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Al Barha - البرحة
Amer, Samira
Amer, Samira
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Abstract
This thesis investigates how sustainable tourism and the preservation of cultural
heritage can be integrated through the architectural design of a Saudi Cultural
Museum, which is adjacent to a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Al-Balad. The
initiative "Al Barha: Exploring the Essence of Saudi's Culture" intended to be a lively
museum, is an educational, dynamic, immersive, and entertaining built environment
that reflects on the past, engages the present, and looks forward to a sustainable
future. It centers on the intent of Saudi's Vision 2030 and the King Salman Charter for
Architecture and Urbanism. The museum is designed as a procession of interlocking
buildings with shaded pathways and barhas that resonate with Al-Balad's traditional
urban fabric, which allows the engagement of the community. The architecture
responds to climatic, contextual, and social criteria through passive cooling strategies,
regional materials, and local forms like the Roshan windows and deep entrances. The
museum's program includes galleries for the history and the heritage of Al-Balad to
highlight the history, architecture, restoration, and the culture of its people, as well as
interactive spaces with the most modern technologies like holograms, VR, and 3D
printing. These will help at enhancing the awareness of the citizens and visitors
regarding Saudi Arabia's cultural and constructional heritage, while promoting
environmentally friendly building techniques.