Since 2021, I have been working in AlUla as Lead of Architecture and Design for this project for Giò Forma Studio & Black Engineering, a journey that has been both professionally and personally transformative. This project is more than just work for me—it feels like my child, my second home. After nearly five years of dedication, seeing it come to life is an overwhelming emotion, made possible by the incredible team that has always prioritized the essence and well-being of this magical and significant place. To honor AlUla’s unique identity, we infused a touch of Italy by collaborating with iconic brands like Poltrona Frau, Artemide Middle East, Porfido Pedretti, Ideal Work | Superfici decorative cementizie, blending Italian excellence with the heritage of this land.
In AlUla, conservation goes beyond preservation—it’s about reimagining how places can be used, how they connect with their surroundings, and what they can offer to the community. This philosophy has guided the design of the The Chedi Hegra where every detail reflects a balance between honouring the past and embracing the future.
The Chedi Hegra is located at the site of the historic Hejaz Railway, an iconic project originally built in the early 20th century to connect Damascus to Medina. This railway, a marvel of its time, played a vital role in facilitating pilgrimage and trade across the region before its closure in the 1920s. At the Chedi Hegra, guests are invited to explore this heritage through a curated exhibition of artifacts, including a fully restored train that once ran along this legendary route. The preservation and reinvention of this space pay homage to the railway’s historical significance, seamlessly blending it with the hotel’s design and purpose.
This incredible achievement was made possible thanks to the efforts of more than a thousand people who contributed to the project, each playing a crucial role in bringing this vision to life. From the very first to the very last person involved, their dedication, skill, and passion have been the foundation of this journey.
The Chedi Hegra is more than a hotel; it is a destination that bridges hospitality and heritage. Located just a short distance from Hegra, AlUla’s UNESCO World Heritage Site, it offers guests an unparalleled connection to the past while allowing them to experience the present vibrancy. It’s a place where history is not only preserved but celebrated, embodying the vision and mission of AlUla to share its stories with the world.
A special thanks to: Florian Boje The Royal Commission for AlUla GHM (General Hotel Management Ltd) Mazen Al-Juaid Panagiotis Michopoulos PMP® MSc, B.Eng(Hons) Raed Alshammari PMP® Samantha Cotterell Fabio Pavanetto Claudia Frassoni Leanne Henderson Seca Consultants FMC Construction Co. Dar AtkinsRéalis Voltaire Lighting Design Carlotta Verdi Rossano Ruffini
#vision2030 #saudiarabia #hoteldesign #Alula #luxuryhotel #architecture #boutiquehotel #hospitality #hoteldesign
