A New Vision for Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: Balancing New Tod Design with Cultural and Environmental Realities

Aliaa Elabd (Alfaisal University)
George Dewey Hallowell (North Carolina State University)

Designs for Riyadh in the mid-twentieth century were based on North American urban planning ideas using wide streets, private cars, large land divisions, and no public transportation alternatives. These western strategies were not tailored to the socio-political realities of a non-Western culture. The result was a neglect for the public realm, particularly in streetscapes and open spaces. Streets often lack pedestrian safety and convenience and sufficient vegetation or shade.

The 2030 Vision of Saudi Arabia aims to drastically change this through promoting a more sustainable economy and environment, healthy lifestyles, and more liveable and vibrant urban fabric of Saudi cities. Other related programs, such as Quality of Life Program 2020, promote regenerating and transforming the public realm and elevating the quality of life.In line with the 2030 vision, new large-scale infrastructure efforts are ongoing in Riyadh including BRT and Metro project and new TOD districts. TOD projects are expected to bring many benefits to the city, such as accessible, safe, and climate-responsive pedestrian areas and vibrant public open spaces. But will the western model of TOD work for a community that values its privacy and is heavily dependent on private cars? What design parameters will shape new TODs, and will they be socially, culturally and environmentally suitable for Saudi Arabia?

This study explored the relevancy of new TODs to Riyadh’s cultural and environmental context through integrated research and pedagogy. Research included interviews with stakeholders and surveys of potential users. The surveys resulted in a set of design recommendations to help envisioning the design of Riyadh’s TODs. Architecture students were then asked to generate plans and ideas for three of the new TOD neighborhoods. The primary goal of the studio was to learn how Saudi students visualize their own future built environment when guided by TOD principles and design recommendations.