Conceived as a new green heart of Riyadh, the new King Salman Park covers 13.3 square kilometers (5 square miles) on the grounds of the old airport in Riyadh, making it the largest urban park in the world. This extraordinary urban landscape comprises a variety of ecological, cultural, recreational, and sports amenities.
Omrania won the limited international competition to serve as the lead design consultant of the park. The master plan calls for new mixed-use developments surrounding the central public open areas, coalescing into a dynamic and sustainable urban district that reflects the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals.
A sustainable transit-oriented development, King Salman Park is served by five new metro stations and 10 bus rapid transit stations. The park’s internal “urban loop,” a circular promenade, will cater to walking, cycling, and autonomous modes of public transportation, offering shaded areas for rest and refreshment. A climate-responsive urban design and thermal comfort strategy enables walking and cycling all year round. The form of the park landscape consists of a series of branching “wadi” (dry riverbed) valleys converging toward the center of the site. Strategically distributed cultural facilities and family-friendly gathering spaces will imbue the park with a vibrant urban character.
In collaboration with Henning Larsen, Omrania’s master planning and design approach promotes the creation of urban spaces full of life, always responding to local climate and culture.
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