After their winning entry for the new design for the Transportation system of Jeddah, Fosters + Partners have officially been awarded the contract to start developing the new “architectural vision” for Jeddah’s new city wide public transport plan. While a new elevated metro line serves as the major idea, Foster and Partners have planned out an elaborate system for other modes of transport such as ferries, buses, cycles as well. Keeping in mind the long term growth of the city, a very sustainable approach to public transport has been taken, providing ample public spaces en route. Apart from that, they have envisioned certain “nodes of development” at key locations below the elevated tracks of the metro. Responding to the local climate and drawing inspiration from the high density, compact urban model of the ancient quarter of Al Balad, the master plan generated by Foster and Partners seeks to provide comfort for the pedestrian by providing comfortable, walkable shaded streets.
The entire concept draws on principles of Transit Oriented Development, with Foster and Partners aiming primarily to make the transport nodes accessible to at least half the population of Jeddah, the second largest city in Saudi Arabia, under a span of 10 minutes.
According to the firm, “Each station node will create a new neighbourhood, with a unique character, and together these will create a diverse and vibrant city.”
By: Shamita Chaudhry
Shamita Chaudhary is a former assistant editor at Arch2O and the driving force behind India’s sustainable construction movement. An architect and circular economy expert, she founded the Malba Project in 2021 to combat construction and demolition (C&D) waste in Indian cities through research, advocacy, and practical action—an effort born during a striking 2018 trip to Manali . Over at Arch2O, Shamita leveraged her editorial acumen to spotlight circular design strategies and environmental stewardship. Her writing and insights challenge architects to rethink not only how we build, but how we dismantle—and rebuild—toward a more regenerative future.