Saudi Arabia Launches Design Guidelines to Preserve Country’s “Distinctive Architectural Styles”

Saudi Arabia's crown prince Mohammed bin Salman has announced an initiative that aims to encourage incorporating traditional architecture in the country's urban developments.

The Saudi government recently launched an online platform outlining the initiative’s goals, which include identifying local architecture styles to inform the design of new urban developments.

The initiative was set by the government to help form modern districts that blend in with existing traditional buildings and natural landscapes.

“Saudi architecture represents a blend of ancient heritage and contemporary design as we work to improve the urban landscape and enhance 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 Saudi government has launched an initiative to celebrate the country’s traditional architecture. Image: ARABCREATOR7 on Wikimedia Commons

Part of the initiative is the Saudi Architecture Characters Map, which identifies 19 regions in the country and gives descriptions of their natural landscape, indigenous architecture and traditional building methods.

The distinct styles set out in the map include those of northern Najdi, Tabuk coastal, Medina, Medina countryside, Hijazi coastal, Taif, Sarawat Mountains, Asir Asir, Tihama foothills, Tihama coastal, Abha highlands, Farasan Islands, Bisha desert, Najran, Al-Ahsa oases, Qatif, Eastern Najdi and the eastern coast.

Design guidelines for new urban developments will accompany the map, with the aim of encouraging the creation of consistent architectural languages in each of the regions.

The initiative will first be implemented for government and commercial buildings in the Al-Ahsa region and the cities of Taif, Makkah and Abha.

Initiative Aims to “Preserve the Rich Cultural and Urban Heritage of Saudi Arabia”

According to the Saudi government, once the initiative has been fully rolled out, it will be a mandatory requirement for new projects to comply in order to gain construction permits.

“The design guidelines for Saudi architecture were carefully prepared to preserve the rich cultural and urban heritage of cities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.” 

“These guidelines focus on preserving the distinctive architectural style of each geographic area by integrating modern architectural elements with architectural heritage that reflects the history and culture of the Kingdom.”