Sports Boulevard Foundation Wins King Salman Charter for Architecture and Urbanism Award

The Sports Boulevard Foundation has been awarded the prestigious King Salman Charter for Architecture and Urbanism Award, organized by the Architecture and Design Commission in Saudi Arabia. The honor was presented during a ceremony at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Center in Riyadh, recognizing the foundation’s excellence in implementing the design code for the Sports Boulevard project.

Context and Background

The King Salman Charter for Architecture and Urbanism Award celebrates projects that embody the values of the charter, which emphasizes a balance between authenticity and modernity in urban design. The award aims to encourage entities, practitioners, and students to integrate these values into their work, fostering a competitive environment that elevates urban excellence. The Sports Boulevard Foundation won for its unique design code, which applies local identity and Salmani architecture across all project elements.

Key Details

CEO of the Architecture and Design Commission, Dr. Sumayah Al-Sulaiman, presented the award to CEO of the Sports Boulevard Foundation, Jayne McGivern. McGivern expressed pride in receiving the award, stating, “We are delighted that we have won this award, which reflects the magnitude of the project’s achievement through its design and application of local identity and Salmani architecture in all its elements.” She thanked the foundation’s design team and consultants, including Foster + Partners, Coen + Partners, and Buro Happold. The project gained trust from a committee of 30 local and international experts in architecture and design. In 2022, the foundation launched the Design Code for all buildings on Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Road, emphasizing local identity and Salmani architecture.

Implications and Impact

The Sports Boulevard is one of Riyadh’s mega projects, chaired by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and launched in 2019. Spanning over 135 kilometers, the project includes more than 4.4 million square meters of green and open spaces, along with up to 50 multi-disciplinary sports facilities with integrated infrastructure. This award underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to revolutionizing urban planning and enhancing quality of life for residents and visitors. The project aims to create a modern, sustainable environment that integrates pedestrian pathways, cycling routes, and horse-riding trails.

Vision 2030 Alignment

The award and the Sports Boulevard project align closely with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 by promoting sustainable urban development, improving quality of life, and showcasing the Kingdom’s cultural identity on a global stage. As a key initiative under the Quality of Life Program, the project reflects Saudi leadership’s dedication to innovation and modernity while preserving local heritage. This recognition further positions the Kingdom as a global leader in architecture and urban design, contributing to a vibrant society and a thriving economy.

20 Questions

Q1. What award did the Sports Boulevard Foundation win?

A1. The Sports Boulevard Foundation won the King Salman Charter for Architecture and Urbanism Award, organized by the Architecture and Design Commission in Saudi Arabia.

Q2. Who organized the award?

A2. The award was organized by the Architecture and Design Commission, a Saudi government body overseeing architectural standards.

Q3. Who presented the award to the Sports Boulevard Foundation?

A3. Dr. Sumayah Al-Sulaiman, CEO of the Architecture and Design Commission, presented the award to Jayne McGivern, CEO of the Sports Boulevard Foundation.

Q4. What event was the award presented at?

A4. The award was presented at the closing ceremony of the King Salman Charter for Architecture and Urbanism Award, held at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Center in Riyadh.

Q5. Why did the Sports Boulevard Foundation win the award?

A5. The foundation won for its integration of a unique design code that balances authenticity and modernity, showcasing innovative and distinct urban outputs.

Q6. What is the aim of the King Salman Charter for Architecture and Urbanism Award?

A6. The award aims to celebrate projects embodying the charter’s values, encourage adoption of its principles, and foster a competitive environment for urban excellence.

Q7. What is the Sports Boulevard project?

A7. The Sports Boulevard is a mega project in Riyadh, spanning over 135 kilometers, with green spaces, sports facilities, and pathways for walking, cycling, and horse riding.

Q8. When was the Sports Boulevard project launched?

A8. The project was launched by King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud on March 19, 2019, and is chaired by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Q9. What is Salmani architecture?

A9. Salmani architecture is a design style that embodies local identity, blending authenticity with modernity, as promoted by the King Salman Charter.

Q10. How many square meters of green space does the Sports Boulevard include?

A10. The project includes more than 4.4 million square meters of green and open spaces.

Q11. How many sports facilities are part of the Sports Boulevard?

A11. The project includes up to 50 multi-disciplinary sports facilities with integrated infrastructure.

Q12. Who designed the Sports Boulevard’s design code?

A12. The design code was developed by the Sports Boulevard Foundation’s design team and consultants, including Foster + Partners, Coen + Partners, and Buro Happold.

Q13. How many experts reviewed the Sports Boulevard project?

A13. The project gained trust from a committee of 30 local and international experts in architecture and design.

Q14. What road is the design code applied to?

A14. The design code applies to all buildings on Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Road, launched in 2022.

Q15. What is the main goal of the Sports Boulevard project?

A15. The project aims to revolutionize urban planning in Riyadh and improve quality of life for residents and visitors through sustainable design.

Q16. How does the award align with Vision 2030?

A16. The award aligns with Vision 2030 by promoting sustainable urban development, enhancing quality of life, and showcasing Saudi cultural identity globally.

Q17. What is the Quality of Life Program?

A17. The Quality of Life Program is a Vision 2030 initiative to improve living standards in Saudi Arabia through projects like the Sports Boulevard.

Q18. Who is Jayne McGivern?

A18. Jayne McGivern is the CEO of the Sports Boulevard Foundation, who accepted the award and acknowledged the vision of King Salman.

Q19. What did McGivern say about local identity in the project?

A19. She stated that the project applies local identity and Salmani architecture in all its elements, not just in buildings.

Q20. Is the Sports Boulevard Foundation a government entity?

A20. Yes, the Sports Boulevard Foundation is a Saudi entity established to develop the Sports Boulevard mega project as part of Riyadh’s urban development.

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