^^
a very dumb argument

who ever created this thread to show mecca to the infidels is committing a great sin . :(
Non Muslims are not supposed to gaze at mecca you douch***.

^^ wtf???

are u stupid or just acting stupid?

JX are you mentally retarded or something? Do us all a favor, and go away.

@purePaki: I totally agree.

jx ... what the F@#$ ?

another conflict again.....this thread its very sensitive....

^^
a very dumb argument
It was not that dumb. The comparsion was obviosly aiming for defame big ben. You cannot compare the possibilities and challenges in design, architecture and engineering of today to 1848, where it was even a big problem to build a "normal clock" wich works correct. And please dont to put this comment on a level with the comment by jx. I don't want to provocate anybody. I just talk about a clock and I don't care about who build this clock and where this clock is build ;)

i love this !!!:)

http://img87.imageshack.us/img87/6375/abrajalbaittowers.jpg

Details of the red clouded area:

http://img87.imageshack.us/img87/7914/88537042.jpg

http://img87.imageshack.us/img87/2884/84984845.jpg

http://img87.imageshack.us/img87/4462/20580920.jpg

http://img87.imageshack.us/img87/3181/96104218.jpg

Note: Color of Windows glass is green not blue (the blue color was an old proposal).

What is this area? Is it an area to pray? Almost like an elevated section of the Mosque? Really like the tents design, quite traditional, yet modern.

i love this !!!:)

I hate it! Too tacky.

http://img87.imageshack.us/img87/6375/abrajalbaittowers.jpg

Details of the red clouded area:

http://img87.imageshack.us/img87/7914/88537042.jpg

http://img87.imageshack.us/img87/2884/84984845.jpg

http://img87.imageshack.us/img87/4462/20580920.jpg

http://img87.imageshack.us/img87/3181/96104218.jpg

Note: Color of Windows glass is green not blue (the blue color was an old proposal).


Very nice

Very beautiful detail and mixture with the tense cobertures...

It was not that dumb. The comparsion was obviosly aiming for defame big ben. You cannot compare the possibilities and challenges in design, architecture and engineering of today to 1848, where it was even a big problem to build a "normal clock" wich works correct. And please dont to put this comment on a level with the comment by jx. I don't want to provocate anybody. I just talk about a clock and I don't care about who build this clock and where this clock is build ;)

don't tell me that just the sheer size of this clock when compare to big ben doesn't amaze you
and no one is defaming big ben, we are celebrating our history and the leap from big ben to Al-Bait Clock

looks pretty amazing, and very big!

Let's hope it tells the right time!

don't tell me that just the sheer size of this clock when compare to big ben doesn't amaze you
and no one is defaming big ben, we are celebrating our history and the leap from big ben to Al-Bait Clock

Thanks, couldn't have said it better myself.

first of all if we are comparing the 1848 architecture, to todays architecture, then the one thing that may be defamed is the new tower. when big ben was build, human had barely any real building machinery, the materials used were primitive, the workforce way more incompetent than now. and today we can travel into space, make materials thousand times more tough than then, machinery used is of no comparison, and still the clock is so small? impressed we shall be, when the clock arm showing seconds will be the size of big ben.

that was of course a bit of exaggeration to the other side ;) the building of course is insanely impressive. saying the truth it makes bigger impression on me than the burj dubai. it may be smaller, but it has its own aura of might and power, that no other building i saw has. now THAT is impressive. and i love it.

so maybe, not taking anything from the Big Ben, we should cut its name to just Ben? ;)

^^
sorry but you cant just change 200 years of name calling but nice try. :)
i dont get the big deal that this is creating. no one is gonna confuse this with big ben, the clock adds a nice elegant touch to it.

first of all if we are comparing the 1848 architecture, to todays architecture, then the one thing that may be defamed is the new tower. when big ben was build, human had barely any real building machinery, the materials used were primitive, the workforce way more incompetent than now. and today we can travel into space, make materials thousand times more tough than then, machinery used is of no comparison, and still the clock is so small? impressed we shall be, when the clock arm showing seconds will be the size of big ben.

seriously you wanna start this
you know that when finished big ben was not the tallest building in the world
ever heard of Pyramid of Giza, even Light House of Alexanderia( which was build in 3rd Century BC) was taller then Big Ben
So to say that Big Ben was entering an uncharted territory is bullshit

... deleted by user ...

I just love the fact they are making a massive piece of arciteture with lots and lots of old building style detail, exacly what I like to see. Really looking forward to seeing this complete. And no, there is no way I will get confused over this beast and the Houses of Parliment Clock Tower in London.

The first time I saw this, I never believed that the centre tower would ever get built, but it is well underway, and I still pinch myself to remind myself those pics are real.

^^ the structure would really look dull without the middle tower.

^but whole complex was designed to compliment the central tower.

seriously you wanna start this
you know that when finished big ben was not the tallest building in the world
ever heard of Pyramid of Giza, even Light House of Alexanderia( which was build in 3rd Century BC) was taller then Big Ben
So to say that Big Ben was entering an uncharted territory is bullshit
hey i didn't say that, its your understanding that goes wrong. i just say that if people could do something like big ben then, then they should be able to do way more now. reading with understanding doesn't hurt, seriously.

update with a little comparison to show the progress :)
Taken on February 7, 2009
by 'asyiqul^huur's
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3372/3345859037_f8b6f76bb3.jpg?v=0

Taken on March 6, 2009
by 'asyiqul^huur's
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3603/3346695558_8968c2394d.jpg?v=0


Taken on March 28, 2009
by 'asyiqul^huur's
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3602/3392724995_c203c164a3.jpg?v=0


Taken on March 28, 2009
by 'asyiqul^huur's
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3044/3393535202_2df031a856.jpg?v=0


Taken on March 28, 2009
by 'asyiqul^huur's
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3617/3392720869_5bfd43db2c.jpg?v=0

Beautiful and amazing photos, the construction is very fast and surprising.

