Makkah project an architectural blend

The King Abdul Aziz Endowment Project in Makkah currently being constructed on instructions of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah is a combination of modern construction technology and the traditional Islamic architectural style. The endowment aims to offer maximum comfort and safety for Haj and Umrah. The project, sprawling over an area of 1.5 million sq. meters, is arguably one of the largest construction projects in the world. The seven adjoining towers of the project bear all the features of the Islamic architectural style. The largest tower stands at a height of 600 meters. It has the capacity to accommodate 65,000 people, besides housing a mosque that can seat 3,300 worshippers. The project also includes a park for 1,000 cars, which is linked to tunnels under the buildings enabling residents to enter and exit freely. Its water tank holds 53,000 cubic meters of water, ensuring an uninterrupted supply, even at peak seasons, besides providing water in the event of a fire. There are also alternative arrangements in place for disruptions in the power supply. The building style also gives due consideration for the environment and the buildings in the nearby locations. The endowment is an integrated city with hotels, restaurants, luxury apartments and suits, commercial complexes and centralized markets. From Arabnews