City Edge and National Park, Mecca

Robin Chiang & Company (RCC) was commissioned by EDAW to help plan a new town of 500,000 people near Mecca, Saudi Arabia, and to develop distinct architectural character for each of its districts. This sketch above shows a district with a variety of housing at the city’s edge with roads and gondolas leading into a new national park and various recreational oases. RCC researched and developed themes for the national park including the repatriation of endangered Saudi wildlife. RCC created guidelines for this district to emphasize its urban character.

A Funicular glides through the beautiful landscape connecting the new town, National Park and mountains beyond

In another area on the outskirts of Mecca, a Botanical Garden is proposed

A Picnic Area evoking a traditional Arabian ‘encampment’ highlights a park with a desert environment