(Photo: Oman's Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning)
Worldwide, well-known as Zaha Hadid Architects, a famous British architectural studio, plans to reveal a new development project at the waterfront in Muscat, Oman. It will be unique in its way of reforming urban living in Oman. Such a grandiose initiative, with a huge area of 3.3 million square meters, is planned to turn the heart of the city into a lively mosaic of diversified wakescapes, covering areas such as a marina, cultural districts, and recreational waterfront areas. It is additionally designed to ensure environmental sustainability.
Collaboration with MoHUP and Vision for the Development
'MoHUP' is the brainchild of the Omani Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning (MoHUP). This pioneering project sets out to design a residential environment that integrates the local culture and nature. The population, anticipated to reach 64,500 at completion, envisages this Khuwair development as a vibrant node, elegantly combining modernity and heritage.
Embracing Oman's Natural Beauty and Legacy
The central part of the design philosophy is the obvious admiration and love for Oman's healthy nature and epochal legacy. As Paolo Zilli, Project master of Zaha Hadid Architects, said: "The geometries of the design echo the bays and coves of Oman's coastline along the Arabian Sea, while the marina is a specimen of old man's rich maritime legacy."
Working hand in hand with the Engineering studio Buro Happold, a sustainability-driven approach is central to the project, through which climate resilience is also at the forefront. One of the innovative approaches that this project adopts to lessen the negative impact is employing stormwater management systems and coastal protection techniques. These approaches are among several others for which the project is commended.
Therefore, infrastructure renewal by modernizing and repairing buildings shall be consequently performed and carried out with a view to improving efficiency and serviceability. As a community-level revival effort, we practice conserving and restoring native plant species to preserve plant diversity while ensuring the balance of ecology.
(Photo: Oman's Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning)
Integration of Passive Design Principles and Transportation Infrastructure
A cornerstone of the development strategy is the integration of passive design principles aimed at reducing water consumption and energy demand. Harnessing the power of renewable energy sources, such as solar power, the project exemplifies a forward-looking approach to sustainable urban development.
Trying to bring run-down towns and cities back to life depends on creating interconnected neighborhoods with walkable surroundings and excellent public transportation networks. Water taxis, light rail transit, and bus rapid transit would be the basic rhythm of transport architecture, persuading people to become users of ecologically friendly traveling means.
The smaller aim of this development will be to curb the use of private cars. In turn, it will be able to provide a network of cycle tracks and passive cooling measures, which will partly create a culture of walking and cycling. These measures may not just cut back carbon emissions; they will accompany a healthy and active lifestyle for people living here.
Realization of Oman's Vision 2040
The master plan for the Al Khuwair project will be executed by the end of this year. This project is a central path in Oman's way to realize the vision of 2040. Housing and Urban Development of Korea, Al Shueili claims that as a part of Oman's long-term plan to be more sustainable, the country is also committed to achieving its goals and missions through this project. This is how they prepare their children and grandchildren for a better life.
Accordingly, while Al Khuwair waterfront development assumes a vivid image of the Omani architectural scene, it is a promising breakthrough in integrating innovation and sustainability. It reflects the intended fluctuations concerning modernization and heritage conservation. Based on the upcoming years, it will be a place to live and a benchmark of the vision tempered in sustainable design, shaping the future world.
