Jeddah (UNA/SPA) – Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Prime Minister, launched the Saudi Architecture Map, which includes 19 architectural styles inspired by the Kingdom's geographical and cultural characteristics. This comes as part of efforts to celebrate the urban heritage, enhance the quality of life, and develop the urban landscape in Saudi cities, in line with the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030.
The Crown Prince, Chairman of the Supreme Committee for Design Guidelines for Saudi Architecture, emphasized that Saudi architecture reflects the Kingdom's cultural and geographical diversity, noting that this is part of the Kingdom's efforts to develop sustainable urban cities that are in harmony with the local landscape and employ traditional architectural styles with modern techniques.
He said: “Saudi architecture represents a blend of rich heritage and contemporary design, as we work to enhance the urban landscape and enhance the quality of life, achieving a balance between the past and the present, and serving as a global source of inspiration for innovation in architectural design.”
The Crown Prince added: "Saudi architecture contributes to indirect economic development by increasing the attractiveness of cities, which leads to an increase in the number of visitors and tourists, and supports the growth of sectors related to tourism, hospitality, and construction. It also aims to build a future in which our cities and communities thrive."
Saudi architecture aims to enhance the Kingdom's architectural diversity, support the improvement of the urban landscape in its cities, and empower local capabilities. Saudi architecture is expected to contribute more than SAR 8 billion to the cumulative GDP, in addition to providing more than 34 direct and indirect job opportunities in the engineering, construction, and urban development sectors by 2030.
Saudi architecture also relies on flexible design guidelines that enable the use of local building materials without imposing additional financial burdens on owners or developers. It is based on three main styles: traditional, transitional, and contemporary. This allows for creative design while preserving the authentic architectural style of each city and geographical area. The design guidelines will be implemented, starting with major government projects and commercial buildings, with the first phase taking place in Al-Ahsa, Taif, Makkah, and Abha.
The Saudi architectural map includes 19 architectural styles, each of which reflects the geographical, natural, and cultural characteristics of the region from which it was inspired, without being linked to the administrative division of the Kingdom. Each style was determined based on urban and historical studies that reflect building patterns inherited across generations. These are: Najdi architecture, northern Najdi architecture, Tabuk coastal architecture, Medina architecture, Medina countryside architecture, Hijazi coastal architecture, Taif architecture, Sarawat Mountains architecture, Asir Asir architecture, Tihama foothills architecture, Tihama coastal architecture, Abha highlands architecture, Farasan Islands architecture, Bisha desert architecture, Najran architecture, Al-Ahsa oases architecture, Qatif architecture, eastern coast architecture, and eastern Najdi architecture.
Efforts to implement Saudi architecture are complemented by partnerships between government agencies, engineering firms, and real estate developers. Engineering design studios will provide the necessary support to engineers and designers to ensure the highest standards of quality and sustainability, while also providing engineering guidance and training workshops to develop local talent.
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