King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz Corridor, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, 2003 - 2004

In 2003 AS&P was commissioned to develop a structural concept and comprehensive development plan for the King Abdullah Bin Abulaziz Corridor in Riyadh, one of the city's five primary activity spines. The activity spines are to serve as a structural backbone of the city and fulfill the role of lively business and transport axes. The entire study area was comprised of a two-kilometer-wide strip along the 22 kilometer-long street, the focus being placed on the first blocks lining the corridor. Without widening the given right-of-way the existing six to ten lane artery was to be redesigned into a fully grade-separated, inner-urban freeway. A new public light rail transit demonstrator line was to be introduced and the amenity quality was to be improved throughout. The prevailing aim of the comprehensive plan was to develop a proper functional balance between transport and urban design requirements, including statements on lot development options, privacy, infrastructure provisions, traffic management and a green network system. AS&P's design proposed structuring the Corridor into ten individual precincts, which reflect the existing and desired land uses. In the core »Boulevard Precinct« it was proposed to lower the freeway and cover it by a landscaped deck to provide a highly attractive and pedestrian-friendly environment unique to Riyadh. The vision embodied in the structural concept was then transferred by AS&P into a municipal zoning plan proposal to serve as a model for the redevelopment of other urban axes.