Urbanitarian

King Abdullah Financial District

by HENNING LARSEN in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

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Data Info

Author HENNING LARSEN

City Riyadh

Country Saudi Arabia

Year 2020

Program Financial district

Technical Info

Site area 1600000 sqm

Gfa 5000000 sqm

Density 0 far

Population density 12000 inh/ha

Home Units: 5000

Jobs 44000

Streetsroad: 0 %

Buildup: 0 %

NonBuild-up: 0 %

Residential 0 %

Business 0 %

Commercial 0 %

Civic 0 %

Description

Sustainability and Certification

The King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) is a mixed-use business district located in the heart of Riyadh.
The project is LEED Platinum certified, which highlights its strong focus on sustainability. Features include roofscapes, optimal building orientation, and facades with solar cells to improve energy efficiency and reduce environmental impact.

Transportation and Connectivity

The district plans to implement alternative transport systems, including a monorail, which will connect to public parking hubs located at the periphery, providing a total of 62,000 parking spaces.
50 ventilated skywalks (4-6 meters wide) will connect various buildings, forming a robust pedestrian network. These solar-powered skywalks aim to reduce vehicle use and promote walkability.

Green Infrastructure and Wadi Integration

A green promenade runs centrally through KAFD, developed from an existing Wadi (oasis/riverbed) on-site. This promenade branches out towards key civic landmarks like the public plaza, science center, and mosque.
The pedestrian pathways along the Wadi are enhanced with water features, vegetation shading.

High-Density Urban Design

The district features high-density, high-rise buildings while avoiding reflective facades and mirror glass to reduce heat and glare in the desert environment.
The financial plaza is located at the center of the district, providing a public square and housing the key financial office buildings of the business hub.

Mixed-Use Ecosystem

KAFD’s mixed-use design incorporates offices, retail, food and beverage (F&B), residential units, hotels, and entertainment areas, creating a vibrant 24/7 ecosystem.

Flood Protection and Urban Resilience

A new urban topography has been developed for flood protection, with buildings constructed on an artificial base called the “Warft”. Streets and sidewalks are elevated to this level, while the existing port level is designed with promenades, airtight walls and flood gates are used.

Architectural and Material Innovations

KAFD has developed its own Hafencity Eco Label, ensuring that buildings are constructed using sustainable materials like wood, wood-concrete composites, and concrete-saving techniques.