A network of footbridges envisioned by Henning Larsen Architects to minimize private motoring in the new King Abdullah Financial District.

All images and information courtesy of Henning Larsen Architects; © by Henning Larsen Architects

Winning design of an international competition by Danish Architects Henning Larsen

Skywalks in King Abdullah Financial District

The vision behind Henning Larsen Architects’ masterplan for the new financial district in Riyadh is to create a modern, sustainable city based on a minimum of private motoring.

From the decentralised parking garages, a monorail brings people to six different stations in the new district. A network of footbridges - so-called Skywalks - departs from the stations and connects the various buildings in the area.
The footbridges are placed at an elevated level separated from the street traffic. Due to the hot climate in Riyadh, it is expected that most people will use the secured, ventilated bridges with a floor width of four to six metres. Here, business people will meet to interact and the cafes and shops of the towers will contribute to create a vibrant and attractive environment in the area. A visual connection from the Skywalks to the streets and plazas of the city will help pedestrians to find their way on the elevated bridges.
The footbridges are built of separate geometric modules, which can be pieced together in different lengths and whose flexible construction can easily be adapted to the various building facades of the city.

Project facts

Location: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Client: RIC
Year of design: 2009 - 2010
Type of assignment: Winner of international competition
Number of bridges: 61 (to be extended to 97)