The morphology of traditional architecture of Jeddah ... commentary... · The morphology of...

Kamal, M A GBER 2014 Volume 9 Issue 1 pp 4-26

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Commentary

The morphology of traditional architecture of Jeddah:

Climatic design and environmental sustainability.

Mohammad Arif Kamal *

Department of Architecture, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, India.

Abstract

Buildings contribute to environmental problems due to unrestrained

consumption of energy and other natural resources during the

construction, maintenance and operation of the buildings. Hence the

interest on reducing emission of greenhouse gases, caused by fossil fuels

to power the cooling and heating requirements of the buildings has

stimulated the interest towards climate conscious designs of buildings.

The traditional buildings of the past constitute outstanding evidence of

being climate responsive architecture. In this paper the author has tried

to evaluate various climate responsive passive design features that have

been employed in the traditional architecture of Jeddah in hot and humid

climate. Mashrabiyas as climatic modifier has been laid emphasis upon.

Further, a case of King Abdullah University of Science and Technology

(KAUST), a contemporary design paradigm which integrates innovative

strategies borrowed from traditional architecture of Saudi Arabia has

also been studied.

Keywords: Traditional Architecture, Jeddah, Climatic Design, Environmental Sustainability.

______________________________________________________________________________________

* M. Arif Kamal, Dept. of Architecture, Aligarh Muslim University, India. E-mail: [email protected]

mailto:[email protected]


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Introduction

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is experiencing a infrastructure expansion at a fast pace,

especially with respect to residential buildings due to a rapidly escalating population and a high

level of economic growth. Unfortunately however, when compared to other countries, the issue

of energy efficiency is not being taken into serious consideration with regard to Saudi building

designs. Due to easy and subsidized availability of electricity, the widespread use of

mechanically air-conditioned, concrete-block buildings have evolved.

The mechanical means of providing thermal comfort are unsuitable not only because of their

initial and recurring costs but also because of non-availability of artificial sources of energy on

a regular basis. Increasing consumption of energy has led to environmental pollution resulting

in global warming and ozone layer depletion. Interest on reducing emission of greenhouse

gases, caused by fossil fuels to power the cooling and heating requirements of the buildings has

stimulated the interest towards climate conscious designs of buildings. The traditional buildings

of the past display years of embodied experience built on the relationship between building and

climate, implying a logical analysis, the consideration of appropriate principles, and a rational

use of resources. The traditional houses of Saudi Arabia are climate responsive, evolved from

centuries of experience and observations of climate and nature. These traditional buildings,

therefore, can be studied as models of environmentally responsive and green architecture.

Jeddah: Geographical and Climatic context

Jeddah, on the eastern coast of the Red Sea, is the second largest city in Saudi Arabia. It is also

the country’s largest port. It is known as the Gateway to the two Holy Cities – the stopping

place for pilgrims on their way to and from the Holy cities of Mecca and Medina. Since the

earliest times it has been an important trading centre and was previously the diplomatic capital

of the region (Fig. 1). For centuries it has been the home to a huge confluence of people from

diverse countries of origin and offered hospitality (Tarabulsy, 2008). The western region of

Saudi Arabia is called as Hijaz. The word Hijaz literally means ‘the barrier’ which separates the

middle region (Najd) of the Arabian Peninsula from the western region (Hijaz) by a chain of


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mountains called Jabal Al-Sarawat which extends from the northern part of Saudi Arabia near

the Jordanian Borders to the south in Yemen. The west coast of Saudi Arabia along the Red Sea

is extremely humid throughout the year. The proximity of a large body of water and the humid

conditions influence a narrow belt of 12 to 15 kilometres along the coast.

Fig. 1: Map of Saudi Arabia showing the location of Jeddah (Source: www.mapsof.net/

map/jeddahsaudi-arabia)

Climate of Jeddah

Jeddah lies within the hot- humid climatic zone of Saudi Arabia. The large body of water along

the red sea shore breaks the desert climate precedence of the kingdom, with temperatures rising

about 38°C, the relative humidity escalates to more than 85% and frequently 100%.this

produces a heat haze during the day and warm fog at night. According to Koppen’s Climate

Classification (Koppen, 1936), the climate of Jeddah has been classified as below:

Air Temperature: The summer temperature are very hot with maximum temperature rising to

42°C during the summer months of May, June, July, and August and dropping to 30°C in the

evening. The winter temperature are relatively mild during the months of December and

January, which can range from 15°C at midnight to 25 °C in the afternoon.

