Introduction
This project is presented as a unique investment opportunity for Princess Nourah University Endowments, aiming to create a commercial, entertainment, and cultural destination that will serve as a hub for students, visitors, and residents of the area, reflecting the university’s values and vision for sustainable investment and resource development.
🎯 Project Concept
The “Al-Samhaniyah” project is based on integrating the architectural heritage of Diriyah with a modern concept of a traditional market and open-air shopping complex.
The attached document clearly demonstrates that the design concept is inspired by:
Reviving Najdi heritage in a contemporary style (pages 3, 9, 11, and 15)
Using organic and curved forms that harmonize with the sandy environment of Diriyah (pages 1, 9, and 11)
Creating a distinctive tourist and cultural experience that extends beyond shops to encompass the daily life of the area
Project Scope
A 14,000 m² plot of land for developing an investment destination that includes:
Retail outlets (restaurants, cafes, boutiques, and local products)
Open plazas for events
Pedestrian walkways and outdoor seating areas
Art and cultural centers
Light entertainment areas
A small museum or gallery related to Diriyah’s heritage
Service facilities (prayer room, restrooms, security and maintenance rooms)
These elements align with the design spirit evident on pages 7–15, which showcase layout models that transform a visit into an experience, not merely a shopping trip.
🎨 Design Vision (Extracted from the document)
As shown on pages 7–15, the project is based on:
Architectural masses inspired by palm tree roots (page 7)
Organic pathways reflecting the movement of the sand and the nature of Diriyah
The use of heritage materials (clay, wood, and stone) in a modern way
Facades that reproduce the Najdi style with a new spirit
A thoughtful distribution of light and shadow in accordance with the site analysis (page 6)
These elements demonstrate that the project is not merely commercial, but a destination with a strong sense of identity that the university can adopt within its strategies for endowment projects with social impact.
🏆 Presentation Summary
The “Al-Samhaniyah Project” is not just a commercial development; it is a destination inspired by the history of Diriyah, encompassing shops, entertainment, culture, and arts, located on the grounds of Princess Nourah University.
A sustainable project with a unique identity, it offers a stable financial return and enhances the university’s presence in the cultural and urban landscape of Riyadh.
