The Ritz-Carlton Residences
Integrated wayfinding, spatial identity, and signage design for a landmark hospitality development in Makkah.
Project Info
Client: PLP / RUA
Location: Makkah, Saudi Arabia
Year: 2024–2025
Scale: Luxury residential & hospitality complex
Role: Senior Architect & Wayfinding Strategy Lead
Scope: Wayfinding strategy, signage design, spatial identity, stakeholder coordination, BIM integration
Urban context of the Ritz-Carlton Residences development adjacent to Al-Haram, illustrating the project’s positioning within Makkah’s evolving skyline and pilgrimage infrastructure.
Strategic site positioning and access mapping, highlighting primary vehicular gateways, pedestrian arrival sequences, and connectivity to Al-Haram.
Vehicular and pedestrian circulation framework mapping arrival flows, drop-off sequencing, and decision-making nodes around the site perimeter.
Multi-scale identity and visibility studies defining building recognition thresholds from vehicular, pedestrian, and arrival-level viewpoints.
Architectural identity and wayfinding integration study, mapping building identification, entrance recognition, retail branding opportunities, and directional signage placement across public arrival and lobby sequences.
Project Overview
Ritz-Carlton Residences Makkah is a high-end hospitality and residential development situated within the sacred urban fabric of the Holy City. The project required a spatial and wayfinding framework capable of guiding diverse international visitors through a complex vertical environment while preserving cultural clarity, privacy, and reverence. The strategy balanced intuitive navigation, architectural identity, and guest experience continuity.
• Vertical circulation structured for seamless guest journeys
• Cultural sensitivity embedded in spatial sequencing
• Experience structured from arrival to residence
Spatial Strategy
A multi-layered navigation framework was developed to choreograph resident and guest movement across arrival, lobby, amenities, and private residential zones. Circulation hierarchies, thresholds, and environmental cues were designed to embed orientation directly into architectural and interior form.
• Primary and secondary circulation hierarchies defined
• User journeys mapped across arrival and residential zones
• Landmark-based orientation embedded into interior architecture
Design Integration
Spatial logic was integrated into interior architecture, materiality, lighting, and environmental graphics to create discreet yet legible navigation. Architectural features, finishes, and cultural motifs acted as navigational references, reinforcing identity and spatial clarity without visual clutter.
• Interior architecture synchronized with wayfinding logic
• Material and lighting cues used for orientation
• Cultural patterns reinforce spatial identity
Outcome
The resulting framework establishes an intuitive, culturally grounded, and identity-driven residential environment where movement feels natural and dignified. Navigation becomes an extension of hospitality experience, supporting privacy, comfort, and long-term adaptability.
• Intuitive navigation within complex vertical environment
• Identity embedded through cultural and material cues
• Framework designed for long-term operational flexibility