The Riyadh North development project is an innovative urban community situated along King Fahd Road and King Khalid Road (Salbuk Road). Covering nearly 2,000 acres, it features business towers, hotels, commercial buildings, sports facilities, entertainment venues, climate-controlled areas, plazas, green spaces, and water features. Pentagram was engaged to deliver planning and conceptual design expertise for this extensive site. My responsibilities included leading research and conceptual design for wayfinding signage.
I created schematic designs for four concepts based on the site's context and the project's core mission. "The New Wadi in North Riyadh is a transformative urban development designed to blend modern living with natural landscapes. This New Wadi aims to enhance the quality of life for residents by providing a harmonious environment that fosters community engagement and promotes a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle."
Below are the four initial concepts presented to the client.
Concept 1: Form is inspired by the gentle curve of desert grasses indicative of this region. These grasses are well-suited to the extreme temperatures and low water availability in the deserts around Riyadh, playing a vital role in preventing soil erosion and supporting local wildlife.
Concept 2: Curved three-dimensional forms mimic the fluid and dynamic shapes found in nature, such as the contours of plants, the human body, or animal forms, creating a sense of natural harmony and movement. These organic shapes evoke a sense of life and growth, as they contrast with rigid, geometric structures, offering a more natural and comforting aesthetic.
Option 3: Salmani incorporates the shape of a triangle as its structural form. Triangle openings in Salmani architecture are a distinctive design element that combines aesthetic appeal with functional benefits, often used to create intricate patterns that enhance visual interest and cultural resonance. These openings also facilitate natural ventilation and light penetration, contributing to the sustainability and comfort of the built environment.
Option 4: Form is inspired by water, crucial to the New Wadi in North Riyadh as it supports the development of green spaces and vegetation, transforming the arid landscape into a vibrant, livable environment. It also serves as a key design element, creating serene water features and recreational areas that enhance the aesthetic appeal and quality of life for residents.
As part of the conceptual design process, I investigated the integration of regionally inspired patterns into the wayfinding signs, considering their application on, in, and through the signage material.
