Chapman Taylor reveals its innovative design for the Porta Jeddah mixed-use development in Saudi Arabia

Chapman Taylor has revealed its innovative design for the 123,000m² GBA Porta Jeddah mixed-use development in Saudi Arabia. Acting on behalf of Al Akaria, the project is set to become an iconic landmark in the city, featuring a wide variety of retail, F&B and leisure as well as a 183-key lifestyle hotel, 53 serviced apartments and workplace amenities.

The design draws inspiration from the city's rich cultural heritage and includes elements that evoke powerful memories of Jeddah, such as the Makkah gate, the old port, Al Balad and the palace gardens.

The development is defined by a vibrant central plaza with a concept based on a journey through a sequence of themed plazas that are informed by the characteristics of Jeddah. The garden plaza offers visitors a variety of al fresco dining options within a beautiful landscape setting, the water plaza showcases retail experiences alongside dancing fountains and interactive sculptures, and the entertainment plaza hosts a range of leisure activities centred around an amphitheatre for social engagement and curated events.

Chapman Taylor's vision for Porta Jeddah is to create a destination that has a deep connection to its context, one that captures the energy and diversity of the city and creates a strong sense of place and authenticity. The development will feature a gateway that characterises the project, embracing the central plaza and becoming an iconic architectural landmark in the city.

Olly Bradley-Barnard, the principal designer behind the project, said: "We are excited to be working on this ground-breaking project in Saudi Arabia, and we are confident that our design will create a high-quality destination that meets the client's vision and exceeds the expectations of visitors. It was important to create a vibrant and energetic design that responds to the needs of the city and its residents”.

Porta Jeddah is one of many high-profile developments that Chapman Taylor is working on in the Middle East, demonstrating the firm's continued commitment to designing innovative and sustainable developments that meet the needs of modern cities.

Client: Al Akaria
Sectors: Mixed-Use, Retail, Leisure, Hospitality, Workplace
Services: Architecture, Landscape
Area: 123,000m² GBA
Status: Under construction
Location: Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Olly Bradley-Barnard (BArch)

Director, Dubai

Olly joined Chapman Taylor’s Bangkok studio in 2012. During his time in South East Asia, he worked on a variety of award-winning projects in the region, including Mui Dinh Eco Park in Vietnam – winner of the prestigious MIPIM “Best Futura Mega Project” Award in 2018.

He joined our Dubai studio in 2018 to strengthen our presence in the region with his experience of designing in many different countries and cultures. He has worked on many key projects in the region, including a major mixed-use project in Madinah, Airport City in Jeddah and many important government-funded projects in Saudi Arabia.

Olly’s approach to projects is to create and develop a design concept that has a strong identity, informed by the place, the culture and other aspects of the development’s context.

Olly was promoted to the position of Director in our Dubai studio in 2022.

Areas of expertise:

Masterplanning / Mixed-use / Retail / Hospitality / Residential / Concept Design

Related Projects

All Projects
caret-down-skewed caret-down-thin caret-down caret-left-thick caret-left-white caret-left caret-right-thick caret-right-white caret-right caret-up chinese cross download english facebook grid instagram linked-in list mail map pinterest play-button reset search-nobg search-square share twitter views wechat youtube