Blooming hell, it's huuuuge! Definitely impressive in terms of scale! :)

if i stand at the top floor at Abraj Al-Bait, perhaps i can see the whole complex of Ka-bah* Activity.. *sorry if wrong spell...

Progress-speed is amazing. Here in Hamburg, next to our agency, they tried to build a house with 6 Floors - from the whoole last year to today...

who ever created this thread to show mecca to the infidels is committing a great sin . :(
Non Muslims are not supposed to gaze at mecca you douch***.

http://img112.imageshack.us/img112/7893/waytomecca13hm.jpg

i dont like this tower at all.

I dont like it. Looks like a little city in a tower

I dont like it. Looks like a little city in a tower

:ohno::ohno::ohno::ohno:

who ever created this thread to show mecca to the infidels is committing a great sin . :(
Non Muslims are not supposed to gaze at mecca you douch***.

Archaic religious fanaticism FAIL.

[QUOTE=Ulster;34981050who ever created this thread to show mecca to the infidels is committing a great sin .
Non Muslims are not supposed to gaze at mecca you douch***.[/QUOTE]

yesy they can gaze but no entry !!:lol:

I just love it, sooo capitalistic

http://img112.imageshack.us/img112/7893/waytomecca13hm.jpg
wth??

is this real?

wth??

is this real?

Yes, wtf??? Why is this road so empty .???
:D

Yes, wtf??? Why is this road so empty .???
:D

Because they have all stopped to take a picture! :lol:

I don't think it was the tourist season. :|

does any one know the definition of the peak and mean times??

http://img112.imageshack.us/img112/7893/waytomecca13hm.jpg[/QUOTE]

I guess discrimination is not outlawed in every country,
what ever happened to multi-culturalism?

I have never seen a church with catholic and non-catholic entrances, everyone is allowed in...
Some Muslims complain (or worse) about the west, but they are just as bad...

(sorry, I had to comment on the road sign, back on topic)

Nice to see the centre tower has cleared the rest of the structure, this is one massive building.
Does it have more space than the largest (not tallest) building in the world, the Pentagon?

I guess discrimination is not outlawed in every country,
what ever happened to multi-culturalism?

I have never seen a church with catholic and non-catholic entrances, everyone is allowed in...
Some Muslims complain (or worse) about the west, but they are just as bad...

(sorry, I had to comment on the road sign, back on topic)

Nice to see the centre tower has cleared the rest of the structure, this is one massive building.
Does it have more space than the largest (not tallest) building in the world, the Pentagon?

I may be wrong, but I remember that while Beijing Olympics was being held, not everybody could enter the city, reason: it becomes difficult to manage such a big number of people in the city. Makkah is in such a situation throughout the year as Muslims from all around the globe visit Makkah. To manage the visitors, they have to put such restrictions. Other than Makkah and Madina, I believe, rest of the country is open for all. As I said earlier, I may be wrong, but thats what I think very logical.

http://img112.imageshack.us/img112/7893/waytomecca13hm.jpg ooo it reminds me of south africa in the old days.segregation is still segregation no matter what the reasoning is behind it.
A question popped into my head just now--if islamic zeal and it's holy war are all about converting all the non believers then why make it so difficult for a person who might be investigating the religion to visit macca?

I have no idea why you people insist on going off topic and posting something that has already been discussed a million times in the same thread. Seriously, it gets annoying...

I'm a Muslim and believe it or not when I pass Mecca, I take the non Muslim road. You have no idea how congested it gets during hajj or omra season. There's a reason for everything... even the non-Muslim road in Mecca.

Discrimination is outlawed in Saudi Arabia. It's also outlawed in Islam....

Now can we please get back on topic? And if you still feel like bringing this topic back up, you can go back a few pages and I'm pretty sure someone has posted your thoughts before.

http://img112.imageshack.us/img112/7893/waytomecca13hm.jpg

I guess discrimination is not outlawed in every country,
what ever happened to multi-culturalism?

I have never seen a church with catholic and non-catholic entrances, everyone is allowed in...
Some Muslims complain (or worse) about the west, but they are just as bad...

(sorry, I had to comment on the road sign, back on topic)

Nice to see the centre tower has cleared the rest of the structure, this is one massive building.
Does it have more space than the largest (not tallest) building in the world, the Pentagon?[/QUOTE]


in 200yrs, saudi will be more liberal country, things are slowly changing... these things wll be abolished.

Discrimination is outlawed in Saudi Arabia. It's also outlawed in Islam....




Dream on, or read the koran, the so-called 'word of god'... :sleepy:


(e.g. [Qur'an 4:56]: Surely, those who disbelieve in our revelations, we will condemn them to the hellfire. Whenever their skins are burnt, we will give them new skins. Thus, they will suffer continuously. GOD is Almighty, Most Wise. source: http://www.submission.org/)

Dream on, or read the koran, the so-called 'word of god'... :sleepy:


(e.g. [Qur'an 4:56]: Surely, those who disbelieve in our revelations, we will condemn them to the hellfire. Whenever their skins are burnt, we will give them new skins. Thus, they will suffer continuously. GOD is Almighty, Most Wise. source: http://www.submission.org/)

How is that in any way related to discrimination?

121- The Messenger of Allah p.b.u.h. said during the Farewell pilgrimage: O Mankind! All of you belong to Adam, and Adam is from dust; there is no preference for an Arab over a non-Arab; neither is there any preference of a non-Arab over an Arab except through piety. (Reported by Muslim)

And I've read the koran more times than you ever will. Don't try to use it against me. It's disrespectful. You don't have to agree with me, but show me some decency. Making fun of the koran by calling it "so-called word of god" just shows how belligerent you are. I'm sorry if I crossed any lines and I apologize if I did, but it truly pains me to see people posting such absurd comments with no regard to some of the people's feelings on the forum. That is by definition, true discrimination.

I apologize again for going off topic even though I was suggesting we get back on it.

