The Makkah Clock Royal Tower, A Fairmont Hotel, which has just opened as the focal point of the Abraj Al Bait complex in Saudi Arabia, is situated a few steps away from the Masjid al Haram and the Kaaba, the most sacred site in the Islamic faith and the heart of the annual Hajj pilgrimage. Specialist hotel interior designer company, Richmond International, was responsible for creating the interiors for this landmark project, which includes 858 bedrooms and suites, extensive conference and banqueting facilities, dedicated prayer halls and ten food and beverage outlets. “While the sheer volume of the interior architecture creates vast spaces to accommodate the large number of expected guests, the interiors reflect and respect the spiritualism and serenity of what is the holiest city in Islam,” says Terry McGillicuddy, associate, Richmond International.
Richmond has used simple Arabic style as a basis for the decorative detail and embellishment throughout. For example, contemporary screens and etched glass panels inspired by traditional Arabic mashrabiya fret-work have been incorporated to diffuse the large spaces and make them more comfortable and personal.
Creating a sense of contemporary sophistication, the interior design utilises high quality natural materials. Different types of marble, bronze metalwork and rich timber finishes were specified to produce an overall subtle, warm and light ambience. Individually designed hand-made rugs, furnishings, artwork and large-scale chandeliers using contemporary Arabic influences have been produced by manufacturers and craftsmen to European and international standards.
Continued on page two…
