How Age-Old
Wisdom Is Making
a Come-Back in
Modern
Architecture
Much of the modern architecture we
experience, including our homes, has
been guided by universal standards
that prioritise speed of construction
and cost ahead of human-centric
elements. This type of architecture is
a new phenomenon. Only in the late
19th century did advances in
materials and machinery allow for
the quickly and cheaply built "new"
structures that we are so familiar
with. Technology combined with
aspiration intensified the rate at
which structures were designed and
erected, and now, 36 percent of the
world's energy is devoted to
buildings and construction.
The 20th-century trend of avoiding
the "old" in favour of architectural
modernism has taken us a long way
from our ancestors' approach to
construction. Some experts even cite
a multi-generational gap in the
transfer of architectural knowledge.
But today's evolving lifestyles, global
environmental and social concerns,
and the knowledge that buildings
emit 33 percent of the world's
energy-related greenhouse gases
compel us to explore the wisdom of
ancient architecture and how it can
be applied to modern living.
Consequently, modern architecture's
form-follows-function approach to
building is increasingly influenced by
the design language of ancestral
builders. Spaces once designed to
suit a specific purpose are being
reimagined with 21st-century
sensibilities that draw on the
human-centric principles of ancient
building practices. Homogeneous
and unimaginative designs built
strictly for efficiency are being
enhanced with unique facets,
creating structures and spaces that
reflect the culture of their
communities and inspire those who
interact with them.
36 percent of the world's energy is
devoted to buildings and construction.
In this article, we explore modern
architecture and discover ancient
practices that could have significant
positive impacts on urban
development, individuals, and the
environment, both now and in the
future.
The Shortcomings of
Modern Architecture
A growing number of drawbacks
have steadily offset the benefits of
modern architecture. Chief among
them is the absence of nature. When
natural elements are incorporated
into architecture, they provide
fundamental design advantages as
well as a sense of well-being to the
individuals who experience them.
According to a Cornell University
study, structures that are inspired by
or incorporate nature have a positive
psychological effect on
communities, even improving
cognitive functioning .
In most cases, modern architecture
abandons uniqueness and beauty in
favour of identically constructed
buildings that are devoid of
landscaping features, impacting the
look and feel of neighborhoods. Tall
buildings and the use of barriers for
privacy can completely cut off
communal spaces, isolate
communities, and negatively affect
liveability.
Western building techniques have
had a major influence on modern
architecture. Still, they are often a
poor match for the climate and
distinctive cultures in other areas of
the world, such as Saudi Arabia. A
by-product of this can be seen and
felt in designs that rely heavily on
climate control equipment that is
costly to repair and maintain, is bad
for the environment, and can be
unpleasant or even unhealthy for
inhabitants.
If you have the chance to change any of the
shortcomings of modern architecture, what
would it be?
Innovations from Ancestral Architecture
Many of our ancestor's building techniques and architectural elements can be adapted for use in
modern architecture, offering advantages ranging from cost and energy savings to sustainability,
aesthetics, and cultural connectivity.
What ancestral building technique/architectural
element is your favorite?
Interview with Eng. Yazeed AlMutawa
Building On Traditional Wisdom To
Innovate Future Communities
Despite its long-held cost-saving uniformity and form-follows-function design principles, modern architecture continues to
evolve with the needs and technological advances of the 21st century.
Virtual reality, artificial intelligence, drones, digitized building information modelling (BIM) and mobile applications have
transformed present-day design and construction methods. Environmental and sustainability considerations have catalysed
green technologies, delivering buildings that use or blend clean energy sources while better managing and reducing their
ecological footprints. Open, multi-purpose space makes homes more practical for families, while modern materials and
designs let light in but keep heat and sound out.
There is, however, still a lot to learn from ancestral construction practices. From new communities to breath-taking,
world-renowned structures in Saudi Arabia and the GCC, modern architects are increasingly taking inspiration from the past
to innovate the future.
Environment Water and Agriculture (MEWA) Complex
In Riyadh, the concept design for the new Environment Water and Agriculture (MEWA) complex blends modern technology with traditional Saudi building techniques to create a highly functional yet tranquil multi-use public centre. The 1.2 million-square-foot complex will use a solar system to generate 75 per cent of the energy consumed throughout its seven buildings while also leveraging ancient design features to create comfortable spaces, such as shaded outdoor rooms and elevated gardens. Trees, ornamental planting and cross-ventilation systems will help maintain the complex's climate year-round.
Salmani
Advocated by King Salman, the “Salmani” style of architecture blends the past and present with an eye to the future in its design. Used frequently in Riyadh and prominently featured in the Diplomatic Quarter, Salmani architecture showcases Saudi Arabia’s rich culture through aesthetic building elements enhanced by modern green technology and natural settings.
The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture
The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra), located in Dhahra, Saudi Arabia, integrates traditional rammed earth construction methods with advanced building techniques to create a large space that is soundproof, fireproof and well-insulated.
KAUST
The King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) is Saudi Arabia's first Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified project, using innovative strategies to produce a highly sustainable complex that requires little energy in an extremely hot and humid climate. The campus has
been designed in the tradition of Arabic cities, minimising exterior sun exposure by compressing the form and stature of its buildings. Shaded and passively cooled areas have been incorporated, drawing on the arrangement of Arabic markets. A Bedouin tent feature spans the roof system, blocking the sun, filtering light and facilitating natural ventilation. At the same time, solar panels produce energy for the complex. It also integrates wind-catching towers and window screening similar to a mashrabiya to reduce heat and enhance the school's aesthetics, drawing on the region's rich cultural and architectural roots. In addition, the project reuses 100 per cent of its wastewater.
King Fahad National Library
Applying both state-of-the-art and traditional elements to improve a modern building, the King Fahad National Library exemplifies the benefits of reimaging architecture with an eye to the past. The structure, built in the 1980s, was recently upgraded with a façade comprised of rhomboid textile awnings for both light and shade, helping to regulate the library's internal climate. White membranes supported by a tensile-stressed steel cable structure are meant to resemble a traditional Arabian tent structure with a contemporary spin.
Wadi Hanifa
Located in the Najd region, the recent Wadi Hanifa building code has been created to improve urban liveability while preserving the area’s natural environment and historical identity. Drawing on traditional, human-centric concepts in community design, an inner courtyard system is a key architectural element of the code, offering residents privacy and internal spaces that adapt to the local climate.
Urban Heritage Administration Centre
The award-winning Urban Heritage Administration Centre in Diriyah fuses nature, the topography of the Wadi Hanifah valley, and the region's rich culture to create an indoor oasis. The modern structure harnesses both the allure and cooling effects of naturally flowing water from the Najd central plateau while also incorporating traditional elements such as rammed-earth construction and a double-walled exterior that takes its inspiration from a jaali, allowing light to enter and providing expansive views of the surroundings.
Louvre Abu Dhabi
In the UAE, the Louvre Abu Dhabi combines state-of-the-art engineering with classic Middle Eastern dome features. Modelled on a traditional Arab medina, the museum of art and civilisation also employs the cooling effect of Arabian Gulf latticework, but with ultra-high-performance layers of steel in place of wood.
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