“The skyscraper is now commonplace in Saudi​ Arabia: this building form, which is a symbol of modernity, has been embraced by developers and major companies as being appropriate for their corporate image. The approaches to designing these landmarks are multifaceted, and selecting one to illustrate its relevance to Saudi Arabia and a thematic approach to design in a hot climate, with an interpretation of internal Space use, is a difficult task. For once, MIMAR selects a much publicised building,​ SOM’s National​ Commercial Bank in Jeddah, designed by Gordon Bunshaft​ (now retired), which stands out as a sculptural statement that is both powerful and elegant in the urban landscape.“ Pages 36 – 41.

Continuing our archives series, posting articles on projects in Jeddah by international architects and firms. This article on the NCB Tower by SOM was featured in MIMAR issue 16, published in April-June 1985. The building programme for the NCB tower commenced in 1977, with the drawings completed and the construction contract awarded in August 1979. There was a year’s delay when, due to site acquisition problems, the site area was reduced, forcing the redesign of the tower location after the foundation works had commenced. It is worth noting that the interior design for this one-of-a-kind office building was conceived and developed by then SOM partner, Davis Allen. Allen had joined SOM in 1950. He became a partner in 1965 and remained at SOM until his retirement in 1990.