Montana in the design team for Expo 2030 Riyadh

We are proud to contribute to the concept masterplan design for Expo 2030 Riyadh (link to website), alongside the team of international specialists led by LAVA: a project that brings together innovation, long-term sustainability, and cultural exchange, with the aim of building a meaningful legacy.

The design celebrates Expo 2030’s overarching theme “Foresight for Tomorrow”, creating a new model for urbanism where culture, nature, and innovation are not only integrated but celebrated.

At the heart of this ambitious vision is a deeply collaborative process, shaped by a world class team of expert advisors that have established the core design principles that underpin the master plan:

• Nature-Led Urban Design
  Instead of imposing a traditional urban grid, the master plan uses the reactivated wadis (seasonal and ephemeral riverbeds) as the foundation for an organic and interconnected network of spaces. This approach encourages biodiversity, establishes shaded pedestrian pathways, and fosters natural cooling microclimates—crucial elements in addressing Riyadh’s desert climate;

• Nature-Inspired Regeneration
  Drawing inspiration from Saudi Arabia’s distinctive landscape—especially its wadis—the design reinterprets and regenerates these natural formations, breathing life into the site through ecological restoration;

• Sustainable Mobility Without Compromise
  A cutting-edge, site-wide mobility system overlays the site without disrupting the preserved nature corridors. This ensures efficient movement while protecting vital green spaces.

The approach that inspired Montana’s contribution to the project has focused on finding innovative and sustainable solutions while enhancing the natural, environmental, and cultural identity of the site.

Our expertise has covered many different aspects:

• Hydrology Plan and Stormwater Management
  The water management systems we have envisioned are design with a nature-based solutions seamlessly integrated in the local environment, deeply shaped by the wadis, seasonal rivers,  aiming to safely manage intense stormwater while also preserving the distinctive features of Saudi Arabia landscape;

• Waste Management Plan
  We developed a Waste Management Strategy aimed at maximizing circularity and fostering innovation through smart infrastructure, high-efficiency processes, and sustainable solutions that not only benefit the local area but also help shape the future of waste management in Riyadh;

• Environmental Plan
  The Environmental Plan provides guidance and possible environmental solutions to support the design team, accompanying project decisions. Biodiversity is used as an interpretive lens that connects the different components, promoting an integrated vision that brings together environmental protection, innovation, and social value;

• Climate Change
  We have conducted an in-depth analysis of historical climate data and future scenarios and provided the design team with scientifically grounded tools to support informed decision-making throughout the design process.

Expo 2030 Riyadh is set to be more than a world event. It’s a blueprint for a sustainable, inclusive future—and a new paradigm for how cities can grow, thrive, and endure.

It is an honour for us to be part of such a visionary team: we thank LAVA for the great opportunity, the entire Expo Team, and our consultants for their contributions to the success of this ambitious project.

Photo Credits: LAVA / BUCHAREST