INTERVIEW-Bill Hooper, the architect who ’designed’ the haj

Photo: Shahreen / Shutterstock.com

San Francisco-based Gensler is the American design and architectural firm tasked with offering design and logistical solutions for visitors and residents of the Muslim holy city of Makkah, Saudi Arabia. This includes the site of Al Masjid Al Haram, the sacred mosque containing the Kaaba.

Our interview with Bill Hooper, Principal at Gensler and lead on the Makkah project, is part of our Case Study on Gensler's work with issues relating to pilgrim movement during the haj and the expansion of the holy haj sites in 2010. Since then, Gensler has offered a number of solutions for the haj's holy sites and remains active on other projects in Makkah. Read the full case study here. 

Salaam Gateway: Has Gensler been consulted recently for work in Makkah and if so what kind of proposals have you made?

Bill Hooper: We have been approached on proposals for residential and hospitality projects as well as opportunities to assist in housing for pilgrims along the haj route.  Since these are often confidential, we must respect the sensitivities of our prospective current clients.

Salaam Gateway: Can you describe exactly how the relationship with yourselves and the Saudi authorities in Makkah works?

Bill Hooper: Our firm is known for the work completed in Makkah. Representatives from various universities and ministries have approached us looking for our advice for how best to solve issues related to pilgrim movement and expansion of holy sites.  We are asked to provide a methodology for how we would resolve challenges related to movement and capacity with the involvement of the university or ministry.  We determine the duration for the task and also identify relevant consultants who we would propose to collaborate with us.  Often the teams are comprised of people who have previously worked in Makkah, and may have personal experience completing the Hajj or visiting Makkah that they bring as useful and enriching experience.

Salaam Gateway: Are you the only company acting as a consultant to the Hajj authorities?

Bill Hooper: We are aware of other design firms who have taken our initial work, say for a university, and then are tasked to convert this into a final constructible solution.

Salaam Gateway: How long do you anticipate this consultative role to continue?

Bill Hooper: We are hopeful for a long and extended relationship as we value our work there and our contribution has meaning for many. 

Read our full case study about Gensler's work for Makkah and the haj -- Meet the San Francisco-based architects who 'designed' the haj

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