RIYMAR Real Estate announced that leading German studio JSWD has won its international invitation competition to select an outstanding architect-led team to design an exemplary new landmark for Riyadh.

RIYMAR Towers will be Riyadh’s new in-demand address and the jewel in RIYMAR Real Estate’s investment portfolio. The site is at the heart of the capital – benefiting from the exceptional connectivity of King Fahd Road and Olaya Street, and a nearby metro station.

JSWD’s winning concept impressed RIYMAR Real Estate with its contemporary and ambitious form that takes inspiration from the dramatic Tuwaiq mountains and from Riyadh’s vernacular traditions. The carved vertical forms reference ancient geological forms – juxtaposed with oasis-like terrace gardens – and, through their geometry and material texture, allude to historic Diriyah, the birthplace of modern Saudi Arabia.

The development will contribute to Riyadh’s sweeping transformation under Vision 2030, encouraging culture, hospitality and tourism; increasing homeownership for Saudis; and transforming the capital into a world-leading city.

RIYMAR Towers are located next to the popular Riyadh Gallery complex, also owned by RIYMAR.

JSWD was selected to design RIYMAR Towers through an international competition organised by architect search and selection specialists, Malcolm Reading Consultants, on behalf of RIYMAR. Following an invited call for submissions, five studios were selected to present initial concept designs developed over an eleven-week period.

The five shortlisted teams were led by the following firms (in alphabetical order):

Aedas (UAE); AtkinsRéalis (UAE); JSWD (Germany); Mesura (Spain); and ZHA Architects (UK). 

Dr. Bassam Boodai, Chief Executive Officer of RIYMAR Real Estate, said:

‘Choosing a winner of our international architectural competition is a major milestone for RIYMAR Real Estate.

JSWD have embraced our ambitions for RIYMAR Towers – a distinctive landmark connected to Riyadh’s story and identity.

All five finalists brought energy and creativity to the competition, for which we are very grateful. Now, we look forward to working with JSWD to develop the concept design and create a spectacular new development for future generations.’

Malcolm Reading lvo, Competition Director, Malcolm Reading Consultants, said:

‘We are grateful to all the shortlisted teams for their hard work and their creativity.

We searched globally for the best talent for RIYMAR’s landmark initiative and the JSWD team rose to RIYMAR’s ambitions. ’