Serving as the retail heart of the neighborhood of Al Wasl are 5 blocks of mixed-use with retail at the ground level and three levels of residential above. The main north-south street will be primarily pedestrian-oriented with traffic diverted entirely or restricted during peak hours. This retail spine will be anchored at the south by a large grocery store with public square in front which could serve as an outdoor market. A bridge across the street acts as a focal terminus of this street while allowing circulation at the ground level below. A pedestrian passage from the west connects this plaza with a pocket park. The northern end will terminate in a dynamic tensile structure and plaza which intersects with the Wadi. There will be a lake around this northern plaza which will add drama, as water is precious in the desert.

Following the wadi is a double height arcade allowing men to enjoy the ground level and families to have a private level above and still get to see the wadi. Heading along this arcade east from the Tensile structure the water is directly adjacent to the building making a hard urban edge for the wadi. The wadi has a much softer edge on its northern side which is adjacent to residential buildings without retail. The arcade terminates at the Sales center plaza. Additionally, the major east-west road will be Main Street and will allow vehicular traffic into the area. Main Street will be lined with arcades giving it a different character from the pedestrian street. All of this is directly adjacent to a north-south transit boulevard to the east which will allow alternative means of transportation to the area. Most people can walk directly from the surrounding residential blocks as well.

Services

Master Planning
Urban Design