Architectural Cases

Designing for Movement: Preserving Nomadic Traditions in a Changing World

The Paradox of Permanence: Architecture and Nomadic Existence

In various linguistic traditions, the very concept of a "building" inherently suggests an unmoving entity, with architectural engineering often described through the lens of "statics." This intrinsic link to stability poses a fundamental challenge when considering the dwelling needs of nomadic populations. Unlike fixed structures, the shelters required by these communities must embody lightness and adaptability, capable of being easily dismantled and reassembled as they traverse vast territories. Their lives, deeply rooted in centuries-old customs, face a constant pull towards settled existences in towns and cities, leading to a significant risk of cultural erosion.

Addressing Heritage Loss: A Tunisian Initiative for Nomadic Herders

In Tunisia, a forward-thinking project is actively confronting the potential disappearance of invaluable heritage tied to nomadic lifestyles. Recognizing the profound impact of urbanization on traditional pastoralist communities, this initiative seeks to enhance the circumstances for herders who move with their livestock. By developing innovative design interventions, the project aims to create sustainable and movable architectural solutions that respect and integrate with the transient nature of nomadic life, offering a pathway to preserve their unique cultural identity amidst modern pressures.

The Saharan and Sahelian Nomads: A Life in Motion

The expansive Sahara Desert and the adjacent Sahel region of Africa are home to a significant number of the world's nomadic communities. Predominantly pastoralists, these groups, including Arab Bedouins, Touareg, Berbers, and Beja people, subsist by herding animals such as goats, sheep, camels, or cows. Their survival depends on continuously moving their herds to new pastures, a rhythm dictated by the availability of resources. These migratory patterns often transcend national borders, with many communities freely moving across multiple countries. In the Sahel, movements are frequently synchronized with seasonal rainfall, guiding them northward during wetter periods and southward in drier months, showcasing a profound connection to their environment.

King Salman Park, a monumental urban development spanning 16.9 square kilometers, is nearing its grand unveiling in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This ambitious undertaking, situated on the grounds of the city's former airport, is poised to redefine urban green spaces, cultural engagement, and community living within the capital. Envisioned as a vibrant civic core, the park integrates expansive natural landscapes with public amenities and diverse mixed-use zones, promising a new era of urban vitality for Riyadh's residents and visitors. With significant progress already made, the initial phases are set to open by late 2026, culminating in a comprehensive completion by 2027.

Initiated in 2019 under the patronage of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and guided by the King Salman Park Foundation, this project forms a cornerstone of Riyadh's broader urban renewal strategy. Representing an investment of approximately SR 72 billion, the development aims to transform a formerly restricted airfield into an accessible public domain seamlessly woven into the city's infrastructure. Its strategic location near Riyadh's heart, coupled with direct access to five metro stations and ten bus rapid transit stops, underscores its ambition to become a central, transit-oriented destination. This integration into the public transport network is key to enhancing accessibility and reinforcing its role as a vital urban amenity.

Transforming Riyadh's Urban Fabric: A Vision for Green Infrastructure

The development of King Salman Park marks a pivotal moment in Riyadh's urban evolution, transforming a decommissioned airbase into a sprawling ecological and recreational haven. This extensive project, covering nearly 17 square kilometers, is meticulously designed to serve as a new cultural and civic heart for the city. Led by Omrania as the principal design consultant, with Henning Larsen contributing to the overarching master plan and urban design, the park aims to blend ecological principles with robust public infrastructure. The initial phases are anticipated to welcome visitors by late 2026, with the entire development projected to be fully operational by 2027, showcasing a commitment to integrated urban planning and sustainable growth.

This initiative, launched in 2019, is a significant component of Riyadh's comprehensive urban renewal program. With an estimated budget of 72 billion Saudi Riyals, the project’s objective is to convert a previously inaccessible airfield into a vibrant, public-centric landscape. Strategically positioned at the geographical nexus of Riyadh, King Salman Park is conceived as a premier transit-oriented destination, boasting connections to five metro stations and ten bus rapid transit stops. This extensive connectivity is crucial for embedding the park within the city's public transit network, thereby ensuring easy access for a wide demographic and fostering a model of urban development that prioritizes both environmental sustainability and public engagement.

Innovative Design and Sustainable Integration: The Heart of King Salman Park

Central to King Salman Park's design is a pioneering master plan that organizes the vast area around a sophisticated network of branching valleys, drawing inspiration from the natural wadi systems found in the region. This topographical approach is instrumental in shaping the park's internal circulation, creating shaded pedestrian pathways, diverse recreational zones, and welcoming gathering spaces. A key environmental objective is the planting of approximately one million trees, supported by advanced irrigation systems utilizing treated wastewater and soil regeneration techniques to enhance water retention. These measures are designed to address Riyadh's arid climate, positioning the park as both a significant landscape intervention and a critical piece of green infrastructure.

The Innovation Loop, a circular internal promenade, lies at the core of the park's functionality, facilitating seamless movement for pedestrians, cyclists, and autonomous transit within the expansive grounds. This loop acts as a connective tissue, linking various cultural institutions, sports facilities, and mixed-use districts scattered throughout the site. Notable planned features include the Royal Arts Complex, designed by Bofill Taller de Arquitectura, which will house performance and exhibition venues, alongside a dedicated visitors' pavilion and integrated residential and commercial areas. As the park progresses towards its scheduled public opening in 2026, King Salman Park stands out as one of the world's most extensive urban park developments, demonstrating a forward-thinking approach to integrating nature, culture, and urban living on a grand scale.