of the day and inherit early morning and post sunset opening times to utilise the cooler parts of the day.
Sustainability – The sustainable approach to the design leads toward the creation of the stacked arch typology. This form has then been carved out creating a central ravine through the building occupied by a series of inward facing, shaded retail units. The canyon slice from the centre of the building has been sculpted outwards maximising views over the Gulf and minimising noise transmission onto the residential area behind the site.
Sustainability – The sustainable approach to the design leads toward the creation of the stacked arch typology. This form has then been carved out creating a central ravine through the building occupied by a series of inward facing, shaded retail units. The canyon slice from the centre of the building has been sculpted outwards maximising views over the Gulf and minimising noise transmission onto the residential area behind the site.
Rational – Behind the complex looking facades is actually a very rational design with simple construction methodology. Each shopping unit is a traditional box shape defined within the arches. Landscaped public parks are also located to the east overlooking the gulf.
Natural Circulation – User experience was priorities during the design process and how customers would use the centre. Linking the shops across multiple levels were strategically placed cores to create a flow around each floor.
Arches – Stacked arches in elevation helped to define a grid throughout the scheme and define each shop’s frontage in an interesting way. They also assisted with airflow and ventilation which for the location of the site, is very important to make efficient.
