Understanding the role of architectural identity in forming contemporary architecture in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

The tendency to identify and achieve identity in architecture is a significant trend in contemporary architecture. The trend of contemporary architectural projects occurred during the 1980s by the architects in Saudi Arabia. During that period, the Saudi institutes drove the transition from traditional to contemporary architecture to express their conservative view and the importance of the local cultural identities in architecture. This study aims to examine this experiment led by the Saudi government to understand how the architects could express their concept of regional identity in their work was expressed. The research examines five components shaping the architectural identity in two aspects. First is the concept of identity in the architects' work and how it was expressed. The second is how the public sees and understands the design product of the architects. According to the theoretical research framework, contemporary architectural works can be understood through five main areas: design concept, shape and form, construction technology, the materials used, and relationship with the surrounding. The case study approach was chosen as a viable tool for gathering the qualitative and quantitative data necessary for this study. Furthermore, the researcher chooses stadiums as a type of building because they challenge the designer to deliver cultural identities in architectural works. Therefore, King Fahd International Stadium (KFIS) in Riyadh and King Abdullah Sports City Stadium (KASCS) in Jeddah were chosen as case studies for this research. These two projects are similar and separated by more than two decades and will be analyzed according to the main parameters. In addition, the degree of correlation between the two groups’ opinions (the designer’s opinion and the experts’ perception of the design) will be elaborated. KFIS is found to be better in architectural identity based on these five different aspects. Various architects are successful in creating structures while integrating modern and local architecture. The traditional materials make it easy to adapt to the region's climatic conditions. In addition, the study recommends that emphasizing harmony with context and environment will increase their success in achieving identity-oriented and context-oriented work.

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