Muscat, Oman
Zaha Hadid Architects and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning (MoHUP) reveal their plan for a US $1.3bn Al Khuwair Muscat Downtown and Waterfront Development project, which is likely to give a major facelift to the capital city.
“Seamlessly integrated within the urban fabric of Muscat, Al Khuwair will create a bridge between the coastal landscapes of the Arabian Sea and the Hajar Mountains that surround the city,” states Paolo Zilli, Project Director and Associate Director at Zaha Hadid Architects.
Prioritizing the well-being of residents and visitors and redefining urban living in Oman as Muscat’s population is anticipated to almost double from 1.5mn to 2.7mn by 2040., the architects have incorporated residential areas and extensive mixed-use developments catering to government and commercial businesses.
Together with arts, culture, and leisure spaces, the district will be a thriving, environmentally resilient and sustainable development with a 24-hour community.
ZHA has implemented a materials strategy with specific interventions to assist with climate and coastal resilience, including mitigating any ‘urban heat island’ effects, stormwater management, and breakwaters.
This masterplan will promote pedestrian activity, the approach includes implementing passive shading and cooling in public spaces, coupled with the development of cycle infrastructure to enhance the safety and usability of active transportation methods.
This strategy not only aims to create a more comfortable and inviting environment for walking and cycling but also focuses on reducing reliance on private vehicles.
By encouraging active modes of transport, the plan seeks to capitalize on the significant carbon savings associated with decreased vehicle use, contributing to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly urban landscape.
The project emphasizes maximizing onsite renewable energy through solar power with a passive design strategy aimed at minimizing energy demand and reducing water consumption in both buildings and landscaping.
Additionally, it sets an ambitious goal of achieving a biodiversity net gain of 10%, focusing on the conservation and restoration of native plant species.
Project: Al Khuwair Muscat Downtown and Waterfront Development
Architects: Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA)
MEP Engineers: Buro Happold Limited
Client: Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning (MoHUP)
Photographs: Courtesy of Zaha Hadid Architects
