Traditional Building Techniques

About this course

Building techniques in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia vary from one region to another, resulting from diverse climates, the nature of available local materials, and the technical evolution of each region's inhabitants. This rich diversity has made traditional architecture in the Kingdom a mirror reflecting the interaction between humans and their environment across ages, where homes, mosques, and forts formed an authentic part of the community's cultural and architectural identity.

This program aims to provide participants with a glimpse into the history of traditional construction and the evolution of architecture in the Kingdom, introducing them to the distinct urban and architectural patterns of various regions. It also covers natural materials and traditional building methods, focusing on highlighting their value in heritage preservation and their integration into contemporary architectural visions.

Outcomes

By the end of the course participants will be able to:

• Understand the environmental and geographical factors that influenced the diversity of traditional building techniques across the Kingdom’s regions.
• Identify the distinct urban and architectural patterns characteristic of each region in Saudi Arabia.
• Distinguish between traditional local materials and their methods of use in construction.
• Analyze models of traditional architecture and link them to cultural and historical identity.
• Apply specific traditional techniques to produce a practical project that reflects an understanding of heritage architecture.

Entry requirements

• This course is open to all community members aged 18 years and above, who have a high school diploma or higher accreditation.