Michael Marshall Design (MMD) conceived The Al Khobar Strip Mall as a bold, regionally grounded destination that redefines the retail and commercial experience in the Eastern Province. Currently under construction, the project blends contemporary architecture with cultural sensitivity, offering a pedestrian-focused, climate-responsive development anchored by design excellence and urban vibrancy.

The Strip Mall is steadily rising on a reinforced concrete frame, optimized for long-span flexibility, thermal performance, and long-term durability in the Gulf climate. The structure has advanced through the installation of concrete slabs and stair cores, setting the stage for finishing phases across both retail and office zones.

Design Highlights

• Contemporary Elegance
  A refined material palette includes polished stone cladding, high-performance glazing, and bronze-finished dune-inspired screens. Together, they define an elegant and high-quality exterior that responds to local climatic demands and visual identity.
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• Interactive Open Spaces
  A network of shaded plazas, seating zones, and open-air paths enhances social interaction. Art installations and potential cultural activations enrich the outdoor experience and provide opportunities for community engagement.
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• Water Oasis
  Reflecting pools, water fountains, and cascading features offer thermal comfort and visual serenity, creating focal points throughout the development.
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• Sustainable Rooftop Garden
  The office component incorporates a rooftop planted with native, drought-resistant species—offering users a tranquil urban escape and reinforcing sustainable design principles.
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• Enhanced Shopping Experience
  A thoughtful layout, material cohesion, and climate-responsive elements elevate the overall shopping and leisure journey, from pedestrian access to office entry points.
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Architectural Identity

• Modern Screens Shaped Like Desert Dunes
  Bronze-finished screens provide passive shading while forming the signature architectural language of the project.
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• Rawashin-Inspired Wooden Lattice
  Cultural continuity is expressed through the reinterpretation of traditional Rawashin elements, subtly integrated into the façades.
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• Areesh-Style Wooden Shading
  Referencing traditional Gulf construction, wooden sheds shade the pavilions and outdoor areas, offering functionality and cultural relevance.
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• Desert Color Palette
  Warm, earthy tones drawn from the regional landscape help the project blend seamlessly with its environment.
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• Construction Materials & Features
  - Polished stone cladding for a refined, high-quality façade
  - Bronze-finished dune screens for shading and architectural identity
  - Aluminum louvers to screen mechanical zones and optimize airflow
  - High-performance glazing for daylighting and solar control
  - Areesh-style wood shading over outdoor dining pavilions
  - Thermal insulation and waterproofing integrated into the building envelope
  - Stone-paved hardscape with embedded drainage systems

Vision

The Al Khobar Strip Mall is more than a commercial center — it is a curated urban landmark that balances innovation with tradition, elegance with functionality. With its careful material selection, rich spatial diversity, and rooted cultural references, the project reflects MMD’s commitment to place-sensitive, future-oriented design in the Gulf region.