Relative Humidity: The average relative humidity is very high throughout the year of 75 to 80

percent. Humidity reaches its highest levels in summer because of the high temperature of sea

water in near proximity.


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Rainfall: The rainfall is irregular of 120 mm during October and April. The most common type

of rainfall is that accompanied by thunderstorms, which usually fall during the winter season as

well as in the spring and fall.

Wind: The prevailing winds over Jeddah are North West winds due to the city's coastal location

on the shore of the Red Sea. The winds are usually light-to-moderate winds for much of the

year.

Traditional Built Form of Jeddah with Reference to Climate

The traditional architecture in the Hejaz region of Saudi Arabia evolved as a refined building

art and technology. Jeddah was an important trading port, and thus cross-culturalization

between the trading Middle-Eastern; Asian and European nations enriched the arts and

architecture of Hejaz. The Hajj pilgrims who came from various parts of the world brought

their skills and exchanged ideas with the local people. Also the building activities in Egypt

across the Red Sea influenced the construction skills of the people of Hejaz. For example,

Rowshans and Mashrabiyas (projected screened windows) which are prominent features of

Hejaz architecture came from Egypt through Jeddah (Fig. 2).

Fig. 2: The basic equation showing the influence of Egyptian style on the traditional

architecture of Jeddah (Source: Idea Center, Research Division, Paris)

The indigenous architecture of Jeddah evolved through the entire spectrum from individual

building to settlement pattern; respond most appropriately to the climate in terms of spatial

organization, construction techniques, material selection and use of passive design features.

Tall, airy and light handsome structures up to seven stories high that were built for the rich

merchants of Jeddah still stand in their magnificence after two to three hundred years. The

traditional houses in Jeddah have employed some ingenious natural and passive features and

techniques in order to maintain thermal comfort within the building, particularly during the hot-


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humid hour of the day. The various passive design features or techniques that have been

identified in the traditional residential buildings in old settlement of Jeddah are explained as

followings in term of settlement pattern and street layout, houseform and construction system

and material.

Settlement Pattern and Street Layout

The old settlement of Jeddah is called as ‘Al Balad’, meaning a town (Fig. 3). The five-storey

tower houses that are the characteristic feature of the old city were built during the Ottoman

period and represent the last major surviving example of Red Sea Architecture. The buildings

are constructed apart from each other, wherever possible, to allow free movement of air around

the building. The complex street pattern as it may appear has an important planned control over

the microclimate. Generally the streets are narrow and surrounded with tall buildings providing

good shade for long time on day time which is good for the hot humid climate. As streets vary

from 2-4 meters (secondary), or 4-10 meters (primary), or 12-20 meters (main) and the houses

extend 15-18 meters high, the effect of the street is mostly like a trench in which the maximum

shade is achieved.

Fig. 3: Settlement Pattern and Layout of Al Balad region of old Jeddah (Source

maps.google.com)


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The wide streets usually take a north-south direction at right angles to the path of the sun which

thus keeps them in the shade most of the day. The side narrow streets contain many bends, with

changes and projecting Mashrabiyas, which are also designed to achieve maximum shade (Fig.

4). The only spaces which are open enough to receive sunshine for greater lengths of time are

the points of the intersection. The open spaces at the intersections not only provide a focal point

and community space, but also serve the microclimatic function. In the middle of the day these

areas, receiving intense solar radiation, heat up to a greater extent than the shaded side streets.

The hot air of the open intersection is less dense than the cooler air of the street. A convection

system is automatically set up with cool denser air drawn down the side streets to replace the

hot light air which rises. The side streets are, therefore, ventilated by this convection system.

The wind through the main streets tends to create low pressure areas in the wide open induces

air movement in the air up the streets to the intersection. This combined with the convection

system created by temperature differences creates a definite satisfactory air movement and

ventilation system in the streets and the old settlement of Jeddah.

Fig. 4: Street pattern in Al Balad region of old Jeddah (Source: The author)


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House Form

The traditional houses of Jeddah were built with three main considerations i.e. privacy, the

segregation between men and women and response to the hot humid climate (Fig. 5). These

factors have a great influence on the design of the houses people live in. Depending upon the

socio- economic status of inhabitants there are three types in traditional residential buildings of

Jeddah. There are Simple Houses which are small and for small family. Then there are Large

House which are tall structures meant for rich people, generally merchants. These were

examples of outstanding Jeddah traditional domestic architecture. Their plan forms and their

stylistic character were subjected to wide variations from one type to another. Finally there are

Multiple Units which are like palace for the very rich people. It is like more than one house

combined together.

