Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Led by Mahmoud Abughazal, Head of Architecture at Omrania, together with European Prize for Architecture laureate office Henning Larsen Architects, have devised a new masterplan for the design of King Salman Park, which when completed in 2024, will be largest park in the world.

Covering 13.3 square kilometers on the grounds of the old airport in Riyadh, the park won a 2020 International Architecture Award from The Chicago Athenaeum and The European Centre for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies.

The park will be an extraordinary urban landscape comprising a variety of ecological, cultural, recreational, and sports amenities.

The master plan for King Salman Park 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.

This development is one of several visionary, multibillion-dollar projects initiated by the Saudi government to make Riyadh a more livable and internationally attractive city.

The design approach promotes the creation of urban spaces full of life, always responding to local climate and culture and encouraging a healthy lifestyle.

Located near the geographic center of the growing metropolis, northeast of the historic core, it will be served by five new metro stations and 10 bus rapid transit stations.

The park’s internal urban loop and a circular promenade will cater to walking, cycling, and autonomous and sustainable modes of public transportation, offering shaded areas for rest and refreshment.

This mobility strategy will showcase the latest in innovative personal and shared transit solutions.

Additionally, park visitors will benefit from a climate-responsive urban design and personal thermal comfort strategy that makes walking and cycling pleasant all year round.

The form of the park landscape consists of a series of branching valleys, inspired by Saudi Arabia’s seasonally dry wadi river beds, converging toward the center of the site.

Around the edges of each branch, protected from direct sun, visitors will discover family-friendly gathering spaces and healthy lifestyle activity areas.

Strategically distributed cultural facilities will imbue the park with a vibrant urban character.

Design Architects: Omrania & Associates
Master Planning and Urban Design: Omrania and Henning Larsen Architects
Project Management: Hill International
Client: Riyadh Development Authority (RDA)
Mobility: Mobility in Chain (MIC)