Senior Urban Planner and Designer Alberto Oto embraces the challenges that come along with creating livable and affordable residential communities on a large scale.
Why did you join Omrania?
I have a real passion for urban planning and design. Omrania gives me the opportunity to work on challenging and large-scale projects for a leading organization in the fields of architecture and urban design in Saudi Arabia.
What are your favorite projects you have worked on? And why?
Ministry of Housing Project in Al-Kamel
All the projects for the Saudi Ministry of Housing represents at once a challenge to provide affordable housing with a high standard of living, and an opportunity to improve the quality of residential developments in the kingdom. Al-Kamel was one of the first projects for which I was responsible for design and coordination from concept design to the final design. It is really rewarding to see now how this project is being constructed, becoming a reality.
Ministry of Housing Project in Taif
Taif was probably the more challenging project for the Ministry of Housing, not only because of the scale and location of the project but also the special natural conditions of the site, crossed by many wadis (streambeds) and rocky areas. The wadis were maintained as a framework of open space and recreation within the master plan, while optimizing the overall use of space to meet program requirements.
SUKNA – Modon Living Community
I really enjoyed dealing with a complex masterplan residential program, with different housing typologies designed with international standards of living, which required a lot of coordination with other disciplines.
What is your favorite part of the day at work?
My favorite part of the day is whenever I have the opportunity to create something new.
What do you like most about working with Omrania?
I love to be part of a multidisciplinary, multicultural working team. I also really like the opportunity to take on complex and interesting new urban design projects.
What is the most challenging part of the work?
The challenges are what really make our job exciting and interesting. The most challenging part of my job is the planning and coordination required to create new vibrant urban communities based on traditional culture and Inherited values, but at the same time integrating modern lifestyles and creating a better living environment.
If you were to recommend Omrania to your best friend; what would you say?
I think the quality of the projects designed by Omrania over its long history probably speaks for itself. And working in a team-oriented firm, you will learn and acquire additional skills from experienced professional colleagues.
