Riyadh
The Diplomatic Quarter, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Rationale: Why is this case study interesting?
- Please summarise:- e.g. Design Innovation? Planning Exemplar? Theoretical Insights? Lessons learned from its failure? [It doesn’t have to have been successful]
- Think about it from the view of another educator/student in a different country. Why should I use this case study in my teaching/education?
The Diplomatic Quarter was one of the first developments in Riyadh which features an extensive pedestrian route network including parks, outdoor sports facilities and other public open spaces. Until today the 'DQ' is one of the few places in Riyadh where locals and visitors can enjoy outdoor activities in a pleasant environment.
Why is this project interesting? 1. Richard Boedeker (german landscape architect) introduced the concept of 'extensive landscaping' in the late 1970s. His way of transforming an unfriendly, dry and overwhelmingly hot piece of land on the edge of the Wadi Hanifah (a canyon and stream network running through the city of Riyadh) inspired many of the later developments in the area. Instead of trying to ban the harsh environment out of the public open spaces of the Diplomatic Quarter, Boedeker decided to translate the spectacular forms of the local desert into a network of parks. The result is a development which blends in with its natural environment and at the same time offers high quality open spaces using local plants and stone.
2. The 'DQ' acts as a role model for other projects. Most of the plants successfully used in many designs in the area were first introduced and tested during the construction of the Diplomatic Quarter.
3. Until today the Diplomatic Quarter is the only place in Riyadh where people (men and women) meet freely for sports and recreation. It is a strong example how landscape design can improve general quality of a city and the social life of it's citizens.
Author's perspective
- What theoretical or professional perspective do you bring to the case study?
I was a site supervisor during the construction of a part of the 'Earthberm Park' which surrounds the Diplomatic Quarter. I lived in Riyadh's Diplomatic Quarter for six months in 2006.
Landscape and/or urban context
- Biogeography, cultural features, overall character, history and dynamics
1. Overall Character Unlike other areas in the city of Riyadh, the design of the Diplomatic Quarter supports pedestrian as much as vehicular routes. The designs of parks and sports flields placed within the residential developments in the precinct encourage people to meet for different activities. The overall landscape design blends in with the natural environment, using mainly local 'Riyadh Limestone' and desert trees. The most important element using this design approach is the 'Earthberm Park' an up to 20m high berm with walkways, playgrounds and sports facilities that surrounds the Diplomatic Quarter and creates it's micro climate that is slightly cooler than the surrounding area. Besides that a network of pedestrian routes, the so called 'green fingers' conncet residential areas with shops, sports club and restaurants.
2. Cultural Features Due to the unique mix of nationalities and the 'DQ' being one of the very few areas in Riyadh where men and women can meet and talk in public, the precinct with it's restaurants and public open spaces supports the dialogue between the different cultures.
3. History and Dynamics The first masterplan for the Diplomatic Quarter was drawn up 1977. Since then the design has been modified and improved after each construction phase. To the present day the construction goes on. After the first opening of the 'DQ' in the 1980s the area became one of the most popular destinations for locals and visitors. The parks were overcrowded and access had to be restricted for certain times. After the events of the of September 11 2001, security check points and 24hour police patrols were introduced. Since then the popularity decreased drastically.
Cultural/social/political context
- Brief explanation of culture, political economy, legal framework
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History
- How did the area/project/plan at the focus of the case study evolve?
Illustration: Table or time line
Spatial analysis of area/project/plan
- What are the main structural features?
- How has it been shaped? Were there any critical decisions?
Illustration: Map/diagram/sketches photos and background notes
Analysis of program/function
- What are the main functional characteristics?
- How have they been expressed or incorporated?
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Analysis of design/planning process
- How was the area/project/plan formulated and implemented?
- Were there any important consultations/collaborations?
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Analysis of use/users
- How is the area/project/plan used and by whom?
- Is the use changing? Are there any issues?
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Future development directions
- How is the area/project/plan evolving?
- Are there any future goals?
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Peer reviews or critique
- Has the area/ project/plan been reviewed by academic or professional reviewers?
- What were their main evaluations?
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Points of success and limitations
- What do you see as the main points of success and limitations of the area/project/plan?
Illustration: Summary table
What can be generalized from this case study?
- Are there any important theoretical insights?
Short statement plus background notes
Which research questions does it generate?
Short statement plus background notes
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References
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