SHAMS AR RIYADH

Shams Ar Riyadh is a large residential and mixed-use development by Dar Al Arkan, situated in northwest Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, alongside King Khalid Road and opening its views toward Wadi Hanifa. Dar Al Arkan described it as one of the largest mixed-use developments undertaken in the Kingdom by surface area, incorporating residential, commercial, hospitality, health and education components, and spoke of approximately 5 million m² planned for the overall development.

The master plan envisioned 325 luxury branded villas in Phase 1, subject to market conditions. Water canals, palm groves and landscaped paths weave the community together, giving each villa a private world of gardens, pools and filtered light within a larger green fabric.

In its 2017 Annual Report, Dar Al Arkan highlighted the collaboration, declaring that it worked with CREATO Arquitectos for the architecture design, with AECOM as infrastructure consultant. CREATO shaped a contemporary language of sculpted white volumes, deep terraces and shaded openings that respond to the desert climate.

The initial architectural scope documented for the collaboration was the development of five prototype mock up villas, conceived as design alternatives for investors. CREATO Arquitectos led the architecture, while Roberto Cavalli and Versace brought their vision to the interior design, pairing the residences with interiors and finishes by two of the most recognizable names in international design.