airport city proposal by kalbod design studio
Following its vision for a floating healthcare island in Dubai, Iranian architecture practice Kalbod Design Studio releases a series of renders for an Airport City concept proposal in Saudi Arabia. The design, while not commissioned by NEOM, is envisioned to establish a solid connection between The Kingdom’s ongoing megaproject and the global arena in response to the region’s communication needs. Evoking an organic urban matrix reaching for the sea, it suggests a symbiotic relationship in terms of accessibility and economic integration.
all renders © Kalbod Design Studio
integrating a multifacted tourist attraction program
Distinguished by its multifaceted functionality, the Airport City concept is curated by the team at Kalbod Design Studio to align with the region’s touristic plans and ambitions. Beyond its primary role as an airport, the project offers as a distinctive and compelling attraction for both visitors and residents alike — with its museums, galleries, and exhibition spaces. Together, these programs create a series of cities, each housing its own diverse micro-climate in one of the world’s most arid landscapes. Bridging sustainable and social needs, the proposal acts as a puzzle within Saudi Arabia’s megaproject, potentially playing a transformative role in the emergence of this ongoing development.
Airport City proposal
strategically positioned to establish a link between Saudi Arabia’s NEOM project and the global arena
museums, galleries, and exhibition spaces complement the main airport
a compelling destination for visitors and NEOM residents alike

layered design, evoking biophilic patterns

project info:
name: Airport City
location: Saudi Arabia
architecture studio: Kalbod Design Studio | @kalbod.studio
principal architect: Mohamad Rahimizadeh
senior architect: Mohammad Ramezankhani
design team: Mehrdad Akhlaghi, Ziba Baghban, Pegah Samei, Hossein Roasaei, Pardis Ahmadi
designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.
edited by: lea zeitoun | designboom