Noone who complained about the sign would ever go to Mekkah even if it was allowed. I would go, so this affect me, but i don`t complain about it. Maybe it will be allowed in the future.

I would like to see the Abraj A-Bait in person. Maybe someday....

Ooops, sorry ! I thought this thread is about the Abraj Al-Bait Complex and its construction progress updates and news....

No new pics??? Still more off topic posts ???

I'd like to see some recent construction pictures.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3372/3345859037_f8b6f76bb3.jpg?v=0

for some reason this photo reminds me of Las Vegas, it looks like a giant version of NY,NY casino and hotel, without the NY landmarks

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3372/3345859037_f8b6f76bb3.jpg?v=0

for some reason this photo reminds me of Las Vegas, it looks like a giant version of NY,NY casino and hotel, without the NY landmarks

That's all these Middle Eastern cities are, metropolis version of Las Vegas. i.e. A few amazing modern-architecture buildings bogged down by countless tacky messes.

That's all these Middle Eastern cities are, metropolis version of Las Vegas. i.e. A few amazing modern-architecture buildings bogged down by countless tacky messes.

Actually he's not far off the mark at all.
Its hard to see the 'soul' of a cities architecture....when most of its designs are simply copies of what's in fashion around the rest of the world
But...long may they not cotten on to that and keep stacking 'em high ;)

back to topic :)
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2nTrN3ZE9oQ/SP1Bmt14h8I/AAAAAAAABHk/hKhW_exsHMM/s400/makkah4.jpg

any more off topic spam and you will be banned. please keep to topic, which is construction of Abraj al bait.

A strange place to built such a massive building (compared to surrounding area). It reminds me a bit of that communist-looking building in Warsaw and/or Moscow but .... I like it :) Very nice.

its will be any massive construction beside Abraj Al-Bait construction in Mecca.??

yeah behind it.
http://img223.imageshack.us/img223/8099/project2qc0sk9.jpg

it's called: Rwabi Abraij Albait and it's Under construction ( http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=542438 )

http://img9.imageshack.us/img9/9340/makkah6764740.jpg

and next to Rwabi Abraij Albait (or parallel with it) there is Drb Al-Khaleel project

http://www.hok.com/xml/work/project/DarbAl-KhalilDevelopment_TOR/images/1_1.jpg

Drb Al-Khaleel project ( http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=509693 )

There will be an incredible amount of construction around this one.
It will still be the highest in Mecca, and stick out,
but will have lots of company.
The whole area will be updated.
This massive beast will not be lonely like the Taipei 101 in Taiwan.

As Jack Nickelson said in the movie "Mars Attacks":
Why don't we all just get along... :grouphug:

No more religion, human rights, etc,
Just... Abraj Al-Bait
(yes, I am guilty too) :angel:

Any idea how this building rates compared to the
largest buildings in the world?

http://img112.imageshack.us/img112/7893/waytomecca13hm.jpg

people calm down... this is a holy city... only muslims allowed... and what about vatican city... thats holy and only christian are allowed... and what about isreal...

CULWULLA I never seen you lay down the law before its scary. But back to the topic. The clock was redesign not to long ago wasn't it. It seem alot of the design has changed in the last few months.

I've asked this before but noone answered.I heard that it will have the largest floor plan in the world or in other words the largest building in the world , is that true?

^^ Heres the answer from wikipidia


The Abraj Al-Bait Towers is a building complex under construction in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. Upon completion, the tallest tower in the complex would stand as the tallest building in Saudi Arabia, second tallest building in the world, tallest and largest hotel in the world and the largest building in the world with a planned height of 595 m (1,950 ft). Upon completion, the structure would have the largest floor area of any structure in the world with 1,500,000 m2 of floorspace. This is 470,000 square metres (5,100,000 sq ft) larger than Aalsmeer Flower Auction in Aalsmeer, The Netherlands, which is the current record holder. It is also the second tallest building under construction. The entire project is estimated to be completed in 2009.

Amazing! Rwabi Abraij Albait is even more fascinating, those narrow streets surrounded by huge skyscrapers.. =) Love it! Mekkah is the best, this whole area will be so impressive:D

it is such a magnificent project and commitment/.
rody-thanks for posting other projects. just unreal.
cheers

^^^ you are welcome Mod :D

and next to Rwabi Abraij Albait (or parallel with it) there is Drb Al-Khaleel project

http://www.hok.com/xml/work/project/DarbAl-KhalilDevelopment_TOR/images/1_1.jpg

Drb Al-Khaleel project ( http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=509693 )

http://www.hok.com/xml/work/project/DarbAl-KhalilDevelopment_TOR/images/1_2.jpg

http://www.hok.com/xml/work/project/DarbAl-KhalilDevelopment_TOR/images/1_3.jpg

http://www.hok.com/xml/work/project/DarbAl-KhalilDevelopment_TOR/images/1_4.jpg

^^ Heres the answer from wikipidia


The Abraj Al-Bait Towers is a building complex under construction in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. Upon completion, the tallest tower in the complex would stand as the tallest building in Saudi Arabia, second tallest building in the world, tallest and largest hotel in the world and the largest building in the world with a planned height of 595 m (1,950 ft). Upon completion, the structure would have the largest floor area of any structure in the world with 1,500,000 m2 of floorspace. This is 470,000 square metres (5,100,000 sq ft) larger than Aalsmeer Flower Auction in Aalsmeer, The Netherlands, which is the current record holder. It is also the second tallest building under construction. The entire project is estimated to be completed in 2009.

Second tallest building under construction when Burj Dubai complete, for now second it's the 632 m Shanghai Tower. However probably the second tallest building when it is complete until Shanghai Center complete for the next few years. About area it seem it's the Pentagon follow by the chinese CCTV headquarter for now.

seeing the last pic, I think the main tower is around 300 m tall, right ?

