Muscat, Oman

Muscat Central Ferry Terminal _ Oman

SCF Engineering ME LLC, studio tamassociati, STE Progetti s.r.l.

THE CONCEPT DESIGN for the Muscat Central Ferry Terminal in the chosen location, the peninsula of the former “Al Inshirah” Restaurant, requires a very careful approach, inspired by the uniqueness of the seascape and rocky sceneries, the heritage of historical and recent landmarks and the liveliness of Al Riyam Park. Our idea is that of creating a building which is intimately connected and in complete harmony with the extraordinary surrounding landscape and becomes an integral part of it.

We envisioned a Terminal building which is laid down between the two little hills which are located in the peninsula, with a shape that literally embraces the hills. The building is meant to be a discreet presence, respectful of the outstanding scenario in which it takes place, apparently almost an understatement, but in reality a vibrant piece of sustainable architecture that merges its logistic functions as vehicle and passenger ferry terminal together with its nature of public space with an independent day and night life. The whole peninsula becomes a great place meant to become a catalyst for tourists and locals, a “must-see” location, with great open spaces and unforgettable promenades, terraces, bars and restaurants with romantic sea views and the unique attraction of the 1st acquarium in Oman, located at the end of the breakwater.

THE TERMINAL BUILDING is arranged in 3 levels: - Ground level is for vehicle entry/exit to the Terminal area and for management of vehicle customs controls (if any) and for service rooms such as baggage claim etc. - Level 1 is the real terminal area, where passengers will be hosted while they wait for boarding and passengers will enter when they get off the ferries. This area is arranged with all due services, including retail shops and bars, waiting areas, restrooms, etc. - Level 2 is a roof terrace, completely green and meant to be a PUBLIC space, accessible regardless of the terminal operations. On top of the terrace there’s a circular tower which resembles the two towers topping the surrounding hills. The terrace will host a prestigious restaurant with great sea view and a bar on top of the tower itself with a 360° view.

- The building is conceived with shapes and architecture resulting from a study of the traditional fortresses and architectural landmarks of Oman. The rounded shapes, the tower on the top, the type of finishing and colors are consistent with such traditional elements and are spiced up with modern glass walls, hi-tech solutions, and will have a unique “skin” made of textures resembling traditional middle east geometric decorations with spectacular night-lighting effects. - The overall size of the interior spaces are 19,000sqft at ground level and 31,000sqft at level 1. The roof terrace has a size of 29,000sqft with the restaurant tower offering approximately 1,750sqft of additional interior space plus a second roof terrace of the same size. – A roundabout of adequate size will be placed on the main double-carriage road outside the terminal, granting proper functional levels of service and correct circulation of heavy vehicles around the central island.

Overview _ general layout

Groundfloor plan

Roof plan

Vehicular - pedestrian paths

Europaconcorsi Beta

Muscat Central Ferry Terminal _ Oman