Project Title: Joyous Gardens — Artist Designed Playgrounds for Riyadh Art

Overview:
Joyous Gardens is a pioneering public art program within the Riyadh Art initiative, conceived as a network of artist-designed playgrounds that merge cultural expression with recreational infrastructure. Developed in partnership with the Royal Commission for Riyadh City, the initiative reimagines public play spaces as sculptural, interactive environments that inspire creativity and community connection across neighborhoods. Each installation offers a unique response to site, context, and audience while advancing Riyadh's goals for cultural placemaking and inclusive urban design.



I led the program from conception through execution, overseeing artist selection, stakeholder coordination, and design delivery. I directed the artist identification and invitation process, managed all international outreach and pre-qualification submissions, and facilitated the shortlisting and interview process to align with the program’s curatorial and operational goals. As the primary artist liaison, I worked closely with each artist to shape their concepts, guide their rendering processes, and translate creative vision into buildable design.

Partnering with CRAFT KSA, I managed the complete design and build coordination for each playground site. This included technical refinement, stakeholder approvals, and cross-disciplinary collaboration with safety consultants, engineers, and municipal departments. I helped ensure each structure met international safety codes while preserving the artistic integrity of the original design.

I led the preparation of RFP responses and competitive bids for multiple sites, including those still under review. This work involved drafting scope documentation, managing internal and external costing processes, and presenting detailed fabrication and execution plans for city approval. My efforts extended into cost estimating, project planning, and technical compliance across several concurrent playground proposals.

Joyous Gardens reflects my belief in the transformative power of artist-led infrastructure. These playgrounds are designed not only as joyful spaces for children but also as culturally resonant landmarks that bring public art into the everyday lives of Riyadh’s residents. The project represents a unique synthesis of community-centered design, curatorial direction, and large-scale civic implementation.