5a 5b 5c

Fig. 5: Ground Floor Plan(5a), Elevation(5b) and Section(5c) of a typical house in Jeddah

(Source: Talib, 1984)

The buildings are tall sometimes seven storey high are airy structures which allow cross-

ventilation. Generally the houses extend 15-18 meters high, but the houses which are affected

by the Ottoman architectural style, are of 3 to 4 story houses. The ground floor at street level is

reserved for men and reception of guests and upper floor are reserved for women or family.


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The staircase with four landings winds around a central pier of solid masonry walls which add

strength and stability to the structure. An internal plan of the house is such that which gives

each room cross-ventilation through access to external facades and which places sleeping and

family rooms on upper floors to take advantage of on-shore and off-shore breezes. The layout is

similar on upper floors with sitting/ living rooms looking out to the street through the wooden

lattice screens (Mashrabiyas) projecting out over the street. Large houses have several rooms

which may receive natural light and ventilation via a vertical shaft called ‘manwar’ (Isteeaque,

1990). The buildings have larger openings and horse-shoe arches which are highly decorated

as well as loggias opening to the sea (Fig. 6). The projected bay windows (Rowshans) are

enclosed with decorative wood screens have screened windows - which provide cross-

ventilation as well as privacy for family life. Sometimes entire streetscapes are composed of

dozens of Rowshans.

Fig. 6: Decorative doors and stucco plaster on the entrance (Source: The author)

Construction System and Building Material


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The building materials used on the west coast around Hejaz are superior in quality to those in

the Central, Northern and Eastern regions. One of the main reasons was Jeddah being a trading

port for centuries and trade allowed importation of building materials not available locally such

as Teak, Mahogany and Sisam wood. It was possible to build 5-6 storey buildings due to

superior stone and timber technology and the hiring of an engineer and artisan. The buildings

are basically frame structure with infill facades of wooden screens called ‘Rowshans’, while the

main structure is made of coral stones and wood framed floors and roof resulting in an airy and

light building.

Fig. 7: Ocean rock and coral stone load bearing construction (Source: The Author)

The buildings blocks of coral are taken from the reefs of Red Sea, cemented together with clay

from the bed of the Al-Manqabah lagoon (Fig. 7). The hard timber (Fig. 8), used for the beams

was transported from Africa and Indonesia (Pint, 2005), and the ornate balconies and windows


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with wood imported from India or Burma (Llewelly-Jones, 1995). The foundation is stone

foundation constructed of coral stones. The walls were generally 60-70 cm thick and reduced in

thickness on the upper floors as needed. Coral stone or gypsum was used as a bonding material

in stone construction and as a sealant. Gypsum is also used as plaster and for water proofing.

Teak, mahogany and sisam wood was used for doors and windows.

Fig. 8: Timber roofing system of a typical house (Source: The Author)


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Ventilation system: The Mashrabiyas

In hot humid climate of Jeddah, cross-ventilation is a necessity in buildings and for this reason

perforated facades of decorative wooden screens were created. The desire for privacy, however,

required that large openings be screened so that one can see from inside without being seen

from outside (Fig. 9). From these two requirements, climate and privacy emerged the design of

Rowshans, and other types of louvered or screened windows. Its name is originally derived

from the Arabic word called ‘sharbah’ which means ‘drink’ and referred to ‘a drinking place’.

This was a cantilevered space covered with a lattice opening, where water jars were placed to

be cooled by the evaporation effect as air moved through the opening (Fathy, 1986).

Fig. 9: ‘Mashrabiyas’ - projecting windows with wooden latticework for natural

ventilation and privacy (Source: The author)


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The Rowshans may be described as a projected bay-window with decorative wooden screens as

enclosures. The Rowshans were constructed entirely of cantilevered timber framework and

were often installed over the openings after prefabrication with the desired decorations and

finish. On most houses the seasoned wood of Rowshans is left exposed, while in some cases it

is painted. The mashrabiyas may be described as a complete assembly of Rowshans on a

facade, one above the other. On large houses of important and rich families, they may cover the

whole facade; even windows which do not project would be louvered or covered with

decorative creens (Fig. 10). Such openings are simply known as windows (Tagah or Nafezah in

Arabic). There are various other types of windows which open downward and may act as a

wind scoop. It also allows one to look down to the street without being visible. Sometimes such

a window is called a magic eye' (Talib, 1984).

Fig. 10: Facade being covered with Mashrabiyas (Source: The author).


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The Mashrabiya has five functions and its design may fulfill some or all of these functions.

