Architectural identity of cities in danger

JEDDAH: Major Saudi cities are losing their architectural identity due to rapid urbanization over the last four decades. Observers blame the absence of strict regulations that oblige architects and civil designers to apply a local standard of preservation on buildings.
The issue extends from architectural style to the building system. Some neighborhoods were planned as villa-only districts but nine-story buildings can now frequently be seen among them.
Hassan Shawly, head of the civil and regional planning department in the environmental design faculty at King Abdul Aziz University, said the issue of not maintaining the architectural heritage of a city has become a global issue.
The real loss, says Shawly, is in the deformation and eradication of local identity. “Local architectural identity is a reflection of the development of culture through the ages. Losing this identity means having generations with no links to the past,” said Shawly.
According to Shawly, random design is a form of visual pollution that all Saudi cities are suffering from. This random layout can be seen not only in architectural elements, but also in the lack of consideration for environment and social custom.
Shawly is optimistic about the situation being salvaged and says “nothing is irreversible.” He said that many cities around the world have suffered from problems that are way worse than Jeddah’s current state. They are now developed and have become beautiful examples of architectural originality.
"To achieve that," Shawly explained, "we have to get rid of centralized decision-making."
He added that local buildings in the Hijaz area are unique in terms of simplicity and elements taken from the surrounding environment smartly used.
“Limestone is the main structural element, in addition to wooden windows (Rawasheen) in Hijaz. Limestone used to be the strongest and most suitable material for buildings that consist of numerous stories."
Shawly said that despite being very close to one another, old buildings in Jeddah have privacy in that the narrow, zigzag streets make it hard to peep into houses.
“Rawasheen, or window frames consisting of small halls, were also a significant element of Jeddah buildings that provided full privacy to residents. It allowed ladies to see the world outside without making themselves visible to the outside world,” added Shawly.
Fouad Ammar, a Saudi architect, said the prime responsibility of protecting architectural identity of town and cities in the Kingdom rests with the municipalities and the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities.
“The historical area in Jeddah needs more attention by them. If properly taken care of, this area can narrate Jeddah’s history and become a prominent tourist site in the country,” said Ammar.
Ali Mohammad, a private contractor, however says that the architectural heritage of Jeddah and other Saudi cities is beyond repair. “We are witnessing a dangerous phenomenon which targets residential districts, especially the ones that were originally planned as villa-only neighborhoods,” said Mohammad.
"Some property owners managed to procure licenses from the municipality to construct 7 to 9-story buildings among villas, which violate the privacy of families," said Mohammad. “It has happened in Rihab, Naeem, Mohamadiah and many other districts in Jeddah.”
He pointed out that such licenses did not take into consideration the parking capacity of the area and the increased water demand.
The Jeddah mayoralty was not available to comment on the issue.