Architecture and Design Commission announces recipients of inaugural research grants
Saudi Arabia's Architecture and Design Commission has named the winners of its first research grants, supporting five specialized projects in the field.
Key Takeaways
AIThe Architecture and Design Commission has announced the recipients of its inaugural Architecture and Design Grants, supporting five research projects as part of its efforts to promote research and innovation in the fields of architecture and design.
The grants aim to support research at all stages, from development to publication, and to transform outcomes into publications, exhibitions, and other formats for knowledge sharing. This integrated framework is designed to ensure the continuity and depth of research efforts and to expand their lasting impact.
The winning projects include: “The Story of Modern Architecture in Jeddah: A Journey Through the Architectural Archive” by Dr. George Arbid and Reda Sijini, which focuses on documenting the history of modern architecture in Jeddah by collecting and studying archival materials. Another project, “Harara: Vernacular Modernity in the Post-Oil Gulf” by Abdulrahman Qazzaz and Turki Qazzaz, explores the emergence of a new architectural language in the region after the discovery of oil and examines the impact of industrial materials and energy systems on the built environment.
Other selected projects are “Pioneers of Saudi Architecture” by Dr. Mohammed Al-Khabbaz, which explores and documents the legacy of Saudi Arabia’s architectural pioneers; “Sayed Karim: His Projects in Saudi Arabia” by Dr. Zahir Othman and Dr. James Steele, which documents Sayed Karim’s work in Saudi cities; and “Modern Saudi Architecture: A Practice-Based Creative Archive” by Dhai Al-Dhuwaiyan, which aims to establish a creative archive documenting a pivotal period in Saudi architectural history.
The Architecture and Design Grants are a key pillar of the commission’s research and development strategy. They contribute to building a collaborative research ecosystem aligned with national priorities and the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, while strengthening context-driven research and enhancing the Kingdom’s presence in the global research and innovation landscape.