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Tunnel-Like Structure Enhancing Traffic Flow in Urban Community

Author:
Salah Alhweiriny
Tunnel-Like Structure Enhancing Traffic Flow in Urban Community
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A tunnel-like structure seamlessly integrates traffic flow with urban living, transforming underutilized spaces into vibrant community environments.
5 key facts about this project
01
Tunnel structure enhances traffic flow while integrating urban elements.
02
Design minimizes dead space by transforming transit areas into usable environments.
03
Community spaces include child-friendly areas promoting engagement and interaction.
04
Site orientation optimizes natural light and energy efficiency for residents.
05
Proximity to the King Abdullah Financial City Centre supports urban connectivity.

EXIT 3 is located in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, focusing on the challenges of highway exits and their transitions into main streets. The design aims to make better use of urban areas that are often seen as wasted space. By reimagining these spaces, the design enhances connectivity, creating environments that are not only functional but also beneficial to the community. The main streets are envisioned as tunnel-like structures that can handle traffic while allowing for new developments, significantly reducing interruptions in flow.

Design Concept

The concept of EXIT 3 revolves around reworking these transitional areas that frequently go unnoticed. It proposes to transform these spaces into accessible urban environments that improve the overall functionality of the area. The design employs strategies that prioritize smooth movement and connectivity, looking to change how infrastructure interacts with people in the city.

Site Analysis

A comprehensive site analysis supports the project, considering important elements like the Summer and Winter Sun Paths. This information helps determine the best orientation for buildings, ensuring ample natural light and energy efficiency. The site’s location near significant urban sites, such as the King Abdullah Financial City Centre, reinforces the project's relevance within the broader context of Riyadh’s urban landscape.

Programmatic Layout

The layout of EXIT 3 is intended to meet a variety of community needs. It includes residential, commercial, and hospitality spaces, creating a diverse environment. Residential areas feature well-designed living spaces that encourage community interaction. Additionally, the project incorporates hotels, offices, and retail spaces, fostering a lively urban setting where businesses and residences coexist.

Functional Details

The design pays close attention to practical details within the interiors. Each unit features important amenities like lobbies, living rooms, and kitchens, which contribute to a comfortable living experience. There are also elevators and staircases to ensure easy movement within the buildings. Mini-markets and children's play areas enhance the livability of the residential sections, showing the commitment to creating an engaging and connected community space.

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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Competition organisers

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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