Inspired by Al-Balad, Jeddah’s historic district known for its traditional architecture and rich cultural expression, the design reinterprets the essence of its urban fabric through a contemporary architectural language. The project draws from the characteristic balance of ornament and restraint found in Al-Balad’s facades, where layered screens and carved details serve both aesthetic and climatic purposes.
Vertical brise-soleils, inspired by the traditional Rawshan system, define the building’s form and identity. Designed to filter sunlight, reduce heat, and preserve privacy, these elements create a delicate interplay between transparency and enclosure. Their rhythmic arrangement emphasizes the verticality and proportion of the volume, establishing a visually light yet coherent facade.
The Rawshan-inspired system acts as a protective threshold between interior and exterior - maintaining natural light and ventilation while shielding from direct exposure. Toward more private zones, the composition becomes denser, shaping calmer, more enclosed surfaces that contribute to the overall simplicity and continuity of the architectural expression.
Rooted in tradition yet expressed through modern means, the design pays homage to Al-Balad’s timeless logic of climate-responsive architecture, transforming cultural memory into a refined contemporary language.
