Wadi Hanifa Wetlands - Aga Khan Award for Architecture
Aga Khan Development Network
 

Wadi Hanifa Wetlands

Wadi Hanifa Wetlands
 Location: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (Arabian Peninsula)
Client: Arriyadh Development Authority
Planner: Moriyama & Teshima Planners Limited / Buro Happold in joint venture
Completed: 2004-2007 ongoing
Design: 2001-ongoing
Site size: 120 km stretch

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Located in the middle of the Najd Plateau of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Wadi Hanifa (or Hanifa valley) is the longest and most important valley near Riyadh, a natural water drainage course for an area of over 4,000 square kilometres and a unique geographical feature in this dry region. Until recently, many segments of the valley had been exploited in an aggressive and environmentally destructive manner. In an effort to redress the balance between the resources of the wadi and the people living around it, the Arriyadh Development Authority has implemented a comprehensive development strategy, a programme of works that aims to restore and develop Wadi Hanifa as an environmental, recreational and tourism resource. Project works so far have included the introduction of landscaping, conservation of the natural environment, development of recreational areas for the people of Riyadh, enhancement of agricultural land in the valley, and the creation of an environmentally sensitive wastewater treatment facility that provides additional water resources for the rural and urban inhabitants of the region.

  • Re-establishing the natural landscape in the desert tablelands and rangelands of the desert catchment area above the Wadi bed, including construction of check dams.

    © Aga Khan Award for Architecture / Arriyadh Development Authority

  • Before the implementation of the Wadi.

    © Aga Khan Award for Architecture / Wael Samhouri

  • The flood performance of the channel is improved by reprofiling and regrading.

    © Aga Khan Award for Architecture / Arriyadh Development Authority

  • Aerial view of the Wadi Hanifa, 2009.

    © Aga Khan Award for Architecture / Wael Samhouri

  • A series of natural stone weirs were built in order to introduce oxygen into the water as it passes over and through them and helps to reduce the amount of pollution in the Wadi.

    © Aga Khan Award for Architecture / Arriyadh Development Authority

  • General view of the Wadi, 2005.

    © Aga Khan Award for Architecture / Arriyadh Development Authority

  • This project is already successful in providing water treatment while creating a one-of-a-kind natural facility and open-space public attraction.

    © Aga Khan Award for Architecture / Arriyadh Development Authority

  • The Bio-remediation Facility is one of the most impressive features of the project.

    © Aga Khan Award for Architecture / Wael Samhouri

  • Interpretative trails that wind their way throughout the Wadi allowing the public to access the area easily and to direct them to places of interest.

    © Aga Khan Award for Architecture / Arriyadh Development Authority

  • The parks are designed in a way that provides family compartments, in the form of semienclosed areas, that each family can use for the day, without being disturbed by neighboring families.

    © Aga Khan Award for Architecture / Arriyadh Development Authority

  • Developing a major part of the Wadi Bed Naturalized Parkland and Recreational and Interpretative Trail, to get early public participation and use of the Wadi environment.

    © Aga Khan Award for Architecture / Arriyadh Development Authority

  • Picnic area along the Wadi.

    © Aga Khan Award for Architecture / Wael Samhouri



2010 Award Recipients