World Architecture Day, celebrated by the international community on July 1 of each year, provides an opportunity to highlight the urban renaissance, support the interests of architects, and showcase the latest contributions of architecture to people around the world.
The Kingdom draws on a rich heritage in architecture —or the engineering of buildings, known as “architecture”— which is defined as the science and art of designing and constructing buildings, through which the principles of engineering technology are applied to designs and structures, using appropriate construction methods and building materials within an urban planning framework that aligns with and complements the character of the Kingdom’s cities.
The Kingdom’s universities host numerous academic departments specializing in architecture, graduating national talent who enrich this field and meet the market’s need for young professionals specializing in this discipline, which is undergoing continuous development.
The architecture departments work to provide students with specialized engineering education in architecture, structural engineering, integration of building systems and structural engineering, computer-aided design, and the use of design and drafting software such as the architects“ ”CAD,” where graduates are prepared for careers in engineering design, building engineering consulting, construction contracting, and construction project management, as well as work in fields related to building analysis, design, and construction supervision.
These academic departments have kept pace with developments in the field of architecture, drawing on the ideological and cultural patterns of Saudi society—from Islamic design traditions to the evolution of civilization, technological progress, and artistic innovation in engineering design— and this architectural evolution has been reflected in numerous buildings throughout the Kingdom.
The Saudi Council of Engineers aims; to advance the engineering profession and everything that contributes to the development and elevation of this profession and its practitioners, while focusing on establishing the foundations and standards for the practice and development of the profession—including licensing requirements and the establishment of rules and examinations necessary to obtain professional credentials— as well as preparing studies and research, organizing courses, and holding seminars and conferences related to the profession, and providing technical advice within its area of expertise in accordance with the regulations approved by the Authority’s Board of Directors.
The Authority uses training and development as a means to contribute to building distinguished engineering competencies and developing capabilities to enhance engineers’ professional and administrative competence, thereby raising the level of their professional performance, and to equip engineers with technical knowledge and expertise in their fields of specialization, in addition to advancing the local engineering sector through appropriate training programs and courses for engineers in various disciplines, in line with the requirements and needs of the job market.