595 meters or 1950 feet

he meant the current height ;)......the main tower is arround 320m at the moment

^^^^ yes, thank you ZZ-II

people calm down... this is a holy city... only muslims allowed... and what about vatican city... thats holy and only christian are allowed... and what about isreal...

Anyone of any religion, or atheists cam visit the Vatican or Israel.

this tower the tallest tower in saudi arabia K.S.A.

yeah behind it.
http://img223.imageshack.us/img223/8099/project2qc0sk9.jpg

it's called: Rwabi Abraij Albait and it's Under construction ( http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=542438 )

http://img9.imageshack.us/img9/9340/makkah6764740.jpg

and next to Rwabi Abraij Albait (or parallel with it) there is Drb Al-Khaleel project

http://www.hok.com/xml/work/project/DarbAl-KhalilDevelopment_TOR/images/1_1.jpg

Drb Al-Khaleel project ( http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=509693 )

waooww...fantastic rendering.....imagine on next 10 years later...

What about vatican city... thats holy and only christian are allowed... and what about isreal...

Uhm nope, anyone can visit the Vatican.

And about 20% of Israeli citizens are muslim...

Some of the photographs of the project during my visit to Al Haram on 13 February 2009.

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o10/9MMAR/Skyscrapercity/DSC07975.jpg

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o10/9MMAR/Skyscrapercity/DSC07976.jpg

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o10/9MMAR/Skyscrapercity/DSC07977.jpg

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o10/9MMAR/Skyscrapercity/DSC07978.jpg

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o10/9MMAR/Skyscrapercity/DSC07979.jpg

I'm sure most of the people being displaced by the building projects are unwilling movers? Rare to see so many buildings, few thousands demolished en masse,

http://img9.imageshack.us/img9/9340/makkah6764740.jpg


Looks a bit too dense for me. But on the first renderings of Abraj Al-Bait I thought something simular and was wrong. So I will wait until I jugde this time

Anyone of any religion, or atheists cam visit the Vatican or Israel.

Vatican has many places where public is not allowed
for example their library

on the other hand Israel occupies land and kicks the native people out which is worse:lol:

That picture two posts above mine reminds me of the Walled City of Kowloon. Any knows what I mean?

Vatican has many places where public is not allowed
for example their library


And Mecca doesn't have "many places" were Muslims can not enter?

Facts:

Vatican - Anyone can enter.
Mecca - Only Muslims allowed in the city.

And then Israel is the "racist" and "xenophobic" state...

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o10/9MMAR/Skyscrapercity/DSC07979.jpg

Do you think this white small building in front of A. al Bait be demolish ? it seem in a wrong place now.

its huge!!!!

That picture two posts above mine reminds me of the Walled City of Kowloon. Any knows what I mean?

I know exactly what you mean! :nuts:

12.4.2009 by asyiqul^huur's
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3394/3451365295_6bd276ff0f_o.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3636/3451365293_446f6eed3d_o.jpg

It's like coming straight out of Star Wars... Rwabi Abraij Albait might as well be a Jedi temple.

I can't wait til Vegas makes their own.

I find this monolith completely incompatible with the location and next to its historical and religious significance. Sorry not normally a NIMBY but this I would petition against if the opportunity were available.

Do you think this white small building in front of A. al Bait be demolish ? it seem in a wrong place now.
I think so too. The small building stands right in front of Abraj Al Bait. I did asked around and people said the building is owned by a certain 'prince' thus why it is still there.

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o10/9MMAR/Skyscrapercity/DSC07977.jpg
]

this is an awesome photograph.

MASSIVE!

looks tight

stunning up date....but they dont want to install tree / flower something...??

Awesome picture

What a massive project - like a mountain range.

stunning up date....but they dont want to install tree / flower something...??

Because it never rain?

What a beautiful project, what is being achieved in highrise contruction at the moment is jaw dropping. Many cities arround the world are joining the skyscraper club. Its not just about hight, design maters too. Its a real fantastic time to be on Architecture forums.

I must be honest, this is probably one of the ugliest, hasty constructed building that I've seen in my lifetime. I mean no offense too the muslims that pray and find worship in the beautiful building which is laid out below.

I'm dreading the crown. It's going to look tacky and will probably get zapped to shit in thunderstorms. :|

What a beautiful project, what is being achieved in highrise contruction at the moment is jaw dropping. Many cities arround the world are joining the skyscraper club. Its not just about hight, design maters too. Its a real fantastic time to be on Architecture forums.

I think it's beautiful as well. The design fits very well with the existing architecture of the city as well as the mosque.

it's colossal structure and very materialist

i think that is very very materialis for the "more sacred place in the heart"

from SSSC by mrfix
Here's some update pictures which were taken few weeks ago when I was in KSA for the Umrah.

http://img530.imageshack.us/img530/689/62552696.gif

http://img118.imageshack.us/img118/7416/11a.gif

http://img118.imageshack.us/img118/9528/a11.gif

http://img118.imageshack.us/img118/1328/1as.gif

http://img118.imageshack.us/img118/7832/1aa.gif

http://img118.imageshack.us/img118/2567/1aaae.gif

http://img530.imageshack.us/img530/8885/44a.gif

http://img118.imageshack.us/img118/9828/1a2.gif

http://img118.imageshack.us/img118/4323/1aa21.gif

http://img118.imageshack.us/img118/854/1aa3.gif

ground level shot (Abraj Albait on the right side)
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3561/3451365285_c89821e513_o.jpg

what a great up date...i can feel the atmosphere at there...shadow without sun lighting at anywhere...

i love the detailing and the architecture!
im glad they didn't skimp out on the architecture.

Great Pics!!!

I think that this is the most detailed building that is U/C now in the whole world...

The level of detailing is just phenomenal.

