Fusion and Transformation: The 1950s Architectural Metamorphosis of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.33948/JAP-KSU-36-4-5

Keywords:

Architecture, Typology, Geometry, Modern, Heritage, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

This study explores the transformation of Riyadh’s architectural landscape in the 1950s, a pivotal decade for Saudi Arabia marked by rapid urbanization and cultural integration. As the nation's newfound oil wealth catalyzed its metamorphosis, Riyadh emerged as a canvas displaying a unique blend of traditional Islamic heritage and modernist architectural influences. The research focuses on analyzing key buildings' exterior façades and architectural configurations from this era, highlighting the integration of new construction materials and methods alongside traditional design elements. Through in-depth analysis of selected case studies, including prominent government buildings and residential structures, the study reveals a nuanced fusion of international modernist styles with local and Islamic architectural elements. This synthesis reflects the societal and cultural shifts occurring in Saudi Arabia during the 1950s, as the country grappled with its identity amidst global influences. The findings of this research contribute to understanding the complex interplay between tradition and modernity in Saudi Arabia’s architectural evolution. They illuminate how architectural trends of the 1950s in Riyadh were not merely aesthetic choices but were deeply intertwined with the socio-cultural and economic dynamics of the time. The study underscores the importance of contextualizing architectural developments within their broader historical and cultural settings and offers insights into the ongoing dialogue between past and future in Saudi Arabia's urban landscape.

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Author Biographies

  • Dr. Naif Alghamdi, Department of Architecture and Building Sciences, College of Architecture and Planning, King Saud University

    Naif Alghamdi is an assistant professor at the Department of Architecture and Building Science (DABS), College of Architecture and Planning (CAP), King Saud University (KSU), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Dr. Alghamdi is project leader of Riyadh Architectural Documentation. He is a member of the Editorial Advisory Board of the International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education, Emerald UK and a reviewer for other international scientific journals including the Smart and Sustainable Built Environment Journal (Emerald); the Higher Education (Springer); and the Frontiers in Sustainability (Frontiers). Dr. Alghamdi was the Head of Development and Quality Unit at CAP. He is an architect, who trained at KSU between 2002 and 2007. While working as a full-time faculty member, he also provides consultation for several professional practices in Saudi Arabia. He holds postgraduate degrees in both Project Management and Architecture from the Bartlett, University College London, United Kingdom. He obtained his Degree of Doctor at the Department of Management in the Built Environment, Delft University of Technology, Netherlands. Dr. Alghamdi is interested in Sustainability, University Campuses, and Accessibility. Research areas include planning, design, and management of higher educational facilities. He has participated in a number of international research workshops, seminars, and conferences. He has published a number of journal articles, book chapters, and book reviews.

  • Dr. Mohammed Alnaim, Department of Architectural Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Hail, Hail, Saudi Arabia

    Mohammed Alnaim is an assistant professor of engineering specializing in architectural and cultural heritage and serve at the University of Hail. The expertise lies in the intersection of architectural/cultural heritage and social studies. Earned my Ph.D. in Design and Planning from the University of Colorado Denver, where my research was centered on vernacular architecture as well as socio-cultural theories and practices, complemented by a secondary focus on urban morphology. Research interests span across interdisciplinary realms, embracing cultural and urban heritage, vernacular and socio-cultural studies, and urban design issues. In the professional arena, have led as a consultant on several pivotal projects and have assumed various roles, including that of a designer, data analyst, technical reviewer, documentation consultant, and QA & QC specialist. Bridging theoretical acumen with practical expertise, advance practices and strategies through participating in several workshops, lectures, seminars, and events to benefit both the academic sphere and the professional domain.

  • Dr. Abdulaziz Alzahrani, Department of Architecture, Faculty of Engineering, Al-Baha University, Al-Baha, Saudi Arabia

    Abdulaziz Alzahrani is an architect and urban designer with different educational backgrounds (US, UK, KSA). He is an associate professor of urban design and has been a faculty member of the Architecture Department at the University of Al-Baha since 2010. Abdulaziz is interested in documenting contemporary architecture and its importance as part of the cultural heritage and identity of Saudi Arabia, considering the rapid urbanization and development that occurred.   Abdulaziz is involved in assessing the quality of public spaces and their classifications. He is spreading the importance of their presence in development projects and highlighting their vital role to users. He is interested in scientific publishing and has worked on many scientific papers on contemporary architectural heritage, public spaces, and their perception and quality in different regions of Saudi Arabia.

  • Dr. Fahad Alotaibi, Department of Architecture, College of Architecture and Planning, Qassim University, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia

    ahad Alotaibi is an architect, educator and senior advisor. He is currently working as an Assistance Professor in College of Architecture & Planning at Qassim University, and senior advisor at Architecture & Design Commission - Ministry of Culture. Fahad studied at King Saud University (BSc Architecture and Building Science) and the University of Sheffield (M.Arch. Architectural Studies). He has a PhD in Environmental Design/ Architecture from University of Calgary- Canada. Fahad’s research and teaching focus on the social and cultural processes that shape the forms and meanings of built environments, particularly in Gulf region. His research is primarily in the areas of: 1-Tall Building Design. 2- Human Behavior & Environmental Psychology. 3-Culture, Identity and Place Making. 4- Architecture Theory and Criticism.

  • Dr. Faisal Alosaimi, Department of Architecture and Building Sciences, College of Architecture and Planning, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

    Faisal Alosaimi is an Assistant Deputy for Infrastructure Projects at the Riyadh Municipality. He is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Architecture and Building Science (DABS), College of Architecture and Planning (CAP), King Saud University (KSU), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Previously, he was former General Supervisor of the General Directorate of Studies and Designs at the Riyadh Municipality. He obtained a Ph.D. in Architecture from the University of Nottingham, United Kingdom, a Master's degree in the same field in 2014 from the Savannah College of Art and Design, United States, He holds a Bachelor's degree in Architecture and Building Sciences in 2006 from King Saud University.

  • Dr. Ali Ajlan, Department of Architecture and Building Sciences, College of Architecture and Planning, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

    Ali Ajlan is an academic researcher at the Faculty of Architecture and Planning, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. He is a Ph.D. Candidate in Architecture and Building Sciences. He has a Master's Degree in Urban Design. Research Interests include Architecture, Urban Design, and Smart Cities. He has participated in a number of international research workshops, seminars, and conferences.

  • Architect Muhannad Alkudaywi, Assistance Agency for Infrastructure Projects, Riyadh Regional Municipality, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

    Muhannad Alkudaywi is an architect who has been actively involved in the field of architecture. He has worked as an architect in the Department of Studies and Technical Supervision, where his responsibilities primarily revolved around architectural design and site coordination for numerous projects within the King Abdulaziz Military City for Operation and Maintenance, Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. During his tenure as a member of the design team at the General Administration of Studies and Design (ASD), Riyadh Municipality, he contributed to the introduction of quality initiatives and projects aimed at enhancing the quality of life in Riyadh. Additionally, he has provided technical support to various departments in the ASD. He obtained a Bachelor's Degree in Islamic Architecture (B.Arch.) from at Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah. Apart from his professional engagements, His research interests include museums design as well as architectural theories such as philosophy, phenomenology, hermeneutics, and embodiments.

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Published

2024-12-01

Issue

Vol. 36 No. 4 (2024): Volume 36 - Issue 4

Section

Articles