Kingdom Centre
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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| Technical Data | |
|---|---|
| Structural height | 302 m (991 ft) |
| Height to tip | 309 m (1015 ft) |
| Floors (Above ground) | 45 |
| Floors (Basement) | 2 |
| Elevator Count | 45 |
| Groundbreaking | 2000 |
| Topout/Opened | 2002 |
| Tower Land Area | 100,000 m² |
| Gross floor area | 500,000 m² |
| Companies | |
| Construction Contractor | Saudi Arabian Bechtel |
Kingdom Centre (Arabic: برج المملكة) in Riyadh is the tallest skyscraper in Saudi Arabia, somewhat resembling a modern bottle opener. With a height of 303 m (992 ft), it is the 24th tallest building in world. The tower is host to the highest mosque in the world. The Kingdom Centre is owned by Alwaleed bin Talal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, a prince of the Saudi royal family. It is also the headquarters of his holding company: Kingdom Holding Company. The total cost of the project was 2 billion Saudi Arabian Riyals and the contract was taken by Saudi Arabian El Saif and the Italian Impregilo S.P.A. Kingdom Centre is situated in Al-Urubah Road between King Fahd Road and Olaya Street in the growing business district of Olaya in Riyadh. Kingdom Centre was the winner of the 2002 Emporis Skyscraper Award, selected as the "best skyscraper of the world for design". A three-level shopping center, which also won a major design award, fills the east wing. The large opening is illuminated at night in continuously changing colors. Besides the shopping mall, the Centre includes a Four Seasons Hotel and state-of-the-art apartments. The 56 meter long skybridge atop the skyscraper contains a public observation deck and a view of the entire city of Riyadh. The ellipse motif taken from the tower's footprint appears also in the light fixtures, ceiling panels, entrance canopy, wastebins, and furniture. The Shopping Mall contains 170 prestigious stores divided as follows:
- Service Floor (-1) 10 Stores
- Ground Floor ( 0) 80 Stores
- First Floor (+1) 40 Stores
- Ladies Floor (+2) 40 Stores
The ladies floor is exclusive to women, with female shop assistants and guides who do not wear the abaya worn by females in public places in Saudi Arabia.
[edit] Gallery
 Kingdom Centre by day |
 Kingdom Centre at night |
[edit] External links
- Kingdom Centre official website
- Kingdom Centre on Emporis
- Emporis award winner
- Images of Construction
| Preceded by One Wall Centre (Vancouver, Canada) |
Emporis Skyscraper Award (Gold) 2002 |
Succeeded by 30 St Mary Axe (London, United Kingdom) |
