TOWNSHEND LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS

Townshend Landscape Architects are working in a team with ECHO architects to design the landscape areas for the new Ritz Carlton Hotel tower in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The proposed development is situated in Olay district which is the commercial and financial heart of the city. This prestigious scheme will provide 64 stories of offices, residences, hotels, restaurants, ball rooms, internal gardens, pool and recreational areas, and viewing decks. The inspiration for design has been taken from the natural landscapes of Saudi Arabia and principals of traditional Islamic Gardens creating three distinct garden areas namely the ground floor gardens inspired from the fertile lowlands, the 25th floor gardens inspired from the highland plateau and the 58th floor sky gardens inspired by from the oasis within the deserts of Saudi Arabia. Water in various forms remains at the heart of each of the gardens but is used sparingly to enhance its visual and environmental qualities. Each of these gardens will not only provide its users with a sense of place as well as become a sanctuary from the harshness of the surrounding environment.