In Search of Identity: Adaptive Reuse of Jeddah’s Ruins

Abstract

Many architects and planners in the Middle East have debated identity in the built environment. Different approaches were taken to revive what is seen as a “lost” identity. They often attempt to investigate forms of the traditional by abstracting them into contemporary settings neglecting the idea behind the form. This thesis argues that the true identity is found in the thought that resulted in the form rather than the form itself. This thesis will look into the city of Jeddah as a case study. Jeddah is located on the Red Sea coast, it is the main Islamic port of the two holy cities of Makkah and Al-Madinah. Oil discovery in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia resulted in an economic shift that in turn led major moves in the social and physical built environment. This sudden development resulted in a neglect of designs that responded to the culture of the region. Along with the introduction of modernization the region has struggled to define itself. This tension between modernity and tradition is evident in its built environment image. In the case of Jeddah, this social and physical shift not only affected the city image but also led to the destruction of its historical core. Jeddah’s historical city (AL Balad) is falling into ruins rapidly. With the discovery of oil, many locals abandoned their old houses looking for a contemporary lifestyle. This sudden abandonment to Al Balad led many historical building to fall into ruins. This thesis argues the potential of those ruins as a place to reveal the tension between modernity and tradition. The project aims to expose the rupture in Jeddah’s narrative by making use of the buildings of the past to serve the needs of the future.