The covered main campus spine and the

female campus walkway are examples of

walkable campus routes. This is due to their
shading and seating areas.

Other areas of the campus prioritise car

accessibility. These routes could be more
walkable by ensuring pedestrian crossings,
shading and seating are provided
strategically along the main routes.

The public transport stops line the site

perimeter, and are within walking distance
of the adjacent zones. However, additional
public transport routes are needed to
connect areas in the campus centre to the
bus and metro stops. This is an important
intervention if the site is to have alternative
mobility options to arriving and moving by
car.
 KSU
DESIGN CODE
 Accessibility/
Walkability

Hierarchy of
Spaces

Activation

Features

Mobility
The prevailing colour palette for building materials
should be compatible with traditional Salmani, Nadji
details and connect with the original Main Campus
intent. Building shall use colour palettes appropriate
to the desert climate of Riyadh:

• Lighter colour values mitigate the urban heat

island effect by reducing the built environment’s
solar absorption factor (the fraction of incident
radiation absorbed)
• Earth-tones mitigate the effect of natural
weathering on the building envelope, including
the collection of dirt and dust; and
• A built environment aesthetic that is
complimentary to the natural environment and
the Kingdom’s historical development
To provide a varied texture and skyline designers
are encouraged to play with building base and
building volumes. It is also important to ensure a
harmonious relationship of neighbouring buildings.
In order to provide walkable and vibrant streets,
designers and developers are encouraged to
provide shade - a consistent and harmonious
pedestrian experience with arcades & colonnade or
awning store fronts.

The arcades and colonnades take on inspiration

from the vernacular architecture principles as
highlighted on the images and diagrams. This type
of solution can also provide protected seating area
for restaurants and cafés, enhancing costumers
experience.
Scorching sun and heated asphalt Buildings that give back to the city a lively
shaded street edge
In order to regulate the form, orientation,
distribution of window openings and create a
harmonious relationship on building façades
following the guiding principles from vernacular
architecture and from the KSU main Campus
examples for the size and layout proportions,
windows openings and glazing ratio for optimal
building efficiency.

The images on the side show the base of these

principles, traditional architecture openings are
small to allow natural ventilation but also constrain
the amount of sun light coming in and protect from
sand storms, creating a comfortable environment
on the interior of the buildings. The openings are
also evenly distributed and used as a design feature
using different geometric shapes creating patterns
which provide authenticity to the façades.
Shadow gaps serve as a distinctive element within
the original Campus design, effectively breaking
down the overall building volume into a more
visually appealing human scale. Additionally, they
contribute to creating a rhythmic effect on the
facades, enhancing their aesthetic appeal.

The primary goal is to accentuate the structural grid

and highlight the multiple levels that constitute the
buildings. By doing so, the façade will gain instant
clarity and readability in its elements, ultimately
enhancing the overall composition.
In order to ensure a harmonious relationship
between the skylines of buildings throughout the
KSU Campus, and regulate the use and visibility of
roofs the following requirements provide the
guiding principles of how roofs should be designed
and used.

It is highly encouraged that roofs be occupiable

with roof terraces and other open space elements,
activated rooftops are an essential characteristic of
the Architectural Code. Rooftops offer an ideal
space for gathering in a shaded, green, protected
environmental promoting environmental efficiency
and traditional principles. Water tanks, like all MEPs,
must be hidden behind aesthetically pleasant
screens in the architectural language of the Salmani
Principles.
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