JEDDAH is different. Comprising both historical old and thriving new architecture, Jeddah's high-priced urban cluster fascinates visitors and residents alike with constructions that show the aesthetic, unusual and monochromatic approach of its society. “Unique and inspirational structural designs may be at times more worthy than normal ones, depending particularly on the material used and the type of engineering required,” said Architect Mazin Hashfi, the director of Reemazen Contractors. “Old Jeddah offers historical buildings that are masterpieces of architectural design. On the other hand, buildings erected in the last few decades have varied quite widely in their quality and structure.” Seconding Hashfi, Muhammad Ahmed Bin Mahfouz, Vice Chairman of ANDA for Investment and Trading, said that these unique structures are costly because many imported items are required. “Jeddah is accumulating villas of both complex and simple designs. However, 60 percent of the population here live in apartment buildings, not villas. The location and locality are among other factors that affect a project's cost and the quality of the structure. People should focus on their budget, material quality and the architect's capabilities before deciding to construct a unique design,” he remarked. In recent years, Jeddah has witnessed an unprecedented boom in its building, both residential and commercial. This skyline will be witnessing even greater changes in the coming decade, particularly with the erection of the tallest building in the world – following the recent announcement by Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal. “The Middle East is mainly characterized by Islamic architecture. In other Arab countries like the ones in North Africa, however, one can find a blend of Islamic architecture as well as local European style. You always find a common architectural thread that links all Arab countries, explained Hashfi. “Saudi clients usually request a design that reflects their culture, including special sections for the privacy of women, for example. However, it is not a monochromatic picture. People differ from town to town and even from generation to generation within the same town. The main influential factors are the climate, culture, available building material and techniques,” he added. Speaking about the newest demands for homes, Bin Mahfouz said that Saudis generally want bedrooms with en suite bathroom facilities for each family member on the first floor and large drawing and dining rooms on ground floor, with separate sections for men and women. “In those accommodations, you will find every structural influence including: Moroccan, Andalusi, ‘Hindi' mansion style – with arches for ventilation and a skylight – and even traditional Hejazi style which uses large wooden arches for the skylight,” explained Bin Mehfouz. Hashfi commented that the new Saudi client is known for being open-minded, keeping up with developments and benefiting from every new technology and architectural concept. “My observation here is the role that Saudi women play in the final choice of designs. They always contribute their ideas and add an artistic touch which often surprises me, particularly with the young generation which has acquired greater education and a broader outlook,” he said. Female architect Ayesha Azhar agrees with Hashfi. “A woman's perception defines an entirely different character to fundamental ideas and engages the thought process of an average person to visualize beyond the ordinary,” she said. “The concept of female ideology within the infrastructure of aesthetic construction attributes to our understanding of a variety of schools of thoughts that signify different perspectives to one basic angle.” She said that the appeal of breaking away from norms and creating an individual identity is the result of our personal growth and the consequent courage to define and re-define our journey within our surroundings. Hashfi always starts his projects by examining the site and the surrounding environment. “The environment includes everything that surrounds the site or may affect it. The second most important step for me is to listen to the client's view, wishes and preferences. Then I contribute my own ideas and suggestions to build on the clients' ideas and refine the end result,” he explained. Official permission is required before starting construction. The property owner should submit the deal and proposed plan to the Jeddah Municipality. “The procedure is very simple and it takes no more than one month if everything is according to the regulations. The municipality would then examine the request and send a committee on site to inspect the land and its location before a decision of permission is taken.” Amid the dust and din of construction, it's not very easy on the pocket to build a house in Jeddah. Real estate in Jeddah is among the priciest in Saudi Arabia. “Many elements enter in the building of a house, and foremost are land prices and construction material,” said Hashfi. According to a recent study conducted by the global publishing, research and consultancy firm Oxford Business Group (OBG), Saudi Arabia's growing population is the reason for escalating prices in the Kingdom's two key real estate markets of Riyadh and Jeddah. The growing population is driving up demand for residential properties. To improve the construction process in Saudi Arabia, Hashfi recommends broader use of solar energy homes and residential buildings, as well as the adoption of new technologies and methods in plumbing extensions. “There is a new system of plumbing extensions that is being used in other countries like Greece, where by every supply point is linked to a common board just, like the familiar electric panel. When a fault is noticed in any line, the whole line (pipe) is simply removed and replaced with a new one, without the need for any demolition work,” he said.” There is nothing wrong with a client's request to build a unique-looking house with contemporary design benefits like open space, transparency, sculptural geometry and the use of paint and slick materials. However, Hashfi suggested some important considerations while constructing in Jeddah. “The key element to be taken into account is light and air circulation. Streams of light are necessary for the livelihood of the house and air circulation both provides fresh oxygen and fights humidity,” he explained. “These days, if you want to find the perfect locality to build a new house, go north. The area has new districts with modern and unique house designs, as well as high-caliber services. I see it as the future of Jeddah.” Rakesh Kunhiraman, Director of OBG's Consulting Division also said in a media statement that the localities to the north of Jeddah, including the corridor close to the Corniche, have been earmarked for growth. “Thanks to their proximity to the Corniche the northern districts in Jeddah such as Al-Andalus, Al-Basateen, Al-Hamra, Al-Khalidiyah, Al-Mohammadiyah, Al-Nahda, Al-Nayeem, Al-Rawdah, Al-Salamah, Al-Shatee and Al-Zahra are proving popular. This trend is extending toward the northern corridor,” stated Kunhiraman. With introvert design concepts that perfectly suit Saudi socio-cultural needs and with all the qualities of traditional Arab-Islamic architecture, Jeddah can today also boast of a modern home and comfortable living spaces.
