Open societies need open spaces: construction of Al Urubah Park underway
Construction work has started in Al Urubah Park: a 75-hectare park located within the urban grid on the central east side of Riyadh, planned by LAND for the Royal Commission for Riyadh City.
Saudi Arabia‘s sustainable revolution takes a step forward. Construction work has started in Al Urubah Park: a 75-hectare park located within the urban grid on the central East side of Riyadh, planned by LAND for the Royal Commission for Riyadh City. This innovative green-blue infrastructure represents a paradigm shift in urban planning under extreme conditions as it fosters the citizens’ well-being and climate resilience in the capital of KSA.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is pioneering a transformative approach to urban development, driven by the ambitious goals outlined in Saudi Vision 2030. With a focus on government efficiency, economic growth, and citizen well-being, the Royal Commission for Riyadh City has launched the Green Riyadh Program to create vibrant, sustainable urban spaces for residents and visitors alike.
As the first park within the Green Riyadh Program, Al Urubah Park represents a milestone built under the goal of creating a true urban oasis where the local community can satisfy the universal desire to reconnect with nature. The existing natural network of the City becomes the main framework to activate this strategy and contributes to create extensive open green spaces in the city as a sustainable tool to fight climate change, capable of generating functional benefits in terms of environmental protection.
A 2.7 km Garden Boulevard frames nature at its heart, encouraging visitors to gather and socialize along its roof top promenade that offers panoramic views of the park. This living membrane hosts restaurants and amenities accessible from the Outer park as well as from the Inner park. The Inner park provides a range of leisure and educational attractions – such as an urban beach, a sport esplanade, a green amphiteatre, a music stage, four theme gardens – all enhanced by a supporting digital ecosystem to appeal to all age groups.
Nature draws inspiration from the presence of the hidden water and its interplay with the urban landscape. The project follows the organic flow of nature featuring over 10,000 trees, winding pathways crafted from local soil, and contemporary urban furniture made from Riyadh stone and granite.
In this unique scenario, the digital landscape, envisioned as a multimedia extension of the natural landscape, becomes an integral part of visitors’ experience, thanks to a multitude of devices with augmented reality functions. Technology serves not only to celebrate art, nature, culture and traditions but also to engage the public and heighten awareness of environmental challenges.
A future-proof water management system makes Al Urubah Park a global resilience model and a benchmark in innovative urban landscape design. This extensive green-blue infrastructure, acting as a stormwater detention basin, hosts 475.000 m3 of rainwater with an emptying time of 24 hours. Entirely designed in BIM, Al Urubah Park mitigates flooding and manages the hydrographic basin of Wadi Al-Aysen, in an area of Riyadh particularly prone to such events.
“Al Urubah Park embodies our commitment to regenerating vacant urban spaces through the rediscovery of their identity and vocation, to create liveable places for a sharing and inclusive society. Through the harmonious integration of nature and technology, the park pledges significant environmental advantages and an elevated standard of living for citizens and visitors, aligning with the Quality of Life Program outlined in Vision 2030. Our involvement in Saudi Arabia and the MENA region is set to reach new heights with the establishment of LAND MENA. With our presence on the ground, we are dedicated to making meaningful contributions to these transformative initiatives,” asserts lead designer Andreas Kipar.
