The Armani Residence Diriyah

The Armani Residences are located within Diriyah Square, a major new development in the historic town of Diriyah, on the northwestern outskirts of Saudi Arabia's capital, Riyadh. Situated just 15 minutes away from the city center, the residences occupy a privileged spot in an area celebrated as the birthplace of the first Saudi state and the ancestral home of the Al Saud royal family. The location is part of a pedestrian-centric master plan that pays homage to centuries-old Najdi architectural traditions, with the residences rising near the new Armani Hotel Diriyah. This prime address places residents close to the UNESCO World Heritage site of At-Turaif, offering a unique fusion of deep cultural heritage with a modern, high-end lifestyle. The development is set within the Wadi Hanifah valley, known for its lush palm groves, and offers views of the surrounding area's luxury retail and dining options. 

The Armani Residence Diriyah is a project by Diriyah Company, a prominent Saudi Arabian real estate developer responsible for the overall Diriyah masterplan. The company, formerly known as Diriyah Gate Development Authority (DGDA), partnered with Armani Hotels & Resorts to develop the branded residences as part of the larger Diriyah development. The Armani residences are a limited and exclusive collection designed in collaboration with the Armani/Casa Interior Design Studio, with Giorgio Armani himself involved in the creative direction. This partnership blends the luxury and timeless elegance associated with the Armani brand with the rich cultural heritage and traditional Najdi architectural style of Diriyah. The Armani residences form a part of Diriyah's ultra-luxury hospitality quarter, which is designed to be a premier cultural and lifestyle destination. 

The architect design of the Armani Residence Diriyah integrates Armani's signature aesthetic with the historic Najdi architecture of the region, featuring elements like courtyards, filtered light in the Tower of Light, and sikka-inspired pathways within the residences themselves. The project was developed in collaboration with Giorgio Armani and his in-house interior design team, in partnership with Diriyah Company, to create a living experience that is both timeless and deeply rooted in the Saudi heritage of Diriyah.  

Armani Residences Diriyah is rooted in the seamless integration of Giorgio Armani's signature timeless sophistication with the rich heritage and architectural principles of Diriyah's historic Najdi style. This approach uses clean lines, refined materials, and natural light to honor the ochre tones and mud-brick textures of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, At-Turaif, creating an elegant balance between traditional craftsmanship and contemporary luxury within the natural landscape. The design emphasizes a sophisticated dialogue between two distinct identities, using elements like controlled openings called "portals" to guide residents from the textured surroundings into refined interiors and vice versa

Armani Residences Diriyah features three distinct residence typologies: The Palm Residences, The Botanical Residences, and The Royal Penthouses, with sizes ranging from 1,200 to 1,900 square meters, each encompassing three-bedroom suites with en-suite bathrooms, formal and family living areas, a library, and a private pool. 

The Courtyard by Marriott Baku

The Courtyard by Marriott Baku is centrally located in the vibrant Nasimi district, placing it in an ideal position for both business and leisure travelers to explore Azerbaijan's capital city. Its address is at the intersection of M. Fuzuli and A. Topchubashov streets. The hotel's prime location means that many of Baku's most famous landmarks and attractions are within easy reach, with many just a short walk away. For instance, guests can walk to the popular Nizami Street, known for its shopping and dining, in about 10–15 minutes. 

The hotel is also close to other significant cultural and historical sites. The medieval walled city of 

Icherisheher

, a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring the Maiden Tower and the Palace of the Shirvanshahs, is a short trip away. Additionally, the bustling 

Fountain Square

 is within walking distance, offering a lively atmosphere with shops, cafes, and street performers. The hotel's proximity to a metro station also makes it easy for visitors to navigate the city. For those traveling by air, Heydar Aliyev International Airport is approximately 24 km away. 

The Courtyard by Marriott Baku was developed for the hotel's owner, Absheron Hotel Group, a subsidiary of the large Azerbaijani investment company, PASHA Holding. The construction itself, including the interior completion and furniture, was carried out by North West Construction LLC between 2020 and 2021. The hotel officially opened in 2021, with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva in attendance. This partnership highlights the involvement of a major local conglomerate, PASHA Holding, in the country's hospitality sector through its hotel management arm. 

The architecture of the Courtyard by Marriott Baku is distinguished by its blend of Russian imperial-like architecture with modern, stylish elements. While the overall style echoes classical grandeur, reflecting the city's rich historical context, the interior design offers a contemporary and vibrant atmosphere for today's travelers. The hotel is located in the vibrant Nasimi district, with an exterior that is immediately intriguing and inviting. 

The hotel was developed by Pasha Construction, which carried out interior and furnishing work on the project. The specific architectural firm is not explicitly credited in available information, which focuses more on the hotel's interior and modern amenities rather than the external building's history. The design reflects the wider Marriott brand's direction, which works to create a "physical manifestation" of its vision for modern hotel experiences. The result is a welcoming space that successfully merges an older, imperial-style building with a fresh, updated interior to create a comfortable and stylish hotel. 

The design theory of the Courtyard by Marriott Baku fuses Marriott's modern, brand-standard concepts with locally inspired elements to provide a functional and culturally relevant experience. The overall philosophy is tailored to the "trailblazing" business and leisure traveler, offering a contemporary and residential-style atmosphere that helps guests balance work and relaxation. For the Baku location specifically, the interior design, created by the firm JOI-Design, integrates the brand's principles with local nuances through its gastropub and public spaces.