Guidelines for Landscape Approaches to Historic Places in Al-Kut Al-Hassa

Abstract

The rapid and expansive growth of today's cities have been a result of the new prosperity and ever-greater demands of a growing Saudi population. Caught in the sweeping tide of new demands for better human shelters and places of work, the traditional towns in particular, have experienced an alarming loss of many cultural historic buildings and traditional open spaces. The contemporary buildings and so-called improvements' that have replaced these historic features have not been contributive to the sense of historic image and urban landscape quality of the traditional areas. The study focuses on one traditional area that best exemplifies the problems described above. This terminal project attempts to address needs of Saudi people living in Al-Kut area in Al-Hassa for quality living in traditional outdoor environment. The study identifies problems related to historic image in Al-Kut, and provides findings and recommendations resulting from analysis of components of the visual historic urban landscape in Al-Kut, underlining respect for significant traditional buildings and structures. In cases where historic sites and buildings have been lost, the study suggests alternative landscape approaches towards reviving its historic "sense of place" in the region. It is hoped that the study will cultivate an awareness, appropriate respect, and sensitive intervention on behalf of historical places in the kingdom which are the legacy and heritage of our forefathers. In appreciating the work and culture of the past, future generations of Saudis may come to greater appreciation of their historic roots and origins.