Skyscrapers in Saudi Arabia_Valid Approach or Irrational Imitation? by alaa tarabzouni

Skyscrapers in Saudi Arabia: Valid Approach or Irrational Imitation?

By Alaa Tarabzouni Word Count: 8,425

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Absttract: Shouuld the trend of construccting high risse buildingss in the Kinggdom of Sauudi Arabia be b re-exxamined, whiile it is still at an early stage, s or shoould it be alllowed to proogress. Figurre 1 deppicts the currrent skylinee of the capiital city of Saudi S Arabiaa, Riyadh, illlustrating thhe foreiggn nature off high rise buuildings in thhe area.

Figure 1 1: M. Shore, "Skyliine of Riyadh, Sau udi Arabia," (2009)). Photograph. (http://www w.moveoneinc.co om/blog/corporattenews/move‐office‐saudi‐arabia/).

This proposition is questioneed because while w older metropolisees have had a logical annd progrressive ratio onale to thee materialisaation of higgh rise builddings, it haas no root in i tradittional building methods and is an alien a to the local l styles of o the Kingddom of Sauddi Arabia. In cities like New York Y where thhe manifestaation of skysscrapers mayybe attributeed e annd technologgical boom in i to thee confinement of space and the unprecedented economic the laate 19th centu ury, offers valid v reasoning for the evvolution of the t city from m a horizontaal to a vertical v land dscape. 1 While economic growth haas attributed to the stylisstic change in i

Mona Domosh, "Im magining New YYork's First Skyyscrapers", Jou urnal of Historiccal Geographyy vol. 13, issue 3, 987, Pages233‐248 (Universitty of Nebraskaa: 1987) July 19

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the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the abundance of land is a major difference between New York and the Kingdom. Thus, in this thesis an answer to the question whether or not building skyscrapers in the Kingdom is a valid approach due logical reasoning, or should it be re-examined because it is just a form of emulating other metropolises in order to achieve global recognition, will be achieved by examining both the physical and the psychological aspects effecting this trend and resulting of it. The three physical attributes examined will be during three distinct stages in the life cycle of a building, which are worker fatigue during the construction phase, temperature rise at the built stage and social cohesion and place identity through the demolition period. In addition to the afore mentioned points the psychological aspects will be studied by reaching an understanding of the appeal of high rise building and evaluating the success and failure by examining two case studies, one of the local city of Makkah, and the other of the Emirate of Dubai. Thus concluding that the Kingdom should abandon this notion of vertical cities, rather it should invest in implementing a more appropriate approach in the planning of its cities.

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Table of Contents Abstract: .............................................................................................................................. 2 Table of Figures: ................................................................................................................. 5 Chapter 1 ............................................................................................................................. 6 1.1 Study Background ..................................................................................................... 7 1.2 Study Area ................................................................................................................ 8 1.3 Traditional Style of the Region: ................................................................................ 9 1.4 Dissertation Structure.............................................................................................. 13 1.5 Aim and Objectives................................................................................................. 13 Chapter 2 ........................................................................................................................... 15 2.1 Appeal of the high rise ............................................................................................ 16 2.2 Physical Implications of skyscrapers ...................................................................... 18 2.3 Worker’s Fatigue during the Construction Phase ................................................... 18 2.4 Temperature Rise .................................................................................................... 20 2.5 Demolition .............................................................................................................. 22 Chapter 3 ........................................................................................................................... 26 3.1 Taller in not necessarily better: ............................................................................... 27 3.2 Place identity and Social Cohesion: ........................................................................ 30 3.3 Case Study 1, Dubai:............................................................................................... 32 3.4 Case Study 2, Makkah: ........................................................................................... 37 Chapter 4 ........................................................................................................................... 42 4.1 Conclusion: ............................................................................................................. 43 4.2 Recommendations: .................................................................................................. 45 Bibliography: .................................................................................................................... 47 List of Figures: .................................................................................................................. 50

