KSA Archives - Cracknell

Wadi Hanifah

A 7 km2 mixed-use historic, culture and lifestyle destination, Diriyah will express the Kingdom’s historic and cultural heart, showcasing and celebrating Saudi Arabia’s long history through heritage, hospitality, education, retail and dining experiences for residents, tourists and frequent visitors.

The design builds upon the existing Wadi terrain, long a sought-after destination in this arid region. Built elements follow a Najdi architectural style evoking authentic Saudi Arabian environments, offering a variety of premium guest experiences include hotels, integrated resorts, branded residences and venues for entertainment and diverse outdoor activities.

Photography by Alessandro Merati © Cracknell

Shadi Ali

Shadi Ali has over 18 years’ experience in the Middle East and North America and is highly proficient in Landscape and Urban Design. His leadership in the delivery of award-winning projects, is reflective of his commitment to quality and innovation. Shadi is a PMP, RMP, CPD, and LEED AP who combines technical rigour with hands-on project management. He has managed many projects from concept through to construction while paying close attention to site-specific conditions and encouraging collaboration among diverse project teams. This includes mega-developments in KSA where he has managed all aspects of project execution, from ground preparation to final implementation. Shadi is fluent in Arabic and English, and is well-versed with international best practices and their adaptation to local conditions in the MENA region. He is focused on creating functional spaces that integrate seamlessly with their surroundings, evolving alongside the community and environment.

Diriyah Gate Bujairi Streetscapes

These sensitively designed streetscapes within the setting of the At-Turaif WHS emphasise the extraordinary sense of place whilst respectfully providing routes through a culturally significant landscape that minimise archaeological erosion.

Cycle paths and walkways are lined with native grasses, palm trees and locally sourced stone. Designed to be inundated by infrequent natural flood events, stone terraces lift the streetside linear parks above the main flood level. This design met the challenge of integrating the spaces with the Formula E street racing circuit, creating a truly flexible urban environment.

Desktop Long Image 1380x650 - IMG-DGBS-CR-Cracknell_5

Mobile Long Image 600x600 - IMG-DGBS-CR-Cracknell_5

Mobile Long Image 600x600 - IMG-DGBS-CR-Cracknell_4

Green Riyadh

We developed Design Guidelines for Riyadh City, covering nearly 2000km2, setting, specific strategic KPI’s for urban greening and shade and thermal comfort of city and neighbourhood parks, wadis, educational and health and wellbeing institutions, government areas, and roads and streetscapes.

Development of plant supply strategy, nursery management and irrigation for sustainable achievement of Design Guide goals towards Saudi Vision 2030.

Sulaimaniah Guidelines

Generous shaded streets with wide footpaths and high-quality street furniture provide attractive green connectors between the districts of Darb Al Haramain, its destinations and amenities, parks and plazas, creating walkable neighbourhoods that foster social connection & a sense of community.

The design encourages slower vehicular traffic and travel on foot or by bicycle. The positioning of the metro station at the heart of the development allows ease of access to the public transit system.

Ensuring communication of the design intent and a cohesive experience for residents & the working community, these landscape guidelines set out public realm parameters for individual developers to work within, over a phased period of time.

Desktop Long Image 1380x650 -Pages from 20170604_Sulaimaniah Guidelines-REV03-3

Desktop Long Image 1380x650 - Pages from 20170604_Sulaimaniah Guidelines-REV03-4

Desktop Long Image 1380x650 -Pages from 20170604_Sulaimaniah Guidelines-REV03

Mobile Long Image 600x600-Pages from 20170604_Sulaimaniah Guidelines-REV03-4

Mobile Long Image 600x600-Pages from 20170604_Sulaimaniah Guidelines-REV03-3

Mobile Long Image 600x600 - Pages from 20170604_Sulaimaniah Guidelines-REV03

International Medical Centre

This tertiary care hospital adopts the ‘healing by design’ concept whereby natural light and gardens are incorporated into the design promoting a sense of well-being and calm for patients and visitors alike.

Micromobility is enhanced via the interconnected plan with walkable routes between therapeutic gardens and meditation areas, outdoor learning and reading facilities and enclosed meeting spaces. A series of treed boulevards reaches out into the wider hospital masterplan.

Balance in the landscape brings a feeling of stability. Considered form and texture contribute to a mood-lifting softness whilst carefully sited focal planting aids wayfinding. Through immersion in nature, patient stress is reduced, creating a healing and soothing environment.

Desktop Long Image 1380x447-IMG-IMC-CR-Cracknell (4)

Desktop Long Image 1380x447-IMG-IMC-CR-Cracknell (5)

Mobile Long Image 600x600-IMG-IMC-CR-Cracknell (4)

Mobile Long Image 600x600-IMG-IMC-CR-Cracknell (5)

Kingdom Tower

This tower is planned to be the first 1km high building in the world and will be the landmark centrepiece of the new Jeddah Economic District.

Set in an appropriately scaled public realm featuring a dramatic fountain display in an extensive reflecting lake, and boulevards that radiate out to the city, the tower and its environs will be a contemporary reflection on Jeddah’s culture and heritage.

ROSHN Front

At nearly a kilometre long a cooling, partly covered landscape of plazas, gathering spaces and terraced lakes enhanced by vibrant lighting disperses footfall and encourages exploration, providing a high-quality lifestyle experience for visitors.

With the KSA 2030 sustainability goals at its core, ROSHN Front looks to boost social engagement and outdoor living encouraging a healthy lifestyle.

King Salman Park

Competition winning design for a new heart of the city fostering Saudi productivity, creativity, and innovation for future generations – the park will be a destination that celebrates arts, culture, sports, entertainment, and innovation in a richly planted setting that will act as a green lung for the capital.

The Park will integrate with and enhance the adjacent city fabric by extending landscape ‘tendrils’ linking it to surrounding neighbourhoods and, by the Metro system, to the wider city. The extensive open spaces will reflect and enhance local character, culture and planting, and provide inter-connected immersive experiences through visitor attractions such as museums and botanical gardens.

Desktop Long Image 1380x650-IMG-KSP-CR-Cracknell (4)

Mobile Long Image 600x600-IMG-KSP-CR-Cracknell (4)

Prince Turki Road

Designed around SMART city principles this key arterial road in western Riyadh is given a renewed emphasis on public realm with shaded pocket parks and retail spill out.

Paths and tracks meander through taking cyclists and pedestrians on a tree-lined journey away from vehicular traffic. A new sculptural bridge will connect both sides of the road creating a socially connected hive of activity.