Cultural Heritage Event Series: The Traditional Architecture of the Red Sea Region

Sunday, April 21, 2019
5:15 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Building 9, lecture hall 1

By Hisham Mortada, professor of architecture at King Abdulaziz University

The distinction of the western side of Saudi Arabia, the Red Sea to be exact, is not limited to historical events that took place in its cities, towns and villages. The traditional built environment of the Red Sea coast reflects the ingenuity of the early society of this region in dealing with harsh environmental conditions such as high temperature, humidity and absence of natural resources of construction materials.

The lecture explores the characteristics of traditional architecture of the Red Sea region. It reveals the similarities and differences between the various styles of architecture along the coast. The factors, such as history, environment, and culture that have shaped the traditional architecture of the region are also discussed. Spatial distribution, façade treatment, decoration elements as well as construction materials and techniques are analyzed in depth with examples of major buildings. The cities that are covered in the lecture are: Duba, al-Wajh, Umluj, Yanbu, and Jeddah.

Refreshments will be served at 5:00 p.m.

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About the speaker:
Hisham Mortada is a professor of architecture at King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah. He is also an adjunct professor at Freie Universitate, Berlin, Germany. He holds a Ph.D. in architecture from the University of Edinburgh, UK and a Master’s in architecture from Pennsylvania State University, U.S. He has widely published in the areas of traditional architecture and urbanism, and lectured in more than 30 countries. Prof. Mortada has also led several research and professional projects in the Middle East, Africa, Europe and Americas.