The impact of generative principles on the traditional Islamic built environment: The context of the Saudi Arabian built environment

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to explore and examine Saudi Arabian traditional architecture through the lens of broader Islamic principles, which through history have encouraged the establishment of several types of cities and towns, where each type is known by its functionality and by the way inhabitants planned each settlement. Local Saudi architecture exists in a range of styles, and it is well-known in various Saudi regions. Although there are differences in style, the study contends and discusses that similar generative principles influenced the built space of most Saudi regions. This study made use of the ethnographic approach and comparative case studies method to explore, elaborate, and synthesize the generative principles to analyze the architectural similarities across Saudi regions, even though the architecture appears, at first glance, different. The article suggests that contemporary architects should implement some of these ideas in modernization efforts to balance originality while also informing and enhancing local identity.