The design proposes an ‘spiritual shelter’ by re-creating an urban quarter in the area of the old medieval town Al-Shamiyah (which has already been demolished) and allows 1,5 million people to simultaneously attend prayer in view of Kaa’ba while occupying praying terraces above the city. The scheme also provides practical solutions to the serious problems affecting the existing structure, offers a sustainable direction for future growth, and enables a more positive experience for both citizens of Makkah and visiting pilgrims — one that is truer to the original Ka’bah traditions.

CLIENT

MOHE – Ministry of Higher Education of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

SECTOR

Masterplanning

LOCATION

Saudi Arabia, Mecca

YEAR

2008