These are; controlling the passage of light, controlling the air flow, reducing the temperature of

the air current, increasing the humidity of the air current and ensuring privacy. To control the

amount of light and air and to graduate the contrast between shade and light, the size of the

interstices and the diameter of the balusters are adjusted (Fathy, 1986). Thus Mashrabiya

became an important device which was used to cover openings as well as to achieve thermal

comfort and privacy in a house. It is an excellent solution to the climatic requirements,

allowing adequate ventilation by the cool sea breeze access the house, as well as providing

shade for the interior spaces by reducing the bright glare of the sun.

Environmental Sustainability and Energy Use in Buildings in Saudi Arabia

In Saudi Arabia, as a result of a rapid population growth and increased urbanisation, not only is

the residential sector booming, but it also constitutes more than half of the country’s energy

demand (Al-Shehri, 2008). Increased urban densities together with the rise of consumerism,

have not only led to an increase in environmental degradation locally, but they have also meant

that the region’s traditionally low energy use and consequently carbon emissions are set to rise

and to play a larger role in global climate change (Elgendy, 2013). Moreover, it is unfortunate

to note that electricity generation in Saudi Arabia is completely dependent on the unsustainable

practice of burning fossil fuels, which causes major environmental consequences that include

an impact on air, climate, water and land (Alnatheer, 2006). Given recent environmental and

energy concerns, there has been a considerable interest in recent years with regard to the

concept of sustainable architecture. Generally sustainability encompasses a blend of

environmental, economic and social responsibilities. According to UK's Building Services

Research and Information Association (BSRIA) definition of sustainable construction as 'the

creation and management of healthy buildings based upon resource efficient and ecological

principle' (Edwards and Hyett, 2001). In principle, sustainable buildings relate to the notion of

climate-responsive design, which places emphasis upon natural energy sources with the aim of

achieving building comfort through the interaction with the dynamic conditions of the building

environment (Hyde, 2000). For example, the placement of windows in a sustainable building is

of greatest importance, as it should provide natural light and ventilation. Such principles are


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obviously absent in current Saudi buildings, which are heavily dependent on air conditioning

that consumes massive amounts of electricity.

Therefore, the traditional architecture of Jeddah can be defined as sustainable. The criteria that

lead to the creation of such a sustainable traditional architecture are: 1) holistic consideration of

negative environmental impacts that arise in the construction of buildings and their

infrastructures; 2) design recommendations, which minimize the adverse environmental effects

in building; 3) use of materials with low maintenance and energy efficiency; 4) selection of

building materials that provide thermal comfort; 5) use of renewable and natural resources; 6)

reduction of energy consumption by maximizing passive thermal comfort; 7) concern for

integral quality: economic, social and environmental performance; 8) improvement of

environmental quality; and 9) provision for comfortable living spaces (Godfaurd, 2005)

King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST): A New

Design Paradigm

King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) campus is Saudi Arabia’s first

LEED Platinum rated certified project, the highest rating in the United States green building

rating system. The KAUST is a contemporary design paradigm which integrates innovative

strategies borrowed from traditional architecture in hot humid climate of Jeddah (Fig. 11).

KAUST, a world-class research university is situated at Thuwal, near Jeddah having an area of

6.5 million square foot. The master plan encompasses the four million square foot campus, a

commercial town center and the entire public realm.

Fig. 11: KAUST integrates innovative strategies borrowed from traditional architecture

of Saudi Arabia (Source: Elgendy, 2010).


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In the Saudi Arabian climate, KAUST applies a delicate balance between controlling solar heat

gain and allowing sufficient natural daylight into occupied spaces. The campus buildings utilize

overhangs, fixed exterior louvers, dynamic exterior louvers, atria, skylights, and mechanical

shading systems to ensure that this balance is achieved. KAUST integrates sustainable

measures into the design of the entire community. The design team integrated a series of

innovative strategies to create a low-energy, highly sustainable project in the context of an

extremely hot, humid climate. They employed five strategies that are borrowed from local

culture and traditions to solve environmental issues (Elgendy, 2010). These traditional

inspirations included:

a) Compact Planning of the Traditional Arab Cities of the Middle East

The campus is structured like traditional Arabic cities, which brings buildings closely together

helped minimize the areas of the buildings facades exposed to the sun and encouraged passive

ventilation between them. This shading and ventilation helped temper exterior microclimates

which together with reduced outdoor walking distances are both critical to fostering outdoor

activities and interactions (Fig. 12a).

Fig : 12a Minimizing sun exposure to the facades


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Fig.

