foster + partners to masterplan jeddah's public transport system

foster + partners has recently won the international design competition to visualize and devise the masterplan for jeddah‘s city-wide public transport system. the saudi-arabian city wants to take a long-term and sustainable approach to the design, where the future architectural vision will adapt to its rapid economic and population growth. the planned extensive transport grid will bring in a metro system — a new urban amenity, as well as a ferry, bus, and cycle network. through a process of densification and strategic planning, the aim of the project is to increase the public transport accessibility for the city’s inhabitants by at least 50 percent because presently, only 12 percent of jeddah’s population reside within a 10 minute walk from mass transit. 

all images courtesy of foster + partners

incorporating pedestrianization and shaded streets for the intense climate, the construction draws on the high-density, compact urban model of the ancient quarter of al balad. foster and partner’s proposal will redefine and construct each station node, thus creating unique and characteristic neighborhoods, and in turn, encourage a more dynamic and diversified city.