Armani Hotel & Residences

The Armani Hotel & Residences Diriyah reinterprets Saudi heritage through a contemporary lens, by creating a cultural dialogue between heritage and fashion, the past and the present.

The arrival experience is inspired by the Atturaif palaces. A striking brass inlay design reimagines the concept of a traditional arrival carpet, guiding guests through an arrival portal into the Tower of Light.

A defining architectural statement, the Tower of Light is a soaring four-story vertical lobby that immerses guests in a dynamic interplay of scale, shadow, and light. The deliberate shift in scale is designed to create a powerful sense of awe, drawing guests into an immersive experience that captivates the senses. The tower’s perforated surfaces allow sunlight to filter through in a way that feels almost ethereal. Shifting, evolving, and never quite the same from one moment to the next.

Courtyards are integral to the hotel’s spatial flow, linking the Tower of Light, restaurants, and social spaces. Designed as adaptable environments, they can transition from serene retreats to exclusive event venues, even transforming into a catwalk for fashion showcases.

Inspired by the Najdi tradition of intricate façade perforations and openings, we envisioned the Armani Portals, designed to elevate the user experience at every transition. Historically, portals in Najdi design framed views and controlled the flow between public and private spaces. Here, they are reimagined to shape the guest experience, each passage carefully designed to heighten anticipation and reveal curated perspectives. Whether stepping into a sun-drenched courtyard or passing through an intricately carved façade, these thresholds guide the journey, offering glimpses of what lies beyond.

In an era where luxury is defined by experience this project is a testament to how architecture can elevate hospitality through meaningful experiences.