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Konoz ‘Box of Jewels’
- Location
- Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Client
- Al Othaim
- Services
- Commercial Strategy, Masterplanning, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Wayfinding
- Sector
- Masterplan, Mixed Use
A gemstone-inspired destination on Riyadh’s Golden Strip
Located in a premium site along Riyadh’s Golden Strip, Konoz is a mixed-use development by Abdullah Al-Othaim Investment Company, one of Saudi Arabia’s largest shopping mall operators. The development takes its name, meaning ‘box of treasures’ in Arabic, from the diversity of gemstones, a concept that runs through the architectural concept and zoning of the entire scheme.
Dates2023
Size
120,000m2 office
250-key hotel
120 serviced apartments
135,000m2 residential
Strategy that shaped the design
Benoy’s commercial strategy work identified the user demand streams and the optimal retail composition. Recommendations covered a 120,000 square metre retail offer, category mix and zoning guidelines, and target customer segments across visitors, workers and residents. These were integrated into the architectural plans, setting the foundation for the design.
Four districts, one walkable neighbourhood
The design centres on a walkable district structured around four distinct zones: Luxury, Urban, Local & Authentic and Everyday, each reflecting a different facet of Riyadh’s character and offer. The retail, dining and leisure experience is tailored to each zone’s identity, with multi-level event spaces and entertainment programming extending the destination’s appeal across different times of day and visitor profiles. Drawing on contemporary and historic cues from the city, the design connects older parts of Riyadh with its emerging new neighbourhoods along the Golden Strip.
A 24-hour destination
The scheme positions Konoz as a 24-hour destination, integrating commercial office space, an entertainment city, commercial centre, green space, a 250-key luxury hotel, 120 serviced apartments, and a residential complex with 700 apartments. Parking for 5,500 vehicles is also provided in the plan, and the development aligns with the Riyadh Metro network as part of a wider transport-oriented development strategy.