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Table of Figures: Figure 1: "Skyline of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia"......................................................................2 Figure 2: "Saudi Arabia CIA Map".....................................................................................8 Figure 3: "Historic Development of City of Riyadh"........................................................10 Figure 4: "Image of Al-Mamalaka tower, Al-Faisaliah tower and Burj Rafal with their Logos"................................................................................................................................17 Figure 5: "Isometric View of a Traditional Courtyard House"..........................................21 Figure 6: "Al Olaya St"......................................................................................................24 Figure 7: "Olaya Twin Tower for Commercial and Office" Space...................................24 Figure 8: "Dubai Airport Aerial View 1960"....................................................................29 Figure 9: "Dubai International Airport"............................................................................29 Figure 10: "Frank Lloyd Wright Reveals the Design for his Mile-High Skyscraper in Chicago".............................................................................................................................34 Figure 11: "Burj Khalifa Photograph"...............................................................................34 Figure 12: "The Royal Mecca Clock Tower"....................................................................38 Figure 13: "Untitled".........................................................................................................39

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Chapter 1

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1.1 Study Background

beginning of World War I when the term

According to Frank Lloyd Wright, Louis

became

Sullivan invented the modern skyscraper

building type. While both the terms

after walking through Chicago’s loop,

"high rise" and "tall building" imply a

when he started an initial sketch of what

certain relativity in terms of context, for

was later the Wainwright building in

the purpose of this dissertation the use of

St.Louis. Wright, who was Sullivan's

all three terms, high rise, tall building

assistant at the time, added that “This is

and skyscraper, will be used in order to

Louis Sullivan’s greatest moment-his

describe a building that towers over

greatest effort. The skyscraper as a new

neighbouring buildings and affects the

thing

skyline. Rather than other, subjective,

under

the

sun,

entity

synonymous

with

the

tall

with…beauty all on its own was born. 2 ”

definitions such as a building that people

In 1889 the first use of the term

perceive is of floor level than can no

"skyscraper" as a noun was recorded,

longer be accessed by stairs but instead

prior to that, during 1884, it was solely

needs vertical assistance or the definition

used as an adjective to describe tall

that states that cut-off between high and

buildings. Approximately in 1890 the

low rise is 35m. 3

term was used to illustrate the multi storey office building type. However up until 1933, six different definitions for the term "skyscraper" were offered in the Oxford English Dictionary. It was by the 2

Eric P.Nash. "Manhattan Skyscrapers Revised

and Expanded" (New York: Princeton, 2005), p.3.

"High Rise Buildings," Last Modified ND. http://construction.indianetzone.com/1/high_ri se_buildings.htm 7|Page

Figure 2: World Atlas, "Saudi Arabia CIA map," (ND). Line Drawing. (http://www.worldatlas.com/webimage/countrys/asia/ciamaps/sa.htm)

1.2 Study Area

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia occupies most of the Arabian Peninsula, (figure 2), where the weather is characterised by its desert nature; hot, arid and its harsh temperature extremes. The Kingdom has two distinct coastal fronts, it has ports on both the Arabian Gulf and the Red Sea. The major cities are; Riyadh, the capital, Jeddah and Al- Dammam, both of which are important harbour cities on the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf respectively.

member of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries O.P.E.C, additionally the Kingdom is part of the Gulf Cooperation Council G.C.C which includes all of the Arab countries that have ports on the Arabian Gulf. 4 Saudi Arabia is an Islamic country that is home to two of the holiest Islamic sites; the Al-Haram Mosque and the Al-Nabawe mosque in Makkah and Al-Madina respectively.

The Kingdom is the world's lead 4

exporter of petroleum, and a founding

"Saudi Arabia," Last Modified January 2011. http://www.eia.doe.gov/cabs/Saudi_Arabia/Bac kground.html

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1.3 Traditional Style of the Region:

These elements include fortified defence towers,

mosques

with

prominent

According to Moustapha, the traditional minarets, maidans (plazas or squares), structure of Arabian towns is dictated by gates,

Qasr

Al-Imarah

(Castle

both the natural environment of the Royalty), Divan (place of governance), region and the religion. An introverted

and market place. 6 Simple honesty of

style of town is imposed because of the structure and human scale and activity hot, arid climate of the region and the were all determining factors in the conservative nature of Islam. This prevailing character of the buildings and introverted form is seen in the buildings spaces. The numerous components, of a that are built close to the ground, no typical Islamic city stated above, were more than two stories high, in order to usually all confined within a wall, with avoid exposure to the sun. Additionally, the mosque at the heart of the town, and these low rise buildings are grouped with the other functions, radiating from together to provide shade thus creating a the centre. The following figure depicts cooler microclimate.

the original walled city of Riyadh and its Eben Saleh expands on Moustapha’s expansion from 1911-1996. observation by stating that, pre-industrial Muslim cities, such as Saudi Arabia, were characterised with certain features that were easy to identify and recognize. 5

A.F. Moustapha, Frank J. Costa and Allen G.

