Community Harem

Abstract

Issue: The shift in occupancy of space, from gendered segregated to free mixing settings in public spaces ignores the cultural and religious needs of the traditional Saudi woman, depriving her of a safe space where she feels the freedom of self-expression. A secondary shift for contemporary Saudi women is the limited opportunities to gather and connect as a private community. Typically, a Saudi household contained two Majlis areas, one for men and one for women accompanied by a dining lounge next to each Majlis. The current absence of gathering space for women can be seen in middle-class homes in major cities, Many middle-class families settle in houses with less area, compromising the size and quantity of the Majlis. (1) The average Middle-class home still contains a designated area for men, and public spaces are enjoyed by both genders. Another problem is the absence of a space for women to uncover, which has led to high rates of Vitamin D deficiency in Saudi women, which reached 60.2%. (2)

Program: The proposal is a women-only community center targeting middle-class Saudi women from different age groups. What they have in common is Islamic values, being traditional and modest, while enjoying modernity and a contemporary lifestyle. It is located in the heart of old Riyadh, surrounded by significant historical sights and commercial streets. The site is a Najdy abandoned house near a public garden and a mosque. The possibility for grafting new spaces into a historic shell, sheltered interior, and exposed exterior space, and its colocation with a mosque. Najdy Architecture is a simple style developed in the center of the Arabian peninsula, known for adobe as a primary building material, introverted buildings, and inner courtyards. (3) Symbolism can be found in woven textiles such as ‘Sadu’ which is made with Camel fur and used for tents.

Strategies: This thesis aims to change the narrative on Saudi women’s culture, nurture and celebrate Saudi women’s current success as well as their rich heritage through design strategies of symbolism, materiality, craft, color, joining new interiors into a historic fabric, and layering of the threshold. New and old symbolism will be integrated into the design in multiple ways such as the merging, openings, transitions, structure, and texture of solid and soft surfaces. Adobe and local raw materials are going to be primarily used with glass and steel. Colors are derived from the environment mixed with bright and modern touches.

Source: The rise in land plot prices in the city of Riyadh during the last 20 years. Nov 24, 2020. Mutoon Tech Article Vitamin D Deficiency and Associated Risk Factors in Women from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. By Nora A. AlFaris, 1 Nora M. AlKehayez,1 Fatema I. AlMushawah,2 AbdulRhman N. AlNaeem,2 Nadia D. AlAmri,3 and Ebtisam S. AlMudawah3 Traditional Architecture in Najd, Saudi Arabia. By Geoffrey King