The reasons for the exposure of modern architecture in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to criticism,
Modern architecture in Saudi Arabia is subject to a lot of criticism, in architectural books and specialized magazines, or even in local newspapers.
This is due to the description of modern architecture as imported architecture,
moving away from the “Islamic architecture” architectural identity.
It is also described as incompatible with the Kingdom’s hot desert environment,
as it led to the disappearance of traditional architectural styles and the loss of architectural identity in the Kingdom.
However, some opinions say that modern architecture is one of the phenomena of the transition from a rural, agricultural, to a civil, industrial society.
But the use of the term “Islamic architecture” to express contemporary architecture is wrong,
since negative phenomena that appear in modern architecture, such as excessive decoration or abstraction,
are only design decisions made by some designers according to their personal preferences.
They are not inseparable features of modern architecture,
so some critics of modern architecture are calling for action to prevent this from happening.
The development of municipal laws to compel designers to use traditional ornaments,
to preserve the Islamic architectural style, with modern architecture.
Some designers have used solutions to incorporate elements of traditional architecture into modern designs,
such as cladding the building from the outside with clay, using traditional ornaments, and limiting the use of clay colors.
It is considered better not to force designers to use traditional ornaments, as this limits architectural creativity.
The reasons for the exposure of modern architecture in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to criticism
It also leads to the transformation of the architectural environment in the Kingdom into a boring and monotonous environment,
as the development is not limited to the form of buildings and the techniques that were relied upon during construction.
But it shows us the change taking place, in order to keep pace with modern beliefs and technologies that change in each period of time.
This is in addition to the continued growth and change in architecture, which does not necessarily mean the removal of the old style.
There are many ancient building styles and styles all over the world, such as buildings, mosques, museums and art galleries.
Modern architecture in Saudi Arabia is also criticized, because it is imported and does not belong to Islamic architecture.
It is also accused of being inappropriate with the dry desert environments, and is working to obliterate the architectural identity within the Kingdom.
But this type, which includes a group of styles and schools that are similar in their characteristics,
and the main thing for gathering is to simplify the forms, and to reject the decoration, is incompatible with Islamic architecture.
On the other hand, it is one of the ways to communicate with the outside world.
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