As urbanization rapidly advances worldwide, cities face increasing pressure to create spaces that are sustainable, resilient, and conducive to well-being. To address these global challenges locally, Saudi Arabia has committed to a national agenda as part of Vision 2030, which emphasizes developing sustainable urban environments, accessible housing, and inclusive communities. In alignment with this goal, on January 2023, Prof. Sami G. Al-Ghamdi from KAUST’s BESE Division and the Climate and Livability Initiative joined an advisory session to review a national Urban Transformation (UT) Manual. Organized by KAUST’s long-standing partner AEON Collective and the Architecture and Design Commission (ADC), the session was an important step in refining strategies for Saudi Arabia’s urban development.
The ADC’s Urban Transformation initiative aims to reshape the Kingdom’s cities by establishing best practices for sustainable growth, directly supporting SDG11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities. Prof. Al-Ghamdi and other experts in climate-resilient infrastructure, transport, social development, sustainable urban mobility, architecture design and planning, and economic strategies for cities engaged in an insightful exchange, offering feedback on tools and strategies within the UT Manual. The session was structured to introduce participants to the ADC’s objectives and provide a comprehensive walkthrough of the manual.
KAUST’s participation in this session exemplifies its commitment to using scientific knowledge to address real-world challenges in sustainable development. Vision 2030’s urban transformation goals, illustrated by projects like Roshn, owned by the Public Investment Fund (PIF) and aiming at delivering affordable housing that supports healthy lifestyles and social cohesion, align well with KAUST’s expertise in sustainable built environments.
Through its advisory role, KAUST aims to inform local and national authorities on effective urban planning methods, ensuring Saudi Arabia’s development projects are not only ambitious but also adaptable to climate and social demands. This partnership with AEON and the ADC further highlights KAUST’s commitment to fostering cross-sector partnerships to enhance the effectiveness and impact of urban transformation efforts across the Kingdom.
