"The desire to take advantage of the spectacular views of Jeddah and the Red Sea led to the design of the distinctive National Commercial Bank, completed in 1983. Set in a 1.2-hectare plaza on the edge of the sea, the 27-story triangular building is flanked by a helical parking garage. In developing its form, SOM incorporated two important features found in traditional Islamic architecture: natural ventilation and inward orientation. Instead of individual windows in the tower's travertine enclosure, colossal openings allow light into the interior across three landscaped courtyards. A central wall that extends from the skylight of the first floor up through the roof allows accumulated heat to rise out of the building."