Riyadh will host the World Expo in 2035. A design competition between 5 contenders took place to determine a team that would realise this global event, as well as most importantly demonstrate its legacy. Arup brought its multi-disciplinary experts to this challenge. Over an intense 12-week period, that included weekly client presentation, masterplans were developed for both the Expo and its legacy.

Both masterplans had to demonstrate transport networks and modes, the approach to energy and general provision of other utilities infrastructure, and how sustainability would be ensured in the long term. The Expo scheme included full operational details, from access and entry arrangements to security and logistics. Both permanent and temporary pavilions were located within stipulated thematic zones. The legacy scheme illustrated how the former would be transformed and integrated into future neighbourhoods.

The proposal adopted the Doxiadis grid form – or superblock – that is the foundation of urban structure of Riyadh. This provided inherent flexibility, would integrate well with the growing city and, through a slight reorientation, provides a climate-responsive framework. The grid was ‘disrupted’ by the existing wadi that, in turn, formed the basis for a landscaped system that traverses the site and provides a naturally cooling network to encourage active travel.

(with Arup)