Brooks+Scarpa, the Los Angeles-based collective of architects and designers “dedicated to the enhancement of human experiences”, has unveiled designs for a new urban development complex for Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA). We consider the project to be of special architectural interest because of its sustainability features, as well as its beauty and its conspicuous interest in making the life and work of the 5,000 employees of the Saudi ministry much more pleasant. That is why we’ve brought it to our news page and present it to you here.
The 1.2 million m2 urban development will include 7 buildings, including MEWA’s offices and headquarters, as well as other facilities for services, a museum and commercial use. To give the project unity, a network of pedestrian walkways and a profuse expanse of gardens on different levels will connect the different buildings. The Brooks+Scarpa team has created the designs as a “tapestry of spaces and landscapes“. In particular, the planned gardens will ensure “that pedestrians always have access to the outdoor space and views”. In addition, a system of photovoltaic panels will generate 75% of the energy needed to supply and operate the complex.
To provide shade over the walkways and the buildings themselves, and to support the solar energy system at the same time, an extensive area of canopies is planned, which extends over and connects the various buildings at the top. The shading, in conjunction with trees, ornamental plants, fountains and wide open spaces for ventilation, will provide the ministry complex with an outdoor microclimate for a large part of the year. In addition, the courtyards on the lower level of the car parks, open to the gardens above and to the sky, will provide light and fresh air circulation.
Finally, the organisation of the spaces aims to “embrace Saudi culture, and also transform the way people live, play and work, with the continuation of age-old traditions such as generosity and hospitality“. Our support and applause for a sensational project that we look forward to seeing in operation.
