Alhamra Corniche Development.

The Alhamra Corniche redevelopment project reimagines Jeddah’s waterfront, focusing on three distinct zones, each rooted in a typological study of Hejazi architectural principles and the city's intrinsic modernity. The design draws from Jeddah’s architectural heritage, particularly its facade openings and materiality, to create a contemporary yet contextually sensitive urban environment.

The project aims to pedestrianize the Corniche Road, enhancing permeability across the zones. Zone A is a mixed-use residential district designed at a human scale, employing the Hejazi grain and urban morphology, with high-end retail on the ground level. Zone B addresses the existing Ritz-Carlton and Intercontinental hotels, whose imposing structures disrupt the skyline and lack integration with the Hejazi grain. This zone focuses on creating better permeability and addressing the barrier effect of the hotels' ground floors. In Zone C, the higher-density building codes allow for the introduction of high-rise developments.

The Corniche road is transformed into a shaded, pedestrian-friendly space, using local trees to maximize shade and shared surfaces between pedestrians and vehicles. Bollards are strategically placed to create the illusion of a large piazza, enhancing the waterfront experience while maintaining a safe separation between foot traffic and vehicles. This holistic approach revitalizes the area, blending Jeddah’s rich heritage with modern urban development principles.

Design competition, Khammash Architects - results unannounced, 2023

Group members: Rayan Alfadel, Jiries Alali, Sarah Yasseen, Mahmoud Helwa, Ali Najjar, Muntasir Ghazi, Khaled Obeidat, Nour Mansour, Hanan Salameh, Nadeen Alkhatib