The Red Sea Development Company (TRSDC) describes its future destination — the Red Sea Project — as grounded in sustainability and sustainable tourism. Architectural design firms such as Foster + Partners, Kengo Kuma and Killa Design have delivered designs aimed at developing eco-friendly hotels and resorts informed by the special conditions and unique characteristics of the site.
The first thing you notice when you visit the islands of the Al-Wajh lagoon, a chain of more than 90 undeveloped islands between the cities of Umluj and Al-Wajh on the west coast of Saudi Arabia, is the nearly pristine environment, with clear turquoise waters, white sand, and an abundance of thriving coral reefs.
Environment and social sustainability are key drivers for this futuristic destination and the entire project is underpinned by a commitment to going beyond sustainability to achieve regenerative results. This commitment is framed within the context of a concept masterplan, which predicts a 30 percent net conservation benefit by 2040 and is reviewed against international best practices and the global UN Sustainable Development Goals. In fact, Saudi Vision 2030 and the wider tourism strategy of the Kingdom is moving toward this kind of sustainable tourism on a range of large-scale projects.
In a recent interview with the Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, it is evident that the architecture studio seeks to embrace the natural occurring elements of Ummahat Alshaykh island. “We love to focus on an architecture oriented toward an intimate relation with the surroundings,” Kuma told Dezeen magazine.
He explained: “Our philosophy has always been to adopt a site-specific approach, creating a firm link between the building and the place where it stands. Our design approach for the sea villas is inspired by the rich variety of coral present on the site, and by the desire to create architecture that complements its ocean setting.”
“The villas that will be built on the island were designed to emulate sand dunes. The relatively flat terrain of the island suggested a design that works with low, horizontal volumes and that we should look to gently curve the roof of the buildings to find a harmonious relationship with the ground, with roofs almost emerging from it,” he added.
TRSDC has chosen to partner with design firms that do not consider sustainability as a choice but rather a fundamental pillar of every project.
The dolphin-shaped Shurayrah island envisaged as the hub island for the luxury coastal development is set to contain 11 world-class hotels designed by award-winning architects Foster + Partners. Gerard Evendon, head of studio, told Dezeen: “We are working on a number of projects with TRSDC including the state-of-the-art Red Sea International Airport as well as three major luxury developments: The Southern Dunes, located in the mountainous region inland, and Ummahat Al-Sheikh and Shurayrah islands, two exclusive island resorts located off the Red Sea coast.”
Because the project pursues the highest environmental standards to protect the region’s stunning natural biodiversity, the proposals shared by Foster + Partners are respectful of the extreme environmental sensitivity of the region, taking a “light-touch” approach that will have the lowest impact on the wildlife and extensive natural habitats of the islands.
In the same manner, Dubai-based Killa Architectural Design proposed concepts rooted in the natural environment. The firm designed 38 overwater assets for the most remote island within the archipelago, Sheybarah, which reflect the form of round-headed corals.
Engaging Saudis who are rich with local knowledge and cultural heritage is also key to developing a genuine experience for visitors.
The “Eco-tecture” initiative was an architectural design competition launched by TRSDC in the summer of 2020. It invited young architects exposed to the rich culture and unique nature of the destination to share designs for the Coastal Village Community Center. Most of the designs shared were modern in style and innovative, yet reflective of a fabled history.