(S) Squares Al Sahil Mall

(S) Squares Al Sahil Mall earned third place in a global competition hosted by Al Salimi Real Estate Development in Saudi Arabia, marking a significant recognition for Cambodian architecture on the international stage. The design draws from Saudi architectural traditions, using cubic forms, introverted patios, and patterned screen walls to create a strong sense of place. Colors and textures reinterpret the desert landscape, while privacy and sun protection are addressed through thoughtful massing and shading. The mall’s glass facade and high end shops face the main road, while a hidden central plaza offers a quieter, more private space at the heart of the project. Commercial spaces are located on the lower floors for easy access, with private areas like the ladies gym and kids area above, connected by bridges and shaded by a screen roof that creates a cool micro-climate with native plants and water features. Modern materials such as steel, concrete, and aluminum screens provide shade and transform the building into a glowing landmark at night, balancing function, comfort, and cultural identity.