THE CONSERVATION OF THE AT-TURAIF DISTRICT: EVALUATION AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FUTURE INTERVENTIONS

Abstract

In the architectural design and build heritage conservation literature, approaches to interventions with respect to the types of historical materials is a vitally important objective. The purpose of this study is to seek to assess previous conservation interventions in At-Turaif District in Ad-Diriyah for the development of future regulations and interventions. Reports from the Ad-Diriyah Gate Development Authority (DGDA) were provided for qualitative analysis. The present study focuses on area (A) which has been completed to assist in the betterment of areas (B) and (C) which are still pending in a mega national project aimed to boost both national identity and international tourism. Upon analysis, findings concluded that a certain gap between theory and practice in this project seem present. Occasionally, the replacement of authentic materials, the concerning lack of documentation, and the absence of specialized labour were three among several noteworthy points. Provided recommendations add value to theory and practice and the body of literature in two ways. First, the findings highlight the strengthens and weaknesses of a live mega project that can have theoretical and practical implications for projects in the future using the same historical materials. Second, this study adds to the literature a cultural and environmental comparison concerning the geographical area and the materials used considering that materials as mud and clay are highly sensitive to environmental factors and easily decay.