Khams Shamat.
How we found inspiration in antiquity, for architecture and design as well as brand development
Insight. Market Research and Analytics
Innovation. Brand Development and Design
Background
Majid Al Futtaim, (MAF) the group behind City Centre Malls and Mall of the Emirates, planned a 1m sq m mixed use development near Damascus. They commissioned Taylormade to develop marketing strategy and create the brand identity.
Our studies indicated that the product appealed most to local and expat Syrians who were proud and patriotic and looked back warmly to the days of Greater Syria.
Taylormade developed a positioning around the legend of “Bilad al Sham” the golden days when five fabled cities, (Antioch, Aleppo, Damascus, Jerusalem, Tiberias – the “Khams Shamat”) were the jewels in Greater Syria’s crown.
Taylormade created a full brand identity based on the Khams Shamat concept with brand guidelines for the client and its suppliers
Encouraged by Taylormade’s research with potential customers and extensive desk research MAF developed five “quarters” to the development each based on the history and style of one of the five “shamat”.
Damascus Shama includes the largest shopping centre in the region.
Lake Tiberias Shama contains the project’s entertainment section
Antioch Shama is home to world-renowned hotels and restaurants
Aleppo Shama is Khams Shamat’s commercial center
Jerusalem Shama contains the peaceful residential community