PROJECT KAUST Beacon
LOCATION Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
CLIENT KAUST | Aramco International
DESIGN UAP Studio, Daniel Tobin, Matthew Tobin, Jamie Perrow
ARCHITECT Fairweather Proberts, Liam Proberts, Alex Eckersley
ENGINEER Robert Bird Group, Ross McDonald, Lance Barton
LIGHTING Norman Disney Young
YEAR 2009

Designed by UAP Principal, Daniel Tobin, with Matthew Tobin and Jamie Perrow, the Breakwater Beacon has become a symbol for the University. Responding to a brief from the client and project architects HOK, Urban Art Projects created a contemporary interpretation of a lighthouse. The work drew inspiration from ancient Arabic maritime traditions, in-region artwork and architectural detailing, linking to the marine ecology of the Red Sea.

The Beacon stands at the entry point to the harbour, soaring sixty metres into the sky creating a university marker. Built in pre-cast concrete blocks, the complex structure is a collection of unique amorphous hexagonal sections stepping up out of the Red Sea into an elliptical spire. The reverential interior space— with the skin of the atrium creating a dappled shaded effect— is designed for communal gatherings. Project completion is slated for September 2009.