King Abdullah Cancer Center is a state of the art extension of the King Faisal Specialist Hospital in Riyadh. In the course of the extension the hospital took the chance of redesigning the Al-Ma’ather Cave Park and create an urban plaza for patients and hospital employers.
For the park-redesign a very careful approach was inquired. As the park with its unique geological feature of the cave is one of the important piece of Saudi Arabian history. So a focus was put on keeping the genius loci while adding new features and updating existing ones.
In contrast to the park, the urban plaza was newly designed. The challenge was to create an urban realm which links with the historic park without destructing the parks spirit. Besides that it has to fulfill all requirements to a public space such as circulation areas, shading, restaurants, sitting areas, etc.
In addition to Park and Plaza, a roof garden was designed to offer relaxation during brake time and to enjoy the beautiful view on downtown Riyadh Skyline. Shaded by indigenous plants, seating areas with lounge furniture enhance the quality of stay for Hospital personal as well as patients.
