With innovative engineering ideas and unique architectural aesthetics, the houses, castles, and fortresses of the Asir region have withstood the ravages of time and the harshness of the climate, from torrential rains to fierce winds. Early architects excelled in constructing buildings that harmonized with the mountainous environment, using local materials and building techniques that combined durability, beauty, and cultural distinctiveness, resulting in architectural models that retain their splendor to this day.
Map of Saudi architecture
The launch of the Saudi Architecture Map by His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud aims to revive the splendor of this architectural heritage by documenting 19 styles inspired by the geographical and cultural character of each region, including the Asir region. This map serves as a design reference aimed at improving the quality of the built environment and guiding architectural practices towards highlighting the local identity of each location.
The urban map includes “design guidelines” that highlight historical roots and link them to modern architectural practices, through concepts that combine authenticity and renewal, and connection to the surrounding terrain and nature, to produce buildings that pulsate with the spirit of the place.
After decades of restoration work of varying quality, this map provides the architectural landscape with a scientific framework that preserves identity and regulates restoration processes. Architectural heritage researcher Dr. Ali Thuwaini emphasized the importance of returning to original building materials and traditional construction techniques when restoring buildings, while also stressing the need to entrust tasks to skilled teams to ensure accurate execution and preserve cultural value.
Methods of dealing with historical sites and villages
As he explained in his book, "Architectural Heritage in Asir," methods for dealing with historical sites and villages, such as urban renewal, rehabilitation, and restoration, contribute to highlighting the functional, aesthetic, and investment value of these sites. He emphasizes that preserving the architectural character requires rebuilding lost elements in a way that respects the original, while simultaneously renewing surrounding facilities and adapting them for integration with the present.
The architectural style in Asir is characterized by meticulous attention to decorative details, from carved doors to ornate windows. Carpenters excelled at transforming wood—especially acacia wood—into artistic masterpieces inspired by Islamic motifs. This hard, easily shaped wood allowed craftsmen to create intricate carvings on door and window frames, while the decoration of interior windows was entrusted to housewives in a communal gesture reflecting a shared aesthetic.
The journey of building these architectural masterpieces begins with choosing the site, then preparing the foundations known as “Al-Rabdh”, and collecting building materials of clay, stones and plaster, with the participation of the locals under the supervision of the “Builder”, and with the help of laborers and organizers, in a precise traditional work system that distributes tasks and ensures the quality of implementation.
The "ankle" (or "ankle") serves to fill the gaps between the stones, adding aesthetic touches. As for the windows, or "windows," they are decorated with white "marwa" stones, which give the facades a unique character.
Five main styles in Asiri architecture:
Abha Highlands Architecture: It uses local stone and clay, and features flat roofs and narrow windows that enhance thermal insulation.
Sarawat Mountains architecture: It relies on multi-colored stones, facades with wooden columns and stone decorations.
The architecture of Asir: It is in harmony with the terrain and includes stone towers resembling fortresses with delicate windows and stucco decorations.
Tihama foothill architecture: It blends mountain and coastal influences, using local stone, plaster, and environmental motifs.
Tihama Coast Architecture: Characterized by low buildings of one or two stories, made of reeds, clay and coral, with large windows and arches that allow sea breezes to pass through.
The Saudi architectural map is a strategic tool for preserving national architectural identity and highlighting the unique cultural and climatic characteristics of each region, while simultaneously drawing inspiration from the past within a modern architectural vision. It serves as 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 landscape in a contemporary manner befitting a rich history and an ambitious present.
