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City
Amman, Jordan
Cost
USD 350 Million
Year
2011
Client
Abdali Investment & Development PSC
Area
237,000 m2 built-up - 26,000 m2 land
Scope
Design of a convention center on the Kuwaiti coast envisioned as a hybrid of functions, programs, and formal gestures that merge architecture with its natural environment. The project is conceived as a large podium pierced by an 11-meter-wide central corridor that extends from the entrance toward the sea, culminating in a public pier celebrating Kuwait’s maritime heritage and early evidence of ocean-going boatbuilding. Public amenities are organized along both sides of this central spine, while more private functions are housed in a cantilevering upper volume connected through atriums, escalators, and stepped terraces that enhance both horizontal and vertical connectivity. The design incorporates sustainable systems, daylight optimization, and renewable energy generation through photovoltaic roofing.
Challenge
Reimagine the convention center typology as a dynamic, experiential space rather than a static object — one that fosters movement, interaction, and connection with nature. Achieve seamless spatial continuity between land and sea while addressing climatic constraints. Integrate complex programmatic layers within a cohesive architectural system balancing openness, shading, and sustainability.
Approach
Architectural composition organized around linear public corridor linking entrance to waterfront. Southern façade houses technical/service cores as heat buffer. Multi-level atrium connects to ballroom’s green roof, panoramic views. Vertical fritted glass louvers regulate solar gain while maintaining transparency. Roof accommodates 2,200 m² photovoltaic panels. Central atrium naturally illuminated with greenery, daylight modulated by mechanical louvers integrated with truss system.
Status
Competition Shortlist
Cost
USD 45 million
Area
8,000m² land
22,500m² built-up
Services provided
Architecture design
Interior design
Structural engineering
Mechanical engineering
Electrical engineering
Infrastructure enigneering
Landscape design
Location
Salmiya, Kuwait
Client
Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences
Our Response
Laceco responded to the above objectives by:
Designing a consistent urban framework that nevertheless provided a diversity in the individual architectural character of buildings.
Curating a seamless pedestrian experience in a site that had a challenging topography and was exposed to dominant winds.
Anchoring the site along three platforms linked to each other by a continuous game of terraces, stairs, suspended bridges and esplanades that gently slope down the length of the development.
Conducting value engineering and cost optimization studies to preserve economic viability of the development.
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