12b: Shaded exterior spaces for outdoor activities and interactions (Source: Elgendy,

2010)

b) The Traditional Souk

As found in a Souk, or traditional Arabic marketplace, which was often shaded and passively

cooled and ventilated, the circulation thoroughfares within the campus are shaded and passively

cooled. They are also characterized by dramatic natural lighting via their roofs and social

spaces


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Fig 13a) The traditional Souk

Fig. 13b): Patio's perforated roof that filters light and allows the air to flow (Source:

Elgendy, 2010)

c) The Overhanging Arabic Bedouin Tent

The Arabic Bedouin tent (Fig 14a) inspired designers to create a monumental roof system that

spans across the campus’s building masses to block the sun from building’s facades and from

the pedestrian spine. This helps to facilitate natural ventilation and to filter light. Solar panels

covering the surface capture the sun's energy.


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Fig 14a) The Arabic Bedouin Tent

Fig. 14b: Bird's eye view of the campus showing the compact finger-like building forms

(Source: Elgendy, 2010)

d) Traditional Passive Ventilation Strategies of the Traditional Arabic Houses.

Passive ventilation strategies of the traditional Arabic house (Fig 15a) inspired the design of

iconic, solar-powered wind towers that harness energy from the sun and wind to passively

create air flow in pedestrian walkways. The wind towers used are the solar wind tower, also

known as the solar chimneys (Fig. 15b).


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Fig 15a) Ventilation Strategies on an Arabic House


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Fig. 15b: Solar Chimneys passively create air flow in pedestrian walkways (Source:

Elgendy, 2010)

e) The Traditional Mashrabiya

Similar to Arabic screening called the Mashrabiya (Fig 16a), or wooden latticework

screen, inspired the design of the campus’s shading devices with an integral shading system

that reduces heat load. Like the Mashrabiya, the design of the shades was both to filter the sun

as well as create beautiful light and shade patterns (Fig. 16b).


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Fig 16a)

Fig. 16b): Mashrabiya like shading devices for south western elevation (Source: Elgendy,

2010)


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Conclusion

Traditional buildings are a vital link to the past, an expression of their historical origins and of

interest to those who seek to keep in contact with the traditional roots of their society. The

traditional dwellings of old Jeddah demonstrate an economical use of local building resources,

and respond to climatic conditions using low-energy design principles that provide human

comfort. The study of these dwellings, on the one hand helps to better understand their

development, and on the other, provides examples of a sustainable building tradition, from

which many lessons can be learned. Associating bioclimatic design with traditional architecture

may indicate design recommendations, which can be replicated not only as a gesture of respect

towards tradition but also for its essential value of providing the region with buildings which by

being climatically responsive are also energy efficient, as in the case of King Abdullah

University of Science and Technology. Incorporation of these sustainable building principles

would certainly reduce our dependency on artificial means for thermal comfort and minimize

the environmental problems due to excessive consumption of energy and other natural

resources. Thus a built form can be evolved, which will be more climate responsive, more

sustainable and more environmental friendly buildings of tomorrow.

References

Al Natheer, O. (2006) Environmental Benefits of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy in

Saudi Arabia’s Electric Sector, Energy Policy, 34(1) 2-10.

Al Shehri, A. (2008) Electricity Industry in Saudi Arabia: An Overview, Proceedings of Saudi

Water and Power Forum, Jeddah.

Edwards, B. and Hyett, P. (2001) Rough Guide to sustainability. RIBA Publications. London.

Elgendy K. (2010) A Sustainable Campus in Saudi Arabia, http://carboun.com/KAUST- A

Sustainable Campus in Saudi Arabia, accessed on 20th

May 2014.

Elgendy K. (2013) Sustainable Development and the Built Environment in the Middle East:

Challenges and Opportunities, http://www.carboun.com/category/sustainable-design, accessed

on 30th

November 2013.


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Fathy, H. (1986) Natural Energy and Vernacular Architecture: Principles and Examples with

Reference to Hot Arid Climates. Chicago, pp. 46-47, 57-59, 62-67.

Godfaurd J, Croome D, Jeronimidis G. (2005) Sustainable Building Solutions: A Review of

Lessons from the Natural World, Building and Environment, 40(3) 319–28.

Hyde, R. (2000) Climate Responsive Design: A Study of Buildings in Moderate and Hot Humid

Climates, E. & F. N. Spon, London.

Isteeaque E., (1990) Paradigms and style: Saudi Native Architecture, The Arbian Journal of

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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/K%C3%B6ppen_climate_classification, accessed on 20th

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2013.

Pint, J. (2005) Discovering Old Jeddah. http://www.saudicaves.com/saudi/oldjeddah.html.

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