The Red Sea Project of which 'Coral Bloom' makes part, has released photographs of a Foster + Partners-designed resort that will blend in with the natural environment on a Saudi Arabian island in the Red Sea. You cannot miss out on seeing what the time ahead will look like for this Arab region.
Jump Into the Future With Coral Bloom - Saudi’s Newest and Ongoing Project
Coral Bloom will consist of eleven hotels on the dolphin-shaped island of Shurayrah, which is part of The Red Sea Project, a network of 90 undeveloped islands off Saudi Arabia's west coast. The resort was planned to be a hub for more significant development and one of the first sites that tourists visiting the area will notice. The forms of natural Saudi Arabian flowers and coral inspired it.
Video: DesignCity Lab
The Coral Bloom concept, designed by lead architects Foster + Partners, will blend in with the natural environment and create a luxury experience for guests on their first arrival to the destination said The Red Sea Development Company (TRSDC), the project's developer.
The Ultimate Vision for Shurayrah Island
The island will be relandscaped to create a succession of lagoons and beaches as part of its development. Eleven resorts will be built in the sand dunes along these beaches, each featuring a number of coral-themed villas. The vision for Shurayrah is inspired by the island's natural state. The hotels are designed to give the impression that they have washed up on the beaches and nestled among the dunes almost like driftwood.
The materials the construction firm will and have used up to date and their low environmental impact ensure that the pristine environment is protected, while the additions we make to the island serve to enhance what is already there - hence the name, Coral Bloom.
While the Coral Bloom resorts will share an overall style, the villas will be uniquely created. According to Foster + Partners, the hotel would cater to a wide range of tourists, from honeymooners to families.
How Will the Villas Be Built?
Each villa will be constructed using lightweight materials and will be manufactured elsewhere before being installed on the island. What the firm wanted to do was look into ways of bringing lightweight structures and placing those lightweight structures on an island.
Just as islands have driftwood arrive and wash up on the shore, they envisioned these hotels washing up on the island and then eventually washing away if that was desired later.
The Inspiration Behind the Coral Bloom Project
The Coral Bloom Project in Saudi Arabia is an initiative aimed at preserving and restoring the coral reefs in the Red Sea. The project is a collaboration between the Saudi Arabian government and various organizations, including the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), the Red Sea Research Center, and the National Center for Coral Reef Research (NCRR).
Coral reefs are among the most diverse and productive ecosystems on Earth, but they are also one of the most threatened. In recent years, coral reefs in the Red Sea have been facing a variety of threats, including climate change, overfishing, and pollution. The Coral Bloom Project seeks to address these threats by promoting conservation and restoration efforts in the region.
The project involves various activities, including scientific research, community engagement, and coral reef restoration. Researchers at KAUST and the Red Sea Research Center are studying the biology and ecology of the coral reefs in the Red Sea, in order to understand their vulnerabilities better and develop strategies for their preservation. The NCRR is also working to promote awareness of coral reef conservation among local communities and stakeholders.
One of the most innovative aspects of the Coral Bloom Project is its use of cutting-edge technology to promote coral reef restoration. Researchers are experimenting with a variety of techniques, including the use of 3D-printed structures to create artificial reefs, and the use of genetic techniques to breed corals that are more resilient to environmental stressors. The project is also exploring using drones to map and monitor coral reef ecosystems and track the progress of restoration efforts.
All in all, The Coral Bloom Project is an important part of this effort and represents a significant investment in the preservation of one of the world's most valuable and vulnerable ecosystems.
Photos by Foster + Partners.
