U design a coastal city in KSA?

How would you design a vibrant city from scratch in Saudi Arabia?

Envisioning a coastal sustainable city in Saudi Arabia would need to set the objectives and the key issues.

It takes a master plan development by always considering local climate, culture, beliefs and sustainability options. Whilst developing this plan, such can fail, or parts will need to be redesigned. I am not an expert to bring up a subject of the objectives or the stages with procedures, neither is our business to discuss.

But let’s think together of some elements which define the kind of city we’d like to see people living in

We can think first about what could be displeasing at the existing cities of the Kingdom and why we’d like or need the new city different. We don’t dream of a vertical and futuristic city, but of a more primitive style one, to remind of the Mediterranean fishing or hill villages in Provence.

From a million things and various principles, let’s stick only to the basics and cheerful ones – it’s a lazy midday having my decaf coffee in bed, as my foot still in plaster, grateful for a great lesson God gave me for some reason. So pardon me for not taking the subject deep enough to open discussions for a reconstructed ethnicity, as this would not be my goal.

We would like people happy. Equal. Creative. This is the basics for us ain’t they? People tasting freedom by doing even crazy or extreme things considering the current conservative status, without disturbing the community of course. How would people be happy? If there would be no unemployment, if there would be equal education, innovative education, art expression, small units craftsmanship to sustain tradition or give birth to a new ‘tradition’, advanced health sector units, convenient transportation, I guess they all make a good start. And what would be the most inspiring? Anything could preserve Hope.

I despise attempts to alienate traditions, customs and beliefs of a nation, so hopefully, highlights of this plan would sound a bit revolutionary but would never harm the faith and heritage of the nation. In any case, coastal living is all about a sustainable tourism environment and a complex of amenities and laws to serve habitats and tourists, so all should focus to the creation of a happy, safe and respectful environment towards all people living there or visiting as guests.

Let’s make a city by the coastal zone next to the dessert and the mountains. We will need to succeed:

An innovative desalination system. Waste & Sewage Treatment Plants Management for a clean environment, with contemporary systems for a clean ground. Windrow Compost  Farms to prepare agricultural sustainable farms. Home and Garden with fresh soil Compost system. Solar Energy for the city and Houses. Marinas & Waterfront Infrastructures with floating pontoons, confronting tides.

Green infrastructure with local plantations and foresting areas ie like mangrove trees, to shelter the city from the excessive heat. Plantations like Cactus species to be processed by small factories to produce the first raw for fabrics and other materials for artisans. Trade corporation involving local farms and craftsmanship artisans, workers & technicians.

Local commerce with online trade. Why do all countries sell through internet handmade things? People have to start working in new sectors not only to gain living but to contribute to the tradition of the Kingdom. E-bikes patented to charge with solar energy as well.

Citizenship euphoria (I can tell you so much on this one…  how about artificial butterfly gardens in huge domes, underwater parks and so many ideas on this…) Local supply on food provisions from local agricultural farms, against importation. Human Resources Section. Evaluating Office for Unemployed people and classification in priorities (families, talents etc) for the new residency.

“Pnyx” philosophy place. This is how we called the ancient hill in Acropolis, where Athenians talked philosophy and gave birth to ideas. Likewise here people would gather and discuss. If someone had an idea could talk loud. Elderly Building for older people to gather, spend time, have their coffee, tea and talk.

New Tradition can be made now for the future generation, as new clothes design may allow more color and movements convenience, especially to women. Ethical and non-provocative but colorful to utilize the bike and enjoy movements.

New ‘traditional’ patterns. All nations trade their national patterns. What does Saudi Arabia trade in craftsmanship with a national pattern on? We need to make one. Not heavily colored to remind of Morocco or Iran, but a pure blend of antiquity to remain in eternity. I would suggest meander, the “greek key”. 

Evening athletics places when the temperature is not high. Events organization and Festivals including fishing regattas and music festivals, bazaars with handcrafted products. Two sports centers for male and female or at last for both genders and families to join. Gold colored statues everywhere in the city,  in shapes to remind antiquity or modern art.

Coastal design for the exterior of the houses. I would love pure white and light mint color and gold ornaments. Mint on white is my fascination. Striped patterns and geometrical shapes. Stripes are an all-time classic. Pink salmon like dust pink color for shops to exciting ladies shopping.

Craftsmanship organizations sponsored by the State or UN, to offer occupation to workers and artisans. Why not, also offering home to the overlooked artisans and to the gifted individuals from the displaced people in need.

Marine Clay Innovative creations for local souvenirs and exportation – trade online available (although sand shortage is a huge issue to blog it)

Graffiti Buildings for the youth to express artistic occupation. Ornaments trademark for the new city. Fuchsia details on white to bring a smile to faces. Architecture, a blend of Islamic with Roman Greek rhythm, and elements.

Terracotta buildings in similar patterns (I love salmon colored houses in Provence). Marine Academy for education in marine professions, school of Engineering, specialities in Underwater Pipe Construction Institution etc. The future.

Looms for women to learn the traditional art. Giving a new perspective to women instead of fashion and beauty care. It is time they can do better for the Kingdom and get an identity for themselves through their art and craftsmanship. Artificial pebbled beach with colorful pebbles.

Music places with all sounds from the world. Tea time! Music is angelic, not a crime. It is culture. Barber Shops of all styles, some thematic in chess squared floors and classic furniture. Maybe a Cigar room aside. 

I would test public opinion through gallops to entitle them in a campaign ‘People’s voice our Commitment’. Sh.. this sounds completely American. Private City Police and laws to protect the environment, citizens, guests and lifestyle of the coastal city.

Shall I continue darlings?

Axiom by Medusaudi
Nomadic Lifestyle Blog & Mobile Magazine on Life Daily by Medusaudi, the Global Visionary Citizen Maria Bakalakou, a Seanomad in Bohemian Living, in care of Peace and Multiculturalism, Planet Sustainability, Evolutionary Projects Management, a Superyacht Frantic & Pro supporting an Interfaith Initiative, Saudi Arabia Vision 2030 & Metamorphosis

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