Noble, " Urban Development in Saudi Arabia Building and Subdivision Codes", Cities 2, 2 (1985):pp. 140‐148, accessed June 18,2010, doi:10.1016/0264‐2751(85)90115‐5.

Mohammed Eben Saleh, " The Changing Image of Arriyadh City: The Role of Socio‐Cultural and Religious Traditions in Image Transformation", Cities 18, 5 (2001): p.315, accessed July 12, 2010, PII: S0264‐2751(01)00024‐5.

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Figure 3: Unkown, "Historic Development of City of Riyadh,"(ND), [from Abdullatif Al‐Shiekh, Strategic Master Plan of Riyadh (Riyadh: Higher Administration for the Development of Riyadh, 1996), p.5].

dwellings, in order to fit in the area Walled City 1911

within the wall. An additional factor that

Qasr Al-Muraba'a (Al-Muraba'a Castle) Qasr Al-Nasriyah (Al-Nasriyah Castle)

contributed to the increase of floor

Qasr Otaiqa (Otaiaqa Castle) 1911 - 1941

levels, especially in residential buildings,

1941 - 1950 1950 - 1970

is the limiting of one household per

1970 - 1979 1979- 1996

family, this was not enforced rather it

Planned Construction 1996

The walling off of these cities and communities served the purpose of securing the area, and defining its periphery. Subsequently this surrounding wall led to an increase in the heights of

was a preference due to Islam's emphasis on the importance of family bonds, thus more than one generation of the same family lived together. These four to five story high dwellings were known as

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"Uzla" and they are thought to be the

for Muslims on their way to Makkah for

first high rise buildings in the Kingdom,

the annual pilgrimage (Hajj), this is

under the definition of high rise that is,

because Makkah does not have an

as stated in the previous part, a building

airport, making Jeddah the closest

that towers over neighbouring buildings.

international airport for pilgrims. Hajj

The "Uzla", four to five story houses in

attracts millions of Muslims worldwide

the western region of Saudi Arabia, were

on an annual basis, and due to this large

the product of extended families living

number of people arriving in to the

in the same house. Currently, the

country, mainly through Jeddah, the

western region is still known stylistically

need for accommodation is vital.

for high rise buildings, but instead of

In both Makkah and Al-Madinah the

being erected for the original reason

reason for high rise buildings, like

mentioned above, presently the function

Jeddah, is in order to take advantage of

of constructing high rise buildings

the views and in order to house both

differs according to the city in question.

pilgrims and tourists. Both Makkah and

Jeddah is a coastal city on the Red Sea

Al-Madinah are home to two of the

and

holiest Muslim sites, the Haram Mosuqe

one

the

Kingdom's

most

important ports it is also a popular

and

the

Al-Nabawe

Mosque

tourism city for Saudi locals, high rise in

Respectively. The Al-Haram Mosque is

Jeddah has been mainly due to the

the site of the annual Hajj pilgrimage

appeal of having as many sea view

and year round Umrah. The Hajj attracts

buildings on the ocean front strip.

about two million Muslims annually, this

Additionally Jeddah an important stop

has led to the dependence on high-rise

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for housing the pilgrims. 7 While Al-

needed to be accommodated. Petroleum

Nabawe mosque does not have a

was discovered in the Kingdom, in 1948,

pilgrimage

many

only 16 years after the unification of the

religious tourists year round, so the need

Kingdom, this discovery turned Saudi

for high rise was not simply a stylistic

Arabia into a major oil exporting

evolution but also a necessity in order to

country. 8

cope

with

the

still

receives

high

demand

for

two

phases

this

discovery

accommodation.

petroleum contributed to the rise of

Additionally, for both Makkah and Al-

skyscrapers in the Kingdom. Firstly,

Madinah views of the mosques are

because the discovery came very soon

highly desirable, due to that it has

after the formation of the Kingdom,

created competition between hotels, thus

there was a lack of experienced workers

leading to an increase in floor heights to

to carry out the inspection and drilling of

allow for more rooms with views of the

the

mosque.

