Case Study: Salam Park, Riyadh

Masterplan of Salam Park.

Architect: Barton Willmore
with Omrania & Associates
Location: Riyadh

The project
Originally designed by Barton Willmore partner, Nick Sweet whilst at Aukett Fitzroy Robinson, Salam Park is situated in the heart of the Saudi capital, and has served as a much-needed resource for Riyadh’s residents.

This redevelopment project has been motivated by the Arriyadh Development Authority’s acquisition of five adjacent plots of land, allowing for further expansion. The park has clocked up 1.5 million visitors a year since opening 15 years ago.

The site
Situated in the centre of the city, ADA have been trying for more than a decade to procure five nearby land parcels in order to expand the park. The authority has now managed to purchase the land, allowing the expansion of Salam Park by 4.5 hectares and representing a 20% increase in area.

The area surrounding the park is also being developed, with a new criminal court by Albert Speer and a new City Hall. by Foster and Partners.

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The Concept
Salam Park plays a similar role in Riyadh as Hyde Park in London, providing an attractive break from the traffic congestion of downtown. “It’s completely swamped at the weekend,” explained Sweet.

“For a long time is was the only part of Riyadh that you could walk around without being surrounded by cars.” To maintain this, the architects have suggested a number of new garden concepts, including a science-themed garden, a water garden and a kids area.

The Details
The strict segregation of men and women in Saudi Arabia was a challenge for the designers. “It was assumed there would be segregated uses – with a bachelor area and the family area – which was something we opposed,” Sweet said.

“In truth, it should be a family resource.” The design of the various family areas was influenced by Sweet’s experiences as a father. “Having six year old twins really informs the way you design for families,” he said.

A byproduct of the large artificial lake, Sweet said, was that fishing has become a popular pastime in the Saudi capital. “The authorities have started selling two hour fishing licenses, and there are all these people fishing in central Riyadh,” he said.