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Zaha Hadid Architects unveils climate-resilient design for Al Khuwair waterfront in Oman
Zaha Hadid Architects has announced a major project for the Al Khuwair waterfront redevelopment in the heart of Muscat, the capital of Oman. The US$1.3 billion project covers an area of 3.3 million square meters. It aims to revitalize the area through sustainability-led design principles to accommodate expected population growth, which is expected to almost double by 2040. The plan, developed in partnership with Buro Happold, aims to merge and adapt existing buildings on the site, introduce coastal and climate resilience measures and create efficient transport-oriented infrastructure.
As an increasingly attractive tourist destination, the city of Muscat welcomes more than 3 million tourists every year. The population is expected to increase from 1.5 million to 2.7 million over the next 15 years. In response to this growing pressure, Oman’s Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning (MoHUP) launched this large-scale project to transform the city’s existing administrative and industrial areas into a new urban area expected to accommodate 64,500 people.
The team defined five key areas for the new district: marina, recreational waterfront with beach and sports facilities, canal promenade, cultural quarter and ministry campus. Residential complexes and mixed-use buildings are also included, as well as arts, culture and leisure spaces. The team includes engineering, design and consulting practice Buro Happold, who advises on strategies to build resilience, mitigate the “urban heat island” effect and manage stormwater. The reuse of materials was also prioritized, as the project recycled materials and, where possible, adapted existing buildings through refurbishment programs.
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In terms of transportation infrastructure, the master plan proposes compact and walkable development and introduces smart mobility through public transportation, including light rail transit systems, bus rapid transit systems and water taxis. Pedestrian movement is also encouraged through the integration of passive shading systems. Adequate bicycle infrastructure complements a transport strategy aimed at minimizing private car use. The project also proposes on-site renewable energy production as well as passive design strategies to limit energy demand.
Seamlessly integrated into Muscat’s urban fabric, Al Khuwair will create a bridge between the coastal landscape of the Arabian Sea and the Hajar Mountains surrounding the city. The project aims to connect local and international communities while embracing a sustainable vision for the future that respects Muscat’s heritage. – Paolo Zilli, Project Director and Associate Director, Zaha Hadid Architects
This week, Zaha Hadid Architects announced renovations to the iconic Schuylkill Tower, Monaco’s first high-rise building built in 1963. The internationally renowned practice also recently released images of their design for the world’s first recreational boating hydrogenation infrastructure. Used throughout Italian marinas.
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