{"id":77112,"date":"2025-04-29T11:33:36","date_gmt":"2025-04-29T08:33:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/amlak.net.sa\/?p=77112"},"modified":"2025-11-25T22:25:07","modified_gmt":"2025-11-25T22:25:07","slug":"%d8%ae%d8%b1%d9%8a%d8%b7%d8%a9-%d8%a7%d9%84%d8%b9%d9%85%d8%a7%d8%b1%d8%a9-%d8%a7%d9%84%d8%b3%d8%b9%d9%88%d8%af%d9%8a%d8%a9-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/amlak.net.sa\/en\/77112\/","title":{"rendered":"Saudi Architecture Map: Challenges for designers, opportunities for local creativity"},"content":{"rendered":"

Saudi Architecture Map: Challenges for designers, opportunities for local creativity<\/span><\/h4>\n

Poll: Abdullah Al-Salih:<\/strong><\/span> Contains Saudi Architecture Map<\/a><\/strong><\/span> Featuring 19 architectural styles inspired by the geographical features and cultural identity of each region, this initiative aims not only to improve the urban landscape and enhance quality of life, but also to establish an inspiring architectural identity that embraces the past and keeps pace with the future. Will this plan succeed in reshaping the character of Saudi cities? And to what extent are the public and experts aware of its developmental and cultural dimensions?<\/p>\n

The newspaper \u201cAmlak\u201d conducted a survey on The Impact of Architectural Planning<\/a><\/strong><\/span> On the real estate sector.<\/p>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

Othman Abdulmohsen: Saudi Architecture Is a Tourist and Economic Treasure for Investment<\/span><\/h4>\n

Engineer Othman Abdul Mohsen, CEO of the Design and Implementation Technology Foundation, emphasized that the use of local styles in urban design is not limited to achieving visual beauty, but extends to include economic, tourism, and sustainable development dimensions.<\/p>\n

Abdulmohsen believes that standardizing the architectural style within Saudi cities would help shape a unique urban character that reflects the spirit of the place, especially when adopting traditional styles inspired by the local environment, such as the Najdi, Hijazi, or Jabal styles. He added that this approach strengthens the cultural identity of the place and gives cities a cohesive and harmonious character, similar to what we see in European cities or historic districts such as the Al-Turaif neighborhood in Diriyah.<\/p>\n

He noted that a unified architectural style has a positive impact on the tourist appeal of Saudi cities, as visitors feel they are experiencing a holistic environment that reflects the city\u2019s spirit and culture, At the same time, this approach can also help reduce operating costs by adopting design solutions suited to the local environment and climate, such as using locally available materials or focusing on natural ventilation and reducing reliance on air conditioning.<\/p>\n

Regarding the tourism aspect, Abdulmohsen noted that traditional Saudi architecture represents a true asset that can be leveraged to revitalize cultural tourism, especially since every region in the Kingdom has its own unique and distinctive character, ranging from the wooden carvings and engravings of the Hijazi style in Jeddah and Mecca, to the colorful decorative details of the mountain style in Asir, and extending to the Najdi style, which harmonizes with the desert environment of Najd and Al-Qassim. He explained that these styles are not merely an architectural legacy, but rather living stories that reflect the depth and history of the local community, and constitute a unique tourist attraction that strengthens visitors\u2019 connection to the place.<\/p>\n

Regarding the combination of modernity and identity, Engineer Abdulmohsen emphasized that modern architectural trends do not conflict with local character but can, in fact, complement it. He cited projects such as \u201cAl-Dir\u2019iya Gate\u201d and \u201dNeom,\u201d which blend modern technologies with the local architectural spirit, creating a unique visual and human experience. He noted that commitment to identity does not mean reproducing the past as it was, but rather reimagining it in a contemporary architectural language that reflects the needs and aspirations of today\u2019s society.<\/p>\n

