Proposal to UN-Habitat and Future Saudi Cities Program, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, responding to Call for Proposals – 2015
Prepared by Platforms, University of Westminster, Professor Patrick Wakely, Barton Willmore and Arab Urban Development Institute.
Our proposal presented a holistic and systematic guidance framework to support the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in its urban reform efforts, shaping a national-level sustainable urban development policy. The policy was aimed to guide Saudi cities toward a more sustainable future, strengthening their profiles and practices as environmentally, socially, culturally and economically sustainable cities.
A key focus of our approach was the alignment of economic growth and diversification with social equity and an enhanced role for local communities. Our proposal for policy reforms also aimed to improve coordination between public and private sector stakeholders, fostering a more integrated governance structure while paving the way for increased civic engagement and public awareness.
In the realm of urban design reforms, our contribution emphasised strengthening city identity through context-aware architecture, functional integration, inclusivity, and enhanced connectivity. We aimed at a framework that promotes integrated neighbourhoods that support community life, enhance quality of life, and embed sustainability principles—including ecological integration, environmental sustainability, and climate adaptation—into the urban fabric.