Shows what can be achieved when a great level of attention is payed towards some of the finer aspects of design and construction.

close shot:21.4.'09
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3513/3467692152_420c3d2de2_b.jpg

^^

Simply gorgeous. The lighting on the building is beautiful. Like others said the detail and quality of construction is superb.

great update!!

it's almost ready for the Mosque expansion (the north side):


http://img118.imageshack.us/img118/854/1aa3.gif

the expansion render:
http://img16.imageshack.us/img16/5281/me3ooh.jpg

http://img18.imageshack.us/img18/1646/mee3x.jpg

for some reason it reminds me of esb and chrysler buildings, i think its cause of the stone and high detail

From Flickr by Hossam all line.

Larger Resolution:http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3614/3468975616_388f87b8f5_o.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3614/3468975616_bd77e5e092_b.jpg

for some reason it reminds me of esb and chrysler buildings, i think its cause of the stone and high detail

Yeah, it's not just steel and glass slapped together. Then again I do love steel and glass skyscrapers but this building has a certain uniqueness to it.

superior tower....cant wait to see when finish...

you dont get buildings this size with this amount of detail anymore. really stunning

Abraj Albait with Jabal Omar and the western gate projects
http://img50.imageshack.us/img50/5830/mk1.jpg

the project will make panorama of Mecca its different on the future......

you dont get buildings this size with this amount of detail anymore. really stunning

Yah its converted me into a BIG FAN of the project - was never comfortable with it being right next to the grand mosque since eventually it will have to be bulldozed for the mosque's expansion -

BUT YES - Reminds me of those GRAND Art Deco buildings from NYC truly a lost Art.

Abraj Albait with Jabal Omar and the western gate projects
http://img50.imageshack.us/img50/5830/mk1.jpg

only climate change can give this look: snow,.

^^Sorry BMHT but sometimes you are posting such crap!!! Do you want to higher your post count, or what?

The middle building looks very similar to Big Ben clock in London. Just a little bigger:

http://m7ml.com/uploads/2b100a96bb.jpg

:lol:
I guess bigger is always better... :righton:

http://media.funmansion.com/content/multiimage/BlingBling2.jpg

^^ Well put ;)

^^ Don't joke about the handicapped. ;)
Btw. wot's so special about him? I got a Lacoste shirt, too...:colgate:

But back to topic... it's nice to hear about good quality and detailling here on the thread, now. The reputation of the complex has grown during the last months... and many great pics here have changed some minds, I guess.:cheers:

A mountain!

Wow! That is one of most amazing projects ever! Too bad Mecca doesn't allow non-Muslims to visit there. :(

Nice shots ! Main tower will be one of the most beautiful worldwide !

update with a little comparison to show the progress:)
Taken on February 7, 2009
by 'asyiqul^huur's
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3372/3345859037_f8b6f76bb3.jpg?v=0

Taken on March 6, 2009
by 'asyiqul^huur's
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3603/3346695558_8968c2394d.jpg?v=0


Taken on March 28, 2009
by 'asyiqul^huur's
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3602/3392724995_c203c164a3.jpg?v=0


Taken on March 28, 2009
by 'asyiqul^huur's
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3044/3393535202_2df031a856.jpg?v=0




Taken on May 1st, 2009
by 'asyiqul^huur's
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3335/3492049554_fefb454e6d_o.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3657/3492051972_2e84ec237b_o.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3605/3492008304_f42440bbc9_o.jpg

Now that's some serious growth right there.

^^ ageee. whoa! It's soo damn large.

Great updates! Is these towers residential or commercial or hotel?

the main tower will be a hotel, not sure about the others

Wiki gives it a floor space around 1,500,000 m2 (By far the larger floor space in any skyscraper or skyscraper complex). Is this accurate? Dubai airport terminal 3 is said to have roughly the same floor space. Anyone know which is bigger (accurate numbers?)

the main tower will be a hotel, not sure about the others
As far as I know, the smaller ones, will be High-End Residential Towers.

these mega towers are right next to the grand mosque, wouldnt it hinder future expansions of the mosque? i know the mosque is currently undergoing expansions, but im sure more is needed in the future.

and does this modern project pose any cultural problems, since Mecca is supposed to be the traditional holy land for all muslims?

i think theres alot going on in mecca now, i heard about this ongoing mega-project to rebuild the bridge portion of the pilgrimage route. anybody from mecca to share these with us? there should be seperate threads for the mosque expansions, bridge expansions, and tower projects.

mecca is intriguing. we should hear more!

The mosque is obviously expanding in the other direction.

^^ yes, there were some renderings with future exapansion in this thread. On some of them, however, the current developments were gone :dunno:

magnificent construction....great panorama...

The developers attended one of my conferences to sell units and give a presentation on the Abraj a few years ago. I was going through my files and found a few renders they had sent me. I'm not sure if it has already been posted, but here they are anyway.

http://img172.imageshack.us/img172/7982/picture1e.jpg
http://img172.imageshack.us/img172/9554/55057723.jpg
http://img172.imageshack.us/img172/6494/97707900.jpg

nice renders :), but seems to be the old design with 485m

^^ Yeah, the main tower already passed the setback from that render. :)

a new idol is being built in front of the holiest place of Islam....most outstanding than the kaaba...shameful autorithies of mecca city who have allowed that....

nice , but it's the old design :) :

http://img7.imageshack.us/img7/9574/oldnewabrajalbait.jpg


http://img11.imageshack.us/img11/3185/anartistrenderofemaarre.jpg

I like the new design cause
he's taller than the old one loool

fantastic rendering.....its unique...

to bad a non-muslim can't visit Mecca. I thing it would be very impressive to visit during Hadj with so many people.

welll,,, new one seems to be much better.

What is the meaning of what's written on top of the clock?

What is the meaning of what's written on top of the clock?
it reads: الله جل جلاله/Allah jalla jalaloh (in Arabic)
or : God Almighty ,or
God is great in his majesty (English)

This building is listed as the second highest in the world in 2010. It is a great project, but I have a question,,, are they going to make clocks for the four sides of the tower or only the one facing the mosque??