He added that the Saudi Architecture Guidelines represent a quintessentially national project, aimed at enabling every Saudi city to tell its own story through its urban character, moving away from global stereotypes toward a distinctive Saudi identity that reflects people, place, and environment all at once. He noted that these guidelines represent an opportunity to reshape the relationship between citizens and the city and to foster a sense of belonging through architectural details that are both familiar and inspiring.<\/p>\n

In a related context, Abdulmohsen noted that the implementation of these guidelines has a direct impact on the real estate sector, as it helps raise the market value of projects that adhere to them and enhances their distinctiveness in a market where projects compete to attract buyers. He also explained that architectural identity has become a key factor in purchasing decisions, particularly among segments seeking distinction, authenticity, and quality, adding that real estate developers who adopt these trends will be in a prime position to benefit from government incentives, whether in terms of streamlined licensing procedures or obtaining higher ratings from the relevant authorities.<\/p>\n

Engineer Othman Abdulmohsen concluded his remarks by emphasizing the importance of taking practical steps to implement these guidelines on the ground, by incorporating design guidelines into the building codes for each area, and providing preliminary design models to help developers implement projects in accordance with the defined identity. He also called for encouraging local developers to adhere to these guidelines by granting them additional privileges and incentives, alongside the importance of involving talented Saudi engineers in the design and implementation processes, given the significant role this plays in fostering local creativity and creating an urban environment that resonates with the sensibilities of Saudi society and reflects its aspirations for a more beautiful and sustainable future.<\/p>\n

M. Omar Al-Mansour: The Deira neighborhood has transformed the area into a tourist attraction<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n

Engineer Omar Al-Mansour emphasized that the Saudi Architecture Map will contribute significantly to attracting tourists and enhancing the appeal of cities, For example, the development of the Al-Dira neighborhood in Riyadh has transformed the area into a major attraction for tourists and tourism-related events as a result of the urban development in that area.<\/p>\n

Al-Mansour pointed out that the adoption of local architectural styles in construction could limit the architectural creativity of Saudi designers and engineers, as regulations, specified lengths, dimensions, and exterior designs will pose a challenge to their creativity as they adhere to these standards, but it will also create opportunities for innovation that serve the purpose of these requirements, in addition to the role these approved designs play in reducing costs.<\/p>\n

Regarding the challenges expected with this decision, Al-Mansour explained that there are certain neighborhoods where specific designs will be implemented that may not be met with admiration or praise from clients\u2014or, conversely, as was the case in some residential complexes that introduced standardized designs, which sparked a range of opinions\u2014from support to opposition\u2014but were nonetheless positive in strengthening the architectural identity of Saudi architecture.<\/p>\n

Saudi Architecture: Solutions and Aesthetics for Building Facades<\/span><\/h4>\n

Dr. Abdullah bin Daif Allah<\/span><\/h4>\n

Architecture is considered a cultural expression that may have been influenced in the past by various external ideas\u2014whether for political or social reasons\u2014and may, over time, become part of the local architectural tradition.<\/p>\n

The Saudi Architecture Project, launched by His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, may God protect him, was not intended to standardize the architectural style of Saudi cities, but rather aims to reestablish the roots of that style and return to traditional Saudi architecture, in my personal view, Saudi architecture is, at its core, a single style that reflects the great similarities among the cultures of the Saudi people from the far north to the far south.<\/p>\n

For example, the triangle in the Najdi architectural style\u2014as an aesthetic element\u2014is also found in the Hijazi and Southern styles; the same applies to other examples such as inner courtyards, winding paths, narrow windows, building heights, and so on; Consequently, Saudi architecture has a single origin, but the differences lie in geography, which dictates a specific type of building material or a specific architectural fabric that harmonizes with the climate, and so on. Consequently, there are 19 styles that largely reflect the diverse geography and, with their non-essential differences, represent Saudi architecture as a whole.<\/p>\n

It is certain that the adoption of local styles in construction will foster architectural creativity among Saudi designers and engineers, and that the landscape of Saudi architecture will have a fundamental impact in this regard; Architects used to rely primarily on client preferences and market trends to determine the styles they would use in their designs, but today the situation will be different because Saudi architecture will introduce styles derived from local contexts, and architects and designers will therefore incorporate these styles and translate them into their projects. Therefore, I believe this will undoubtedly have a positive impact on architectural creativity in our cities.<\/p>\n

As a result, many positive changes will emerge in the design trends of Saudi architecture, such as:<\/p>\n

Improving the visual landscape, as our cities face visual challenges related to building facades that are designed haphazardly and without a unified vision, which has affected the overall image of our cities, making them appear \u201cdull,\u201d The guidelines will address this visual imbalance not based on arbitrary judgments, but according to the specific context of each city. Here, we must not forget that design guidelines have traditionally been based on the administrative divisions of the Kingdom\u2019s regions, but the current guidelines for Saudi architecture are based on geography. This will lead many practitioners and researchers to study the relationship between architecture and geography andthe extent to which the former is influenced by the latter\u2014or vice versa.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s not just about designers and engineering firms; I believe the real estate sector will respond positively to these models, just as it did with the Salmani architecture in Riyadh, which we saw translated into large and medium-scale projects and brought about a qualitative shift in the visual landscape of the city of Riyadh. Perhaps the review process for projects will be somewhat slow at first due to the novelty of the experience, but once the real estate sector and practitioners come to understand it, the process of reviewing and ensuring compliance with the guidelines will become swift, I also do not rule out the possibility of incentives for projects that demonstrate creativity in applying these guidelines.<\/p>\n

From a policy perspective, we expect the Saudi Architecture Map to help attract tourists and enrich their experience\u2014particularly with regard to the historic villages and their visual harmony with the modern residences surrounding them. During a personal visit to Dir\u2019iya, I saw many well-known shops housed in old, heritage buildings that blended modernity with authenticity, and I believe they will offer a uniquely enriching experience.<\/p>\n

Urban Planning Researcher<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Reading time: <\/span> 5<\/span> Minutes<\/span><\/span>Saudi Architecture Map: Challenges for designers, opportunities for local creativity Explore: Abdullah Al-Salih: The Saudi Architecture Map contains 19 architectural styles inspired by the geographical nature and cultural identity of each region. This initiative not only aims to improve the urban landscape and enhance the quality of life, but also seeks to establish an inspiring architectural identity that embraces the past and keeps pace with the future. Will this map succeed in ... Read more<\/a><\/p>","protected":false},"author":10,"featured_media":80656,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_seopress_titles_title":"","_seopress_titles_desc":"","_seopress_robots_index":"","_seopress_robots_follow":"","_seopress_robots_imageindex":"","_seopress_robots_snippet":"","_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"0","_seopress_robots_breadcrumbs":"","_seopress_robots_freeze_modified_date":"","_seopress_robots_custom_modified_date":"","_seopress_robots_canonical":"","_seopress_social_fb_title":"","_seopress_social_fb_desc":"","_seopress_social_fb_img":"","_seopress_social_fb_img_attachment_id":0,"_seopress_social_fb_img_width":0,"_seopress_social_fb_img_height":0,"_seopress_social_twitter_title":"","_seopress_social_twitter_desc":"","_seopress_social_twitter_img":"","_seopress_social_twitter_img_attachment_id":0,"_seopress_social_twitter_img_width":0,"_seopress_social_twitter_img_height":0,"_seopress_redirections_value":"","_seopress_redirections_enabled":"","_seopress_redirections_enabled_regex":"","_seopress_redirections_logged_status":"","_seopress_redirections_param":"","_seopress_redirections_type":0,"_seopress_analysis_target_kw":"","_seopress_news_disabled":"","_seopress_video_disabled":"","_seopress_video":[],"_seopress_pro_schemas_manual":[],"_seopress_pro_rich_snippets_disable_all":"","_seopress_pro_rich_snippets_disable":[],"_seopress_pro_schemas":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[121],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-77112","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-design-architecture"],"acf":{"amlak_post_excerpt":"\u0645\u0628\u0627\u062f\u0631\u0629 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