Norton Rose Fulbright Offices – Riyadh

Allen Architecture Interiors Design (AAID)‘s design project for Norton Rose Fulbright in Riyadh blends traditional rawasheen windows with contemporary architecture, emphasizing natural light, privacy, and cultural heritage in the workspace.

Rawasheen: A Nomadic Destination
Embracing the essence of the rawasheen, windows adorned with wooden latticework featuring circles, crescent moons, arrows, or stars, painted in serene shades of blue or green, are a testament to the Hijazi architectural legacy. These intricately designed windows, rooted in tradition, cleverly balance the infusion of natural light and air circulation with the preservation of privacy, offering panoramic views and have come to define the architectural landscape of many parts of Saudi Arabia.

In an innovative fusion of a predominantly nomadic culture with a heritage steeped in meticulous craftsmanship, the new headquarters for Norton Rose Fulbright, nestled in the iconic Kingdom Tower in Riyadh, seeks to encapsulate the spirit of the rawasheen within a contemporary framework. Here, the doors and shutters, echoing the historical significance of houses, evolve into symbols of status and ownership, celebrating the rich narrative woven into architectural elements.

Windows serve as conduits for interaction with the external environment, conduits for natural light and air, and tools for adorning a building facade while ensuring the safety and security of its occupants. Along with an intent to leverage the rawasheen-inspired windows to frame the sprawling cityscape, these windows will not only function as guardians of privacy but will also foster visual connections, encouraging a continuous journey of discovery within the workspace

Design: Allen Architecture Interiors Design (AAID)
Project Manager: T&T
Contractor: INC
Photography: courtesy of Allen Architecture Interiors Design (AAID)