This building is listed as the second highest in the world in 2010. It is a great project, but I have a question,,, are they going to make clocks for the four sides of the tower or only the one facing the mosque??
it's going to be 4 clock,2 big clocks (diameter of 60 meter) and 2 small clocks (diameter of 40 meter)

Are you sur, I read in wiki that the diameter is 80 meters, which is so huge.
This means the handels are about 30-35 meters, maybe 3-4 metes in width:eek2:
This is like another big project. Why the clocks, is there any religous or cultural significance?

Why the clocks, is there any religous or cultural significance?

Clocks are a big deal in Muslim societies as they are used to keep track of prayer times.

http://img11.imageshack.us/img11/3185/anartistrenderofemaarre.jpg

I've been very against the clock since the idea was formed but in this picture it actually looks good...

It's not quite symmetrical.

What will be in the tower behind the clocks? It's a really big space.

I've been very against the clock since the idea was formed but in this picture it actually looks good...
yeah, it's not nearly so gaudy in that rendering than in earlier ones where it was covered in bling-bling gold plating...

It's not quite symmetrical.
to give the buildings more view angles to the holy mosque

simply incredible, wonderfull.. It look like just going out of the 1001 nights..
i just feel strange with the non symetric doors in front of the majestic building
:s

I'd like to see how many pilgrims can afford to stay in this joint!

Do you think the zone I draw is the current height ? what is this floor ?

http://img228.imageshack.us/img228/3185/anartistrenderofemaarre.jpg (http://img228.imageshack.us/my.php?image=anartistrenderofemaarre.jpg)
http://img228.imageshack.us/img228/anartistrenderofemaarre.jpg/1/w499.png (http://g.imageshack.us/img228/anartistrenderofemaarre.jpg/1/)

This is the floor where the steel structure will start and upper floors under the clock are Royal floors.

I've been very against the clock since the idea was formed but in this picture it actually looks good...

Only Time will tell

^^ Ahh, CrazyDave, I see what you did there! But yeah i must agree, the clock looks tasteful in the latest rendering. It has more of an importance, and less of simply a decorative role. I think they've done a good job integrating the clock into the design.

great updates guys, makes my job alot easier. yeah looks about 350m high atm
massive!
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3629/3520529153_c2365575f5_o.jpg

wow nice diagram Cul. I would like to visit this one soooooooooooooooo much, but since i heard that it's virtually impossible to visit Mecca as a non muslim, it will be just a dream for me.

Convert?

of me, it's so ugly :ohno:

wow nice diagram Cul. I would like to visit this one soooooooooooooooo much, but since i heard that it's virtually impossible to visit Mecca as a non muslim, it will be just a dream for me.

Just lie and say you're a new convert.


On an another note, it would be interesting to see the backlash if the Vatican declared that you werent able to enter the city of Rome unless you were Catholic.... silly religions... oh well... cool tower though!

Convert?Is that a bait?

Would there be any floors in the spire?

It is hard to visualise how enormous this project is.

update with a little comparison to show the progress:)

Taken on May 1st, 2009
by 'asyiqul^huur's
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3335/3492049554_fefb454e6d_o.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3657/3492051972_2e84ec237b_o.jpg

Taken on May 10th, 2009
by 'asyiqul^huur's
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3590/3522856797_58fb499a68_o.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3609/3522606956_a23eeaf83e_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3332/3521734747_f675ddd28a.jpg?v=0

Wow, look at the arabesque in the last pic, it's so beautiful and detailed. I wish those who take pics get larger images of these.

great up date....its stunning project...

The ground infront of the structure will be tiled in stones right?

wow nice update thanks :)

:banana::banana:Wow great pics

The ground infront of the structure will be tiled in stones right?
it will be white marble

Wow, look at the arabesque in the last pic, it's so beautiful and detailed. I wish those who take pics get larger images of these.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3663/3525202894_75345225cf_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3602/3492006130_f1d98d3273_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3662/3483275310_5597b581da.jpg?v=0

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1379/898929109_b83bda5615_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3294/3138673345_d78294af2e_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3494/3248264801_52e225121f_b.jpg

The Othman's structure (front)+ the modern structure

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3378/3227690017_5da2dd1924_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3662/3483275310_5597b581da_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3556/3416074240_c0015bde18_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3645/3416003656_6a1af51474_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3325/3416073694_70a12ff555_o.jpg

Makkah city entrance (Jeddah-Makkah motorway)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3523/3251550447_1dcd31b68f_b.jpg

^^^^^^^ Wow, those are awesome pictures! Hope to see more from you on the interior!

Btw, is it a shopping mall inside? (the 5th picture)

Thankss

This project is incredibly massive. A great big work

they had imitated empire estates

from the Saudi section by mrfix

http://img398.imageshack.us/img398/2042/cc1.gif

http://img4.imageshack.us/img4/3200/cc1a.gif

http://img4.imageshack.us/img4/7149/cc2.gif

http://img4.imageshack.us/img4/2910/cc3.gif

fantastic up date picture.....its stunning project....

Could it be considered one of the biggest manmade constructions ever?
Pyramids, temples... no one of them is bigger than this.

i hate the color of the tower :ohno:
love the detail !!

