Parks and open spaces, Saudi Arabia

Over a thousand parks and open spaces in eleven mega-projects around the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, while working with Saudi Arabian Parsons Ltd Planning and Landscape team.

Parks and playing fields. Community parks at all levels from simple local and pocket parks serving a population of a few thousand people up to District and Sector Parks serving tens or hundreds of thousands.

Wadis and open spaces. Creating a network of multi-functional open spaces dealing with infrequent but sometimes severe storm-water and flooding events as well as promendades, shaded footpaths, cycleways, amenity, picnic and other passive recreation areas. Wherever possible exisitng wadis and hills are used to create interest and local identity.

Streetscape. Paved footpaths and street trees to enhance walkability along all public rights of way, including palm avenues for the larger dual-carriageway roads and linear parks with promenades in civic centres.

Apartment courtyards. Semi-private courtyards for residents in apartment block areas including shaded footpaths, mashrabiya (arabic screened) walls for privacy, shade trees, limited desert planting, shaded seating areas, shaded play areas and kick about areas for toddlers and young children, passive recreation area for older children and adults.

In all cases, tree, groundcover and grass species, along with a range of natural stone aggregate mulches and ground covers, are selected to minimise water use, and to create livable and walkable spaces within a maintainable desert landscape. Shading of footpaths and seating areas is achieved though a combination of shade trees and shade structures. Consideration is made for provision of screened family areas, as well as for more open areas for play and promenade. There is also provision for organised play in the larger parks with fenced courts and changing facilities.

Work stages included concept, design development and detailed design, as well as planning and resourcing design and drawing production.