Construction
Project Summary Location: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Client: Saudi Binladin Group Gross floor area: 93,000 m2 (Crystal Towers), 33,500 m2 (Gem), 41,000 m2 (Villas in the Sky) Year of construction: 2009 - 2013 Type of assignment: Commission Design software: Bentley Architecture, Bentley Navigator, MicroStation, GenerativeComponents Structural Engineers: Thornton Tomasetti MEP: Hoare Lea Consulting eye level,” Baek says. “The detailed flythrough [presents] early design ideas that provide a better understanding of our vision and a clear understanding of the masterplan’s complexity.” The software also helped the team in following the sustainability guidelines that Henning Larsen devised for the district as a whole. The architects are serving as consultants during construction to ensure the design schemes submitted by other builders conform with King Abdullah’s vision. The 3D models and construction simulation help in working with contractors on site to evaluate the consequences of any changes.
Setting a new standard When the project is fully realised, the King Abdullah Financial District will set a new standard for sustainable urban development in cities around the world. As a vibrant city centre with green buildings shading green spaces, the district will become an active hub of urban activity. It will
not only be a place of commerce but also an entertainment destination and desirable residential neighbourhood. Apartments, shops, restaurants, sports facilities, hotels, and conference venues are expected to draw an international clientele. The district will employ a projected 50,000 people and house approximately 8,000 residents. A monorail connecting various areas of the district will provide public transportation throughout. The financial district’s predominantly green features will contribute to achieving the kingdom’s overriding objective: To provide an attractive working environment for the growing workforce in the financial sector — which is the largest in the region, with the 11th largest stock exchange in the world and the largest banking sector in the Middle East. This ambitious undertaking may indeed fulfill King Abdullah’s vision of transforming Saudi Arabia, already the world’s oil capital, into the Middle East’s financial capital.
Engineers Quantity Surveyors: Geoffrey Barnett Associates
Project Objectives: • Provide sustainability city centre for growing workforce in financial sector • Create LEED-certified master plan for King Abdullah Financial District • Design three signature, mixed-use buildings under design-build contract
March 2013
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