The strategy began by considering how residents, visitors and service users would understand the seven-island masterplan. A north-south cognitive framework was used to organise the wider development and provide a consistent spatial structure.

Destinations were classified into primary, secondary and tertiary levels, from major island-wide destinations and district centres to neighbourhood streets and local destinations. This hierarchy informed roadway guidance, arrival sequences, public realm orientation and destination messaging.

Four cultural and environmental themes informed the visual and experiential language: Bahrain’s pearling traditions, submarine freshwater springs, coral formations and Kurar weaving.

These references were explored through fluid forms, layered textures and detailed patterns. Rather than operating as separate decorative themes, they provided source material for the Wayfinding & Navigation and public art language across the masterplan.

The public art strategy was developed through analysis of the masterplan and the character of potential locations. Larger interventions were assigned to gateways, bridges, intersections and roundabouts, where they could operate as prominent spatial references.

Smaller-scale works were considered for parks, mosque plazas and community spaces. This created a hierarchy of interventions ranging from masterplan landmarks to more local pieces embedded within neighbourhood environments.

‍