relocated to the Kingdom in order to

When the Kingdom was unified and

both teach and carry out these tasks. This

recognized as an independent state, in

led to a high demand for both temporary

1932, the introduction of ministries and

and long term accommodation, which in

the construction of their buildings

turn led to the construction of high rise

commenced, this also fuelled the trend

hotels and apartment buildings. The

of high rise building in the area due to

second phase, was also related to

the increasing number of employees that

housing,

"Hajj Pilgrimage," Last Modified November 15, 2010. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world‐ middle‐east‐11757499

wells.

but

Thus

many

was

expatriates

order

"Background Note: Saudi Arabia," Last Modified October 15, 2010. http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/3584.htm

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accommodate the people who came to

divided

the Kingdom in order to assist with the

conclusion and the recommendations

building of the infra structure, this phase

that have generated from it.

was carried out after the economic boom

into

two

main

parts,

the

1.5 Aim and Objectives

that occurred after the rapid rise in crude The choice to examine the effects and oil prices in the 1979-1980 period.

causes of high rise buildings stems from

1.4 Dissertation Structure

the notion that high rise living is not an

Building on the former background

inevitable scenario in the urban vision of

information, the following chapter of the

the Kingdom, and that while it is a

dissertation will discuss and examine

prominent

firstly, the appeal of high rise buildings,

possibilities for the expansion of the

secondly the physical implications of

Kingdom's cities do exist.

skyscrapers, during 3 stages of the life

Consequently

cycle of the building. Focusing on

discussion an answer to the thesis

worker's fatigue during the construction

question “Whether or not should the

phase, temperature rise throughout the

trend of high rise building in the

built stage and demolition repercussions.

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia be stopped

In the second chapter, place identity and

while it is still manageable or should it

social cohesion will be examined with

be allowed to continue?” will be

the aid of two case studies, the first

reached.

analysing Dubai and the second focusing

The main objectives of this dissertation

on Makkah. The final chapter will be

are to:

phenomenon,

the

heart

other

the

"Oil Price History and Analysis," Last Modified August 2007. http://www.wtrg.com/prices.htm 13 | P a g e

•

Find out the benefits/appeal of high rise buildings offer/have.

•

Find out the physical implications of skyscrapers, in terms of the factors mentioned previously.

•

Examine the two case studies, and conclude from them the possible social implications of high rise

buildings. •

Offer possible propositions for the planning

the

city's

the

Kingdom.

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Chapter 2

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2.1 Appeal of the high rise

because

According to findings published by

Singapore, breeze is a certain appeal that

Belinda Yuen, in her paper “Romancing

cannot be applied or justified for most

the High rise in Singapore”, the three

parts of Saudi Arabia. This appeal is not

most common attractions of high rise

applicable because of the hot, arid

buildings are; the view, the breeze and

climate of the Kingdom. Additionally,

the privacy 10 . While her report was

the role of skyscrapers in warming the

based solely in Singapore the results of

micro climate of the adjacent area will

her

be reviewed in the following part of the

skyscrapers in general, although with

thesis. As for the benefit of privacy that

possible limitations due to geographic

Yuen expresses in her paper, it is

differences.

directly contradicted by Moustapha, in

While the first attraction noted by Yuen

his paper he wrote: “…there is the

may be considered the most objective of

additional loss of privacy within the

the three, it is a valid point that largely

dwelling. This is especially true when

depends on the location of the building.

buildings of different heights are built

The second appeal from Yuen's findings

adjacent to each other. 11 ”

is the breeze found at high altitude, that

Moustapha, it can be inferred that only

she states is the most common attraction.

higher floors benefit from the privacy,

This is where the limitation of this

while lower floors suffer by becoming

research

are

applicable

the

research

based

From

particular literature review is apparent, 10

Belinda Yuen, " Romancing the High‐Rise in Singapore", Cities 22, 5 (2005): pp. 3‐13, accessed July 14, 2010, doi:10.1016/j.cities.2004.10.002.

A.F. Moustapha, Frank J. Costa and Allen G. Noble, " Urban Development in Saudi Arabia Building and Subdivision Codes," pp. 140‐148.

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Figure 4: Image of Al‐Mamlaka tower, Al‐Faisaliah Tower and Burj Rafal, with their Logos. Compilation by author, reference of individual images given in list of figures.

exposed to higher floors in adjacent

and Al-Faisaliah tower, and the Burj

