Courtesy of Riyadh Development Authority
Award Cycle: 1987-1989 Cycle
Status: Award Recipient
Country of origin: Saudi Arabia
Location: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Client: Arriyadh Development Authority
Architect: BÁdeker-Wagenfeld & Partner Abroad
Size: 2'050'000 m²
Completed: 1986
The developed area is a governmental and ambassadorial precinct that includes, in addition to embassies, consulates and various related structures, residential areas for officials and diplomats, as well as public space and secluded picnic areas for the citizens of Riyadh. The multi-lane, clover-leafed expressway that borders the development to the east and south is screened by intensive and concentrated landscaping. The Al-Kindi Plaza lies between two secondary roads that form an arc dividing the development in two roughly equal segments. These roads are lined with contiguous buildings designed as a linear development, interrupted by courtyards, open spaces and a maidan, part of the plaza. The jury considered Al-Kindi Plaza to be an ideal model for cities in Islamic and Arab societies for having attractively preserved the traditional link between the mosque and the other public services of the city.