OLD makkah

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3207/3133405083_9449f1ba21.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3217/3133405075_c5bafcea89.jpg?v=0

Today

look how huge this building looks like a few km away !! its a freakin mountain:nuts:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/chinx786/2000596661/in/pool-hajj
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3184/2949426204_041350cafd.jpg?v=0
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3057/2817556794_0a3819cfbd.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3187/2381855777_e230e38f0a.jpg?v=0
when the prayer time comes, Muslims perform the prayer no matter where they are
this is inside a big shopping mall in Makkah
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3153/2334933981_dd1f08b66a.jpg?v=0

Wow, it looks... em... massive:shocked:

from SSSC:
BTW the part of the hotel on Green Bridge picture is still standing and has Haram view from some rooms.

i think it will be knocked down once all buildings are completed other rumours I heard while I was in makkah that newly constructed Safwah tower was built without proper planning consent and could also be knocked down!


http://img134.imageshack.us/img134/8596/11saf2.gif
http://img398.imageshack.us/img398/2042/cc1.gif
http://img4.imageshack.us/img4/3200/cc1a.gif
http://img134.imageshack.us/img134/7306/1saf.gif

BTW the part of the hotel on Green Bridge picture is still standing and has Haram view from some rooms.

i think it will be knocked down once all buildings are completed other rumours I heard while I was in makkah that newly constructed Safwah tower was built without proper planning consent and could also be knocked down!

http://img134.imageshack.us/img134/8596/11saf2.gif
http://img134.imageshack.us/img134/7306/1saf.gif

great also massive progress construction...now i can feel this project its big then i thought....

nice update

This tunnel is for a highway passing through the building or only an access to the building itself (parking, lobby, ...)?

http://img398.imageshack.us/img398/2042/cc1.gif

^ I'm curious about that as well.



Btw, this is a sacrilege :ohno: Talking about sustainable constructions...
I hope Dubai and other Arabian cities build more effective, I mean...
hotel on Green Bridge picture is still standing [...]
i think it will be knocked down once all buildings are completed other rumours I heard while I was in makkah that newly constructed Safwah tower was built without proper planning consent and could also be knocked down!


Gotta repeat shaking the head... :ohno::ohno::ohno:

OLD makkah

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3207/3133405083_9449f1ba21.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3217/3133405075_c5bafcea89.jpg?v=0




how old are those pictures? almost feels like hundred of years ago..

This tunnel is for a highway passing through the building or only an access to the building itself (parking, lobby, ...)?

http://img398.imageshack.us/img398/2042/cc1.gif

in fact, it's the other side of this tunnel (the photo by mrfix)

http://img24.imageshack.us/img24/8099/greenbridgeold.gif

This tunnel is for a highway passing through the building or only an access to the building itself (parking, lobby, ...)?

http://img398.imageshack.us/img398/2042/cc1.gif


Stefr, the tunnel is crossing the building to the another side and for sure inside the building, there are many entrances to the main ramps of the project including the entrance of the shopping mall for goods transporation.

http://img9.imageshack.us/img9/6375/abrajalbaittowers.jpg

Simply, there are two purposes of this tunnel:

1- To cross the building as a ring road to the another side (from Hijra to Ajyad then Ghazza).

2- To serve the project.

panorama view for the area: May 15, 2009. 08:09 a.m
by 'asyiqul^huur's
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2112/3533092438_88e1f7cfaf_b.jpg

I don’t think this is a highway going through the building for normal traffic, it will link to tunnel at one side and Ibraheem al-khaleel road at other
side for traffic to the car parking and drop off only, and the tunnel entrance you see in old picture is quit high up on hillside so another bridge
will have to be build to link tunnel.

Having said that there are other tunnels going through the building or side of building, one you can see in satellite image at front of building.

http://img194.imageshack.us/img194/6216/1tunnel.gif

http://img242.imageshack.us/img242/1688/p1060955lt7.jpg

is this rendering for real? or has they change it?

^^ Are they really going to do that?? It's like some awful Le Corbusian nightmare :uh:

great project...out of our imagination..

Awesome !! love the circular masjid, allows for perfect ciculation during tawaf on all floors of the majid and outside too.

Good one

Holy Shit!!!
(pardon my language)

Do you get the feeling if you were to push
one of the buildings over, the rest would fall
like dominoes...?

yes mclancer, yes we felt it

I suppose the design of the buildings is such that they can maximize the available view to the center.

http://img242.imageshack.us/img242/1688/p1060955lt7.jpg

is this rendering for real? or has they change it?

I hope not. What if the Masjid capacity reaches maximum? They will have to destroy these buildings as well to accomodate more pilgrims.

I hope not, too. This is to military like "Stand to attention!"

great project...out of our imagination..

And out of any notion of aesthetic. This is not "exotic" style, or "other" style, it's just bad style.

style is subjective. For example I am not impressed by it's style, just by the details of this project, in wich you can get lost. Thats really interesting.

I hope not, too. This is to military like "Stand to attention!"


And out of any notion of aesthetic. This is not "exotic" style, or "other" style, it's just bad style.

guys this not the plan for anything!! it's just showing one of the ideas for central Makkah !!
the buildings around the mosque is to demonstrate the distance between the mosque and the surrounding area,again it doesn't represent any thing from the project around the Holy mosque..

this is the actual render for the current mosque extension (the third Saudi Extension)
http://img352.imageshack.us/img352/5281/me3ooh.jpg

boring

<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/PporVs3DZjA&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en&feature=player_embedded&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/PporVs3DZjA&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en&feature=player_embedded&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>

A video revealing Atkins’ plans for the redevelopment of the Masjid al-Haram, the holiest site in Islam, has been leaked on the internet

A number of British architects, including Norman Foster and Zaha Hadid have been approached to draw up plans to increase the capacity of the mosque in Mecca, Saudi Arabia.

The efforts to regenerate Mecca come as the government struggles to accommodate ever increasing numbers of religious tourists who visit on the Hajj and Umra each year. Official figures state some four million pilgrims visited Mecca in 2007 to perform the Hajj.

The government is looking to increase the number of international visas issued to pilgrims, which will place even greater pressure on the city.
Source: Architects Journal (http://www.architectsjournal.co.uk/news/daily-news/video-atkins-plans-to-redesign-mecca/5202301.article)

^^ This prooves again, that Atkins is by far the best architecture company in the whole world.

Wow! That's great design! It reminds me a bit of Sydney's Opera House.

boring

your mom is boring



anyways the expansion looks surreal
what will be the capacity once its done

New render? Again?
:wallbash:

every day I see a new project for makkah
but I dont know What is project which will be built
ummmmmmm
sorry for my bad english I try speak english without help as u c loool

its still amazing, there are so many possibilities

^^ This prooves again, that Atkins is by far the best architecture company in the whole world.

I still think at least part of the mosque, at least the courtyard and the surrounding structures should be preserved.

is new pics?

I like it, but the mention at the end of the possibility that the Ottoman mosque might be knocked down to make a new building worries me, especially considering the record of the Saudis on these matters.

2 millions people can worship at once when its completed

2 millions people can worship at once when its completed

there were 4 million last year dude:nuts:

I hope this question don't gets too offtopic.

Is there a special time in the year for the hadj? If not then if existing, an organisation agency for the hadj could devide the moslemic countries into zones and every zone has it's time in the year to pilgrim to Meccah. I think than the hadj would be less chaotic and more organised.

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nUwtJEsen8U/RkzSzuHuTyI/AAAAAAAAA84/orKLweNY7sw/s400/kaabah_flooded.jpg
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nUwtJEsen8U/RkzSleHuTwI/AAAAAAAAA8o/etrAZdqIMWQ/s400/kaabah_flooded3.jpg
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FamEjOWgw8Y/SRSyf2Q9HAI/AAAAAAAAAWI/fcFddsKWNLA/s400/_44308262_haj6.jpg


old pic, but shows a part of history in expanding "1000 years time line"
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_FamEjOWgw8Y/SHCrGNZtbTI/AAAAAAAAAJc/f8ZPww7r8pU/s1600/kabbastep.jpg

Wow! That's great design! It reminds me a bit of Sydney's Opera House.

What?
Is there another opera house in Sydney which I have not seen, yet?

I like it, but the mention at the end of the possibility that the Ottoman mosque might be knocked down to make a new building worries me, especially considering the record of the Saudis on these matters.

The Otmann part of the mosque is not going to be "knocked down"
is already preserved within the the second Saudi expansion "King Fahad's expansion"
look here:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3378/3227690017_5da2dd1924_o.jpg

about the recored you're talking about,which I assume that you meant the (Ottman arsenal)
it doesn't represent anything for anyone in Makkah.and as someone from Makkah, I used to hear stuff like (why don't just take down and something more useful!!
that castle being built by the Ottomans to secure their exist in Makkah when "King of Hija" became allay with the Ottomans,when they tried to take over everything!it wasn't for anyone but the Turks (soldiers,government...etc) niether to save the locals or the pilgrims !so I think we have the right to knocked down or what ever.secondly, Makkah suppose to be the place were you feel safe and secure,and to have hope in life.so yeah we should keep (an Ottoman arsenal) just next door to it!!
so just look at it for this angle:
a foreigners arsenal which was built to secure them on our land. or a place were we could accommodate thousands ??

2 millions people can worship at once when its completed
the current capacity for the mosque and the surrounding yards is more than 4.2 million worshiper at the same time

Although it is against your current society's held beliefs, that arsenal is still part of history and only adds to the rich history of the area. To simply destroy somthing because it doesn't suit yourself is cultural vandalism.

What?
Is there another opera house in Sydney which I have not seen, yet?

I was talking about Sydney's Opera House roof design. That design looks a bit like Sydney's Opera House roof design.

i do not like the design of atkins,it just not the proper time to do this kind of expansion.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3196/2396111816_278f785a5c_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3045/2744438101_8ee69c3ec8_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3247/2396111830_b2b38d547d_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2210/1924221730_5e00f58439_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2388/1923392717_78f375e22a_o.jpg

Very Big

wow:eek2:^^

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3132/2590471286_b8295eebbb_b.jpg
^^
Lift Lobby

Wowww :banana:

The interior design is really messy, looking like somthing from the 90s not the 00s. :(
Shame, could of had somthing really cutting edge here considering the amount of capital spent and importance of location.

^^ messy? I think its perfect, so amazing... another applause to islamic architecture.

Not the lift lobby but the shopping mall. Take another look nothing specifically Saudi or nice about it.

great picture of inside mall....but hows big size of this mall...???

The main tower grew up a lot in a short period of time. Thats amazing ! Great panorama of May 15th !

I hope this question don't gets too offtopic.

Is there a special time in the year for the hadj? If not then if existing, an organisation agency for the hadj could devide the moslemic countries into zones and every zone has it's time in the year to pilgrim to Meccah. I think than the hadj would be less chaotic and more organised.

its not chaotic, its one of the most organized places on earth, each singe has over 10 languages , and next year they are transforming it into the first smart city in the world, plus the zone thing ur talking about is what they are doing for years :)

an al hajj happens one month a year, and there is al 3ommrah which is daily, and ramadan month is very very crowded, it supported 4 million last year

G]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2388/1923392717_78f375e22a_o.jpg

Very Big

loooooooool why is that guy wearing a "green" shimaa'3 loooooooooooool :lol:

patriot saudi :cheers:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3335/3492049554_91bfccb52b.jpg?v=0

may 1 2009 ,, kinda old

any new pics ?

Some pics I found

http://travel.maktoob.com/photo/data/7602/54705.jpg

http://travel.maktoob.com/photo/data/7602/63925.jpg

http://travel.maktoob.com/photo/data/7602/73506.jpg

http://travel.maktoob.com/photo/data/7602/114257.jpg

http://www.travel4arab.com/photo/data/500/medium/Photo-0141_Small_.jpg

http://www.travel4arab.com/photo/data/500/medium/Photo-0148_Small_.jpg

http://www.travel4arab.com/photo/data/500/medium/Photo-0149_Small_.jpg

http://travel.maktoob.com/photo/data/7602/122515.jpg

http://travel.maktoob.com/photo/data/7602/142264.jpg

it looks great

I'd have to disagree with the comments re. internal finishes within the mall, as i think they are of a superb standard and not necessarily needing to be ultra modern. With the lights on (at night presumably), the place looks fantastic.

the interior its taste of middle east culture