The Lost Identity of Jeddah

Abstract

This study aims to explore and discuss the architecture of Saudi Arabia. Taking Jeddah as a case study, by defining the advantages and characteristics of the local architecture and the texture of the old city, it pays full attention to the physical transformations that have been adopted. It occupies a place in the urban planning and architectural form of Jeddah. However, the main objective of this study is to discuss the effect of modernization and westernization on the physical appearance of the city, comparing it with the local old urban fabric and buildings, and finally criticizing the impact of the modern movement in Jeddah in terms of the environmental, cultural and Islamic aspects. All in all, this study considered the most traditional of Jeddah as the main case study and outlined the effect of modernism and westernization in Jeddah, as well as criticized the modern architecture and urban planning in Jeddah.

Examining Mashrabiya’s Impact on Energy Efficiency and Cultural Aspects in Saudi Arabia

“…This shift has replaced the onceprevalent traditional and indigenous architecture with Western-style buildings, which is observable in various architectural elements such as Mashrabiya [7], a proud symbol of Saudi Arabia (Figure 3), a nation with a wealth of cultural and historical legacies, has undergone significant transformation in recent years. The impact of Western culture on the architecture of Saudi Arabia has resulted in a transition towards modern styles influenced by personal preferences and media exposure [5,6]. This shift has replaced the onceprevalent traditional and indigenous architecture with Western-style buildings, which is observable in various architectural elements such as Mashrabiya [7], a proud symbol of Saudi Arabia (Figure 3), a nation with a wealth of cultural and historical legacies, has undergone significant transformation in recent years.…”

“…This shift has replaced the onceprevalent traditional and indigenous architecture with Western-style buildings, which is observable in various architectural elements such as Mashrabiya [7], a proud symbol of Saudi Arabia (Figure 3), a nation with a wealth of cultural and historical legacies, has undergone significant transformation in recent years. The impact of Western culture on the architecture of Saudi Arabia has resulted in a transition towards modern styles influenced by personal preferences and media exposure [5,6]. This shift has replaced the once-prevalent traditional and indigenous architecture with Western-style buildings, which is observable in various architectural elements such as Mashrabiya [7], a proud symbol of the country's Islamic architecture, which has now been replaced by contemporary elements.…”