Zaha Hadid Architects arranges Sharjah city masterplan around "central oasis"

Architecture studio Zaha Hadid Architects has revealed its design for Khalid Bin Sultan City in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, which will be built alongside the studio's Beeah Headquarters.

Designed for environmental management company Beeah Group, the city will be built east of Sharjah International Airport alongside the Beeah Headquarters, which Zaha Hadid Architects completed in 2022.

Building upon the architectural language of the Beeah Headquarters, which will become the northernmost point of the city, Khalid Bin Sultan City will have seven residential neighbourhoods with organically shaped buildings informed by desert dunes.

Each neighbourhood will be arranged around a central public space, with a two-kilometre-long park forming a winding spine through the city centre, meandering between the curved perimeters of the districts.

Intended as a retreat within the city and a vibrant social gathering space, the park will contain running and cycling tracks, sculpture gardens and courtyards, wildlife ponds, cafes and restaurants.

"The width of this park varies as its borders extend in some areas to create a series of distinct pockets enveloped by nature for diverse activities, fostering a unique sense of place at every turn," said Zaha Hadid Architects.

"Rather than revealing itself all at once, this linear oasis unfolds gradually, offering glimpses of what lies ahead and encouraging curiosity and exploration," the studio continued.

"Residences overlooking this two-kilometre landscape enjoy panoramic views of this central oasis, giving residents a direct connection to nature and their immediate community."

According to Zaha Hadid Architects, the masterplan prioritises walking routes throughout the city and aims to minimise car dependence.

Colonnades and trees native to Sharjah will shade pathways connecting the neighbourhoods, and landscaping with water features will be designed to reduce ground temperatures in the hot desert climate.

"Avoiding that car-centric urban planning which is proven to significantly increase temperatures within urban environments, Khalid Bin Sultan City's design cultivates walkability, environmental cohesion and a strong sense of place," said Zaha Hadid Architects.

A cultural centre will be located next to the Beeah Headquarters at the northern edge of the city, forming a design and business district that aims to be a new creative hub in Sharjah.

Other key buildings will be located in the central park, including a sports complex, a mosque and a shopping centre at the southern edge of the city.

Designed to provide a variety of amenities to all generations, Khalid Bin Sultan City will also contain wellness centres and children's spaces.

"Khalid Bin Sultan City is envisioned as a year-round living environment, a place where people of all ages can live and work surrounded by nature," said Zaha Hadid Architects.

"From landmark destinations such as the contemporary mosque to the cultural centre and sheltered outdoor sports areas, every element of the city is designed to support health, wellbeing, and the highest quality of life."

Other projects recently unveiled by Zaha Hadid Architects include a skyscraper with cascading terraces in Tbilisi and a starfish-like cultural centre in Italy.

The images are by Tegmark and the video is by Morean and Atchain.

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