Traditional Architecture of Saudi Arabia: Diversity within Unity (Cottbus, Germany, May 2015)
1. Traditional Architecture of
Saudi Arabia: Diversity within Unity
Hisham Mortada
Dept of Architecture
King Abdul Aziz University
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
36. • The Quran
• The Bible
“Blessed is he the one passing through the Valley
of Bacca making it a well; and the rain will
filleth the pool” (Psalm 84:6)
“The first house (of worship) appointed for
mankind was that at Bacca, full of blessings and
guidance for all kinds of beings”
Origin of Mecca/Becca
157. Documentation & Analysis of Traditional
Architecture of Saudi Arabia (DATASA)
• In 2009, KAU signed a scientific exchange agreement with
Technical University of Vienna (TUV) to jointly conduct a
research to document traditional architecture of Saudi Arabia.
• Aims:
• Technology transfer
• Documenting traditional architecture of Saudi Arabia
(space distribution, external treatment, construction
materials and techniques, influencing factors, etc.)
158. Documentation & Analysis of Traditional
Architecture of Saudi Arabia (DATASA)
• VUT’s Responsibility: Training KAU’s students and faculty
members on the use of the latest technologies (i.e. 3D laser
scanning) of documenting historic buildings in Jeddah.
• KAU Team’s Responsibility: Documenting traditional
architecture throughout Saudi Arabia (except Jeddah)
• Project Period: 36 months, starting May 2011
• Number of Participants: 25 faculty members and more than
60 students.
• Achievement: Surveying the traditional architecture and
urbanism of 104 cities, towns, villages and settlements in
Saudi Arabia.
164. TRABASA: 3D Laser Scanning
• Traditional Architecture Recorded by Means of Building Archaeology in Saudi Arabia (2011)
3D laser scanning (Historic Jeddah)
181. Conventional Means
• Resulted drawings (floor plans and sections for 2 houses of each settlement)
A house GF, Farasan Island A house elevation, Al-Qunfodah
205. Summary & Conclusions
• DATASA is the first attempt in the history of Saudi Arabia to
scientifically record and survey the traditional architecture of the
country.
• The results of the project will be delivered in the form of reports
and published papers and books. Various internet media and
documentary productions might be considered in future.
• The members of the project team have painfully witnessed the
vanishing of very precious buildings and entire settlements that
are significant to the regional history and identity of Saudi
Arabia.
• Local communities have a fundamental responsibility in
protecting the heritage they produced. Authority should raise
public awareness to maintain local heritage.