#359j – Modern Vernacular in Saudi Arabia

About this episode

This episode explores the evolution of modern architecture in Saudi Arabia, focusing on the incorporation of vernacular styles and the implications of rapid urbanization.

In the 1970s, Saudi Arabia, buoyed by a surge in oil prices, embarked on an ambitious building programme. The country moved rapidly to develop its cities and infrastructure. However, Prince Salman, then the governor of Riyadh, now the country’s King, saw that this was resulting in cities that were unmoored from their local context. This episode traces the evolution of modern architecture in Saudi Arabia, from the economic boom of the 1970s and the development of a distinctive Salmani-style. We look at the national program of incorporating the vernacular in individual buildings, before moving on to the current Vision 2030, describing its approach to wider urban development, passive temperature control, and sustainability.  Lastly, we examine lessons for other nations engaged in a phase of rapid growth and urbanisation, and what they can learn from this history. Guest Lana Al-Dwehji, Lead Architect, Omrania Partner Egis is a leading global architectural, consulting, construction engineering, operations and mobility services firm. Egis creates and operates intelligent infrastructure and buildings that both respond to the climate emergency and contribute to balanced, sustainable…

People in this episode

Guest: Lana Al-Dwehji

Topics covered

• modern architecture
• urban development
• sustainability
• Saudi Arabia
• economic boom
• vernacular architecture

Keywords

• Saudi Arabia
• modern architecture
• urbanization
• sustainability
• Vision 2030
• vernacular architecture
• economic boom

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Omrania Partner Egis

Books & works: Vision 2030

Places: Saudi Arabia

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