A Lesson to Unlearn from King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD)
What Makes a Good Road Network and Efficient Pedestrian Passages?
To me, successful urban development is about achieving integration, where architecture, roadways, transit systems, and pedestrian pathways come together to create environments that are functional, accessible, and inclusive. As the King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) in Riyadh reaches its final phases, it offers a timely case study on how master planning can impact user experience and functionality.
Walking through KAFD, I noticed its unique layout, seemingly inspired by traditional city designs. This approach suggests a focus on walkability, reminiscent of the pedestrian-friendly aspects of older urban areas. Historically, cities were compact and walkable by necessity, built for easy, direct navigation before the era of cars.
However, in today’s world, how do we design streets and pedestrian passages to ensure true walkability? Does a similar design approach still meet the demands of modern urban life effectively?
KAFD’s current layout features a non-uniform pattern of building plots; visually captivating, yet challenging in terms of vehicle flow and accessibility.
The road layout introduces unusual angles and intersections where vehicle routes intersect with pedestrian areas, combining car access, drop-offs, and loading zones with spaces intended for foot traffic. This blend reduces comfort and safety for pedestrians, as irregular road shapes contribute to traffic congestion. To avoid those issues, a clearer vertical separation between pedestrian and vehicle zones could have enhanced both functionality and ease of movement throughout KAFD. Otherwise well separated functional divisions and road connections each other in the layout were needed.
For urban designers and planners, every project provides valuable lessons. Striking a balance between respecting historical design influences and meeting contemporary needs is a continual challenge; one that will undoubtedly shape future developments.
(The master plan is taken from https://lnkd.in/dD3h-Jjd
The old map is taken from https://lnkd.in/ddDmEA3S)
