Cultural identity of places through a sustainable design approach of cultural buildings. The case of Riyadh.

Abstract

Architecture in Saudi Arabia has undergone significant changes in recent decades due to rapid planning and massive expansion, especially in the major cities of Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam. In the strategic framework of the Saudi Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia will become one of the major destinations for international visitors, thanks to its cultural heritage. It is, therefore, necessary to ensure a design of contemporary buildings that reinforce the identity of the place by reflecting the local culture through a sustainable approach by responding to the site and the climate, strengthening the quality of the indoor environment for the health and well-being of people. This paper seeks to identify relevant criteria for architectural design in which sustainability and cultural identity are strongly related. These criteria arise from a critical reflection on various factors fundamental in public buildings design, such as the historical knowledge of the place, recognition of significant pre-existing buildings, climatic aspects, and the health and comfort of building occupants. Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, one of the fastest-growing cities in the Middle East, is selected as a case study. This study takes the project of a cultural centre in Riyadh city as an experimental verification of these theoretical assumptions. The aim is to strengthen the cultural identity of the place through social and cultural spaces that reflect Saudi culture while at the same time preserving the environment and natural resources. A well-managed and actual design of cultural buildings in the selected case study in Riyadh is essential to promote culture and heritage to reinforce the sense of regional and national identity towards a sustainable design approach. In this investigation, the paper attempts to define guidelines through a cultural and sustainable strategy that can be generalized to other Gulf countries.