Preserving the Architectural Heritage within an Academic Framework

Abstract

The Arab region is one of the areas rich in architectural heritage associated with historical and religious events. It is replete with Roman, Byzantine and Islamic monuments that must be preserved as much as possible by rehabilitating those monuments and investing this heritage which reflects the experience of intellectual creativity of ancient human societies through different civilization ages. This research discusses the methods of conservation and restoration in one of the most important cities in that region, namely the village of Al-Zafeer and located in Saudi Arabia, which is one of the most important landmarks of the architectural heritage in the Kingdom. However, the village suffers from neglect and failed restoration efforts. The local municipality tried to save the village, but the efforts lacked a comprehensive strategy to revive it as a part of its cultural heritage and identity. The present research aims to develop a plan and strategy to preserve the old city in order to improve its visual image and rely on the involvement of restoration experts with local people and municipalities in a scientific academic framework as a means to provide cadres of students and professionals in the rehabilitation work and preservation. . To achieve this goal, the research adopted a clear methodology for the descriptive analytical approach along with field observations and preliminary surveys. The conclusion would clarify a strategy and a proposal to maintain the mechanism followed by advance planning which helps to Revitalize the village with all its components in line with the identity of the local community and meet the requirements of contemporary architecture.