Riyadh City
Saudi Arabia
The Urban & Community Park is a landmark public realm project at the heart of King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) in Riyadh, the world's largest LEED Platinum-certified neighborhood. The park transforms previously underutilized plots into a vibrant, accessible destination that integrates urban, ecological, and social functions within one of the region's most prominent high-density financial hubs.
Conceived as a multifunctional landscape, the park advances KAFD's livability and sustainability vision by supporting mental restoration, physical activity, and social interaction. It anchors the district as a central node in the wider urban fabric and connects seamlessly to surrounding assets, including the forthcoming monorail and key pedestrian networks, reinforcing connectivity and accessibility across KAFD.
Sustainability shaped every phase of design and construction, with the project targeting SITES Gold certification. Native and adaptive species comprise approximately 90% of the planting palette, substantially reducing irrigation demand while strengthening biodiversity and long-term resilience. Heat island mitigation is achieved through high solar reflectance paving and shade structures across more than 11,000 m² of hardscape, measurably improving thermal comfort. Water-sensitive design and high-efficiency irrigation further conserve resources, while material selection prioritizes local sourcing and reduced embodied impact. On-site educational signage and user engagement programs extend the project's sustainability mission to the public.
Designed as an inclusive public space, the park accommodates a wide range of activities and programs, serving equally as a daily recreational amenity and a venue for community events that strengthen social cohesion and enrich the user experience throughout KAFD.