HYBRID ARCHITECTURE WITHIN NAJD REGION, SAUDI ARABIA
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Date
2023-11-29
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Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Abstract
ACADEMIC ABSTRACT
The thesis investigates the concept of hybrid architecture as a juxtaposition of
multiple architectural factors, including environmental, cultural, structural, and
functional ones. The work examines the Najd region of Saudi Arabia and its
historical and contemporary contexts concerning functional utility, cultural
frameworks, tectonic architectural elements, and site-based environmental
forces. The thesis proposes that architectural hybridity can enhance the human
experience.
The design project, a building combining a water purification facility with a cafe,
exhibition hall, and other community functions, integrate traditional and
contemporary cultural aesthetics by purposefully juxtaposing and relating:
unlikely functions, temporally varied cultural forms, structural and ornamental
tectonic elements, and contrasting environmental qualities.
GENERAL AUDIENCE ABSTRACT The thesis explores the idea of hybrid architecture, combining various factors such as environment, culture, structure, and function. Focused on the Najd region in Saudi Arabia, it analyzes historical and modern aspects related to functionality, cultural context, architectural elements, and environmental influences. The main argument suggests that blending different architectural elements can enrich the human experience. In the design project, a facility merging water purification with a cafe, exhibition hall, and community spaces, traditional and contemporary cultural aesthetics are harmonized by purposefully juxtaposing and connecting: unexpected functions, culturally diverse forms across time, structural and decorative elements, and diverse environmental characteristics.
GENERAL AUDIENCE ABSTRACT The thesis explores the idea of hybrid architecture, combining various factors such as environment, culture, structure, and function. Focused on the Najd region in Saudi Arabia, it analyzes historical and modern aspects related to functionality, cultural context, architectural elements, and environmental influences. The main argument suggests that blending different architectural elements can enrich the human experience. In the design project, a facility merging water purification with a cafe, exhibition hall, and community spaces, traditional and contemporary cultural aesthetics are harmonized by purposefully juxtaposing and connecting: unexpected functions, culturally diverse forms across time, structural and decorative elements, and diverse environmental characteristics.
Description
The design intends to discover a new perspective on hybridity in
architecture. The design project responds to this goal by emphasizing
primarily the connection between four main factors:
Environment, culture, structure, and function.
The building combines multiple entertainment, public uses, and
industrial facilities that rely on a local water source a lake. The project
serves the interest of Riyadh city residents and is also a tourist destination.
Inside a single structure and plaza, visitors are offered a variety of different living activities, including drinking purified water following the
treatment process housed in the building. Furthermore, the building
combines hybrid materials, hybrid functions, hybrid use of space, and
hybrid styles. where all these elements complement each other to produce
a unified built which also environment that relies on culturally rooted
principles in support of hybridity.
Keywords
Hybrid, Saudi Arabia, Najdi Architecture, Environment, Culture, Structure, Function