Few regions are growing as quickly as the Middle East. Beyond serving as a home to millions of longtime residents, cities like Riyadh are also seeing a massive influx of new expats and visitors, with projections to grow as much as 36% in population by 2033. Under these unique circumstances, mixed-use developments face a tricky balancing act: catering to increasingly diverse audiences while staying true to regional style — all while meeting heightened standards for sustainability.

1364ah Lifestyle Center accommodates a rapidly growing neighborhood while capturing the existing essence of the city. Natural strata formations from Riyadh’s surrounding landscape inform free-standing curvilinear forms, seemingly shaped by water, wind, and time. A free-flowing courtyard opens outward in every direction, inviting the public to engage, while water features, shading elements, and landscaping offer respite from the elements. Various programs from retail to cinema to workplace cater to an increasingly diverse group of visitors.

Riyadh’s premier lifestyle center aligns with a regional shift away from enclosed, large-scale mixed-use developments toward more open, inclusive, regionally reflective design. The space’s many outdoor areas eliminate the need for costly cooling, instead encouraging more physical connection to the outdoor environment. As the city and region continue to expand, these foundations ensure the space can adapt to future increases in both the volume and variety of visitors.