WADI WALK
Riyadh is rapidly expanding with distinctive buildings and new neighborhoods. Much is being driven by the country's 'Saudi Vision 2030', which promotes new businesses of many types to diversify the economy beyond petroleum. Two-thirds of the population is under 30 and are seeking exceptional experiences. This marketplace development is located in an emerging neighborhood on a prominent corner site where two multi-lane roads intersect. Spread across the 360,000 square foot site are thirteen mixed-use, multi-story buildings plus an 800-car parking structure. In the desert, riverbeds, called Wadis, are usually dry, but when wet from rains, they historically attracted an ebb and flow of people and animals.
The conceptual composition for this project is loosely based on this where an irregular pattern of water connects separate groups of buildings that are each arranged into plazas. At each of these plazas, the water is broadened becoming reflecting pools, each with a sculptural water tower as the vertical counterpoint to the predominant horizontality of the project.
Each of the five plazas also have a variety of landscaping and many places to sit, watch, and eat, with a significant number of shops on each of the levels. The circular openings at each plaza establishes a unified multi-level design with vertical and horizontal connections, combining open and shaded spaces. The roof level is a shade wafer of perforated aluminum with a series of circular openings, creating another layer of shade and shadow play. The outer edge of the project is a linear arrangement of five of the buildings, which are located under a continuous 'ribbon' roof that emerges from the ground plane at two gateway locations. This configuration results in an iconic new destination as seen from the intersecting roads.
Intentionally, there are no big box stores, only small spaces for retail, personal services, cafes, and offices - many of which will be newly-established small businesses. Ultimately, this is a mixed-used commercial development, but at the same time, a particular collection of high-quality open spaces for the community it will serve.
LOCATION: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
LOT AREA: 33,600 Sqm / 361,667 SqFt
GROUND LEVEL: CONDITIONED: 7,626 Sqm; EXTERIOR: 14,459 Sqm
FIRST LEVEL: CONDITIONED: 7,596 Sqm; EXTERIOR: 7,016 Sqm
SECOND LEVEL: CONDITIONED: 4,013 Sqm; EXTERIOR: 3,307 Sqm
TOTAL AREA: CONDITIONED: 19,235 Sqm; EXTERIOR: 24,752 Sqm
WADI WALK
Riyadh is rapidly expanding with distinctive buildings and new neighborhoods. Much is being driven by the country's 'Saudi Vision 2030', which promotes new businesses of many types to diversify the economy beyond petroleum. Two-thirds of the population is under 30 and are seeking exceptional experiences. This marketplace development is located in an emerging neighborhood on a prominent corner site where two multi-lane roads intersect. Spread across the 360,000 square foot site are thirteen mixed-use, multi-story buildings plus an 800-car parking structure. In the desert, riverbeds, called Wadis, are usually dry, but when wet from rains, they historically attracted an ebb and flow of people and animals.
The conceptual composition for this project is loosely based on this where an irregular pattern of water connects separate groups of buildings that are each arranged into plazas. At each of these plazas, the water is broadened becoming reflecting pools, each with a sculptural water tower as the vertical counterpoint to the predominant horizontality of the project.
Each of the five plazas also have a variety of landscaping and many places to sit, watch, and eat, with a significant number of shops on each of the levels. The circular openings at each plaza establishes a unified multi-level design with vertical and horizontal connections, combining open and shaded spaces. The roof level is a shade wafer of perforated aluminum with a series of circular openings, creating another layer of shade and shadow play. The outer edge of the project is a linear arrangement of five of the buildings, which are located under a continuous 'ribbon' roof that emerges from the ground plane at two gateway locations. This configuration results in an iconic new destination as seen from the intersecting roads.
Intentionally, there are no big box stores, only small spaces for retail, personal services, cafes, and offices - many of which will be newly-established small businesses. Ultimately, this is a mixed-used commercial development, but at the same time, a particular collection of high-quality open spaces for the community it will serve.
LOCATION: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
LOT AREA: 33,600 Sqm / 361,667 SqFt
GROUND LEVEL: CONDITIONED: 7,626 Sqm; EXTERIOR: 14,459 Sqm
FIRST LEVEL: CONDITIONED: 7,596 Sqm; EXTERIOR: 7,016 Sqm
SECOND LEVEL: CONDITIONED: 4,013 Sqm; EXTERIOR: 3,307 Sqm
TOTAL AREA: CONDITIONED: 19,235 Sqm; EXTERIOR: 24,752 Sqm
