Client: Royal Commission for Riyadh City
Location: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Services Provided: Design Competition, Architectural, Engineering, Landscape & Interior Design + Supervision
Total Built-Up Area: 44,000 m²
Construction Cost: US $60,000,000
Starting Date: 1984 (Design) - 1988 (Supervision)
Completion Date: 1985 (Design) - 1992 (Supervision)
Approach
The Justice Palace, or Qasr Al Hokm, stands as a monumental reflection of Riyadh’s rich architectural heritage while embracing modern design principles. The architectural vision was anchored in the rejuvenation of central Riyadh, aiming to seamlessly integrate the city’s historic elements with contemporary architecture. Salmani Architecture led the charge with the goal of preserving the essence of Najdi architecture, a key to Riyadh's cultural identity, while enhancing the overall urban environment through thoughtful design strategies. The vision included:
Strategic Urban Integration: The project was designed to enhance existing streets and weave landscape plazas and pathways to link architectural elements in a cohesive manner, allowing for easy navigation while preserving the cultural landscape.
Landscape and Architecture Harmony: The project emphasized integrating Najdi architectural elements with the landscape, creating seamless transitions between public spaces and the building.
Challenge
The key challenges for the Justice Palace project included:
Balancing Heritage and Modernity: The primary challenge was to create a building that reflected Riyadh's rich cultural history while accommodating the modern needs of a functional judicial center.
Designing for a Symbolic Role: As the seat of justice, the building had to serve as a symbol of authority and cultural significance. This required a delicate balance between architectural grandeur and functional simplicity.
Integration into the Urban Fabric: Ensuring that the building not only fulfilled its legal functions but also became a cornerstone for revitalizing central Riyadh, linking the city’s historic fabric with its future growth.
Impact
The impact of the Justice Palace is evident in its architectural, cultural, and urban significance:
Award-Winning Design: The project earned international recognition, including first prize in the international architectural competition in 1988 and the prestigious Aga Khan Award for Architecture in 1995. This not only elevated its status as a landmark in Riyadh but also highlighted the fusion of tradition with contemporary design.
Cultural Relevance: The design, deeply rooted in the study of local heritage, has influenced subsequent architectural projects in Riyadh, furthering the appreciation of Najdi architecture in modern contexts.
Urban Rejuvenation: The Justice Palace became a cornerstone in the revitalization of central Riyadh, contributing to the city’s urban development while maintaining a strong connection to its cultural past.
Academic Influence: The building has since become a subject of academic research and publications, further cementing its role in shaping the architectural dialogue around the fusion of tradition and modernity in the region.
The Justice Palace is a timeless symbol of architectural ingenuity, bringing together past and present in a space that serves both the people and the history of Riyadh.
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