Durability, Sustainability and Restorability of the Saudi Desert Village of Historic Al-Ghat

Abstract

Al-Ghat is a small desert settlement in central Saudi Arabia. Its traditional urban and architectural characteristics reveal the ability of earlier societies to combat harsh desert conditions and create pleasant indoor and outdoor environments. This paper analytically discusses these characteristics. The analysis covers the urban form, open spaces and land uses. Architecturally, components of a typical traditional dwelling of al-Ghat are explained in terms of spatial usage, construction materials and techniques, and decoration. The explanation is also interrelated with local environmental and socio-cultural traits of al-Ghat. Though old al-Ghat has been abandoned by its inhabitants, the paper ends exploring the current public efforts of restoration.