The winners of the RIBA Middle East Award were announced today at Dubai Design Week. King Salman Park is the sole winner in the “Future Projects” category. The transformation of the former airport site in Riyadh into a 16.7 km2 inner-city park landscape is one of the central projects of Vision 2030. It is a prime example of ecological urban regeneration based on biodiversity and climate regulation. It is based on interdisciplinary research that makes it possible to fertilise desert soils, establish a sustainable water supply and plant climate-resilient plants and trees. King Salman Park combines the diversity of urban life with a unique landscape and nature experience. It contributes significantly to increasing the proportion of green space in the Saudi capital and can serve as a blueprint for ecological greening projects in arid areas worldwide. The mega-project is being developed by a joint venture led by Gerber Architects, in cooperation with engineering partners Buro Happold and Setec.
Our thanks go to the King Salman Park Foundation, the international scientists and all the project partners involved, whose commitment and expertise have made this green living space possible.
Further information on King Salman Park can be found on the RIBA website:
https://www.riba.org/explore/awards/international-awards/middle-east-awards/king-salman-park/