Concept design progresses for Atkins-designed East Hidd Housing Development
The East Hidd Housing Development project was unveiled at the Ministry of Housing’s exhibition at Seef Mall as part of Bahrain’s National Day celebrations. Atkins has been commissioned by the Ministry of Housing to provide masterplanning, architecture and infrastructure design from concept through to detailed design for this social and affordable housing project.
Reclamation work at the site has been completed and the concept design is currently in its final stages. Once completed, the city will comprise around 4,500 units across a 232 hectare site, with an anticipated population of 28,000. The development will feature vibrant social and leisure zones including retail and food and beverage units, mosques, schools and waterfronts connected by public parks and plazas.
The inspiration for the design was an old photograph of Al Hidd illustrating the traditional architecture and urban setting. The Ministry supplied the photograph and challenged Atkins to design a contemporary masterplan that followed closely with that traditional heritage. The modern housing units incorporate four house and two apartment prototypes, with an emphasis on blending this traditional Bahraini heritage and architectural style.
Atkins’ managing director in Bahrain, Rob Ruse, said: “We are proud to work on such an important project with the Ministry of Housing in pursuance of the Government’s housing programme to provide social and affordable housing services to Bahrainis. East Hidd Housing makes a major contribution towards the delivery of this programme and will create a positive legacy for the Kingdom and its future generations.”
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