Ministry of Foreign Affairs Housing Compound

Following the realization of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the early 1980s, Albert Speer & Partner designed an array of medium to high density dwellings to accommodate the ministry’s staff and their families. The complex is situated in Al Mohamadeyah neighborhood in the northern area of Riyadh, where it consists of a total of 612 villas, attached & semi-detached dwellings in plot sizes ranging from 1000 sqm down to 175 sqm per unit. In addition, it houses public facilities, mosques, schools, health centers, a gym, and a police station. The complex sits on an area extending over 390,000 sqm. Thirteen design variations were produced as dwelling-types with the evident influence of Najdi architectural elements such as courtyards, screens, and recessed windows. The pedestrian spine serves as the main connection between the cluster of houses and the communal amenities of the neighborhood. The MOFA housing project was later emulated in the Al Hamra neighborhood in Riyadh.