<The houses, castles and fortresses of the Asir region have withstood the changes of time and the harshness of the climate, from heavy rains to strong winds. The early architects created buildings in harmony with the mountainous environment, using local materials and construction techniques that combine durability, beauty and cultural specificity, making them architectural models that retain their splendor until today.

Map of Saudi Architecture

The launch of the Saudi Architecture Map by His Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud brings this urban heritage back to life by documenting 19 styles inspired by the geographical and cultural character of each region, including Asir. The map is a design reference that aims to improve the quality of the built environment and guide architectural practices to emphasize the local identity of each site. The urban map includes “design guidelines” that emphasize historical roots and link them to modern architectural practices, through concepts that combine originality and renewal, and link with the surrounding terrain and nature, to produce buildings that reflect the spirit of the place.

This map is a design reference that aims to improve the quality of the urban environment and direct architectural practices towards emphasizing the local identity of each location.

After decades of restoration work of varying quality, this map gives the architectural landscape a scientific framework that preserves identity and regulates rehabilitation processes. Architectural heritage researcher Dr. Ali Thuwaini pointed out the importance of returning to the original building materials and traditional execution techniques when restoring buildings, while assigning tasks to skilled teams, ensuring accuracy of execution and preserving cultural value.

This map comes with a scientific framework that preserves identity and regulates rehabilitation processes.

Methods of dealing with historical sites and villages

<In his book “Urban Heritage in Asir”, he also explained the methods of dealing with historical sites and villages, such as urban renewal, rehabilitation and restoration, which contribute to highlighting the functional, aesthetic and investment value of these sites. He emphasizes that preserving the architectural character requires rebuilding the lost elements in a way that respects the original, while renovating the surrounding facilities and preparing them to integrate with the present. <Asir's architectural style is characterized by great attention to decorative details, from carved doors to decorated windows, where carpenters excelled in transforming wood - especially taleh wood - into artistic paintings inspired by Islamic decoration. This easily moldable hardwood enabled craftsmen to create intricate carvings on door and window frames, while interior window decoration was entrusted to housewives in a community gesture of aesthetic sharing.

The journey of building these architectural masterpieces begins with the selection of the site, then the preparation of the foundations known as "Rabd", and the collection of building materials from mud, stones and plaster, with the participation of the local people under the supervision of the ”builder” and the help of brats and the organizer, in a precise traditional work system that distributes tasks and ensures the quality of execution.

The “builder” is responsible for the construction of the building. <The “ankle” is responsible for bridging the spaces between the stones, adding aesthetic touches. The windows, or “gates”, are decorated with white maru stones that give the facades a unique character.

Windows are decorated with white maru stones that give the facades a unique character.

Five main styles in Asiri architecture:

Abha Highlands Architecture: It uses local stone and clay, and is characterized by flat roofs and narrow windows that enhance thermal insulation.

Sarawat Mountains Architecture: Based on multicolored stones, facades with wooden columns and stone decorations.

Asir Asir architecture: Harmonizes with the terrain and includes fortress-like stone towers with elaborate windows and stucco decorations.

The architecture of the Asir foothills.

Tehama Foothills Architecture: Blends mountain and coastal influences, utilizing local stone, stucco and environmental motifs.

Tehama Foothills Architecture.

Tehama Coast Architecture: Characterized by low, one- or two-story buildings made of reeds, mud and coral, with large windows and arches that allow sea breezes to pass through.

Tehama Coast Architecture. <The Saudi Architecture Map is a strategic tool for preserving the national architectural identity and highlighting the cultural and climatic specificity of each region, while allowing the elements of the past to be inspired within a modern architectural vision. It is a bridge between yesterday and tomorrow, between the spirit of the place and the aspirations of the future, ensuring the continuity of traditional building styles in the Saudi urban scene in a contemporary style befitting a rich history and an ambitious present.