Conference center for the Organization of the Islamic Conference

City Context

The new Headquarter for the Islamic Conferences (OIC) is planned in a new development on the outskirts of Jeddah in Saudi Arabia. Basis for the urban planning is a master plan that will turn the currently unused land into a new commercial neighborhood. The building for the OIC will be the first structure of the master plan to be built and will act as a generator and landmark for the urban fabric to follow.

Waterscape and Sculpture

The new conference centre for the OIC is perceived as a sculpture in a waterscape.
All parking facilities are hidden under the waterscape. Differently landscaped courts form a dynamic axis between the cities of Jeddah and Makah. The irregular geometry of the landscape contrasts and intensifies the sculptural qualities of the building. The lower portion takes reference to the surrounding streets. The upper portion rotates slightly towards the East.
All public uses are positioned in the lower portion of the building. An internal continuous space with generous openings for light fuses programmatically and visually the uses of the conference areas. The offices are positioned above the conference section. VIP facilities and the office of the General Secretary of the OIC are on the top floor.

Day and Night

During the day the new headquarter embodies an image of solidity and strength. The outer skin acts as a permanent sun protection. Printing on the outer glass panels gives the building the desired gold color. At sunset the building changes into a pattern of lit openings that are abstracted from an Islamic pattern. The sculptural effect of the volume is heightened by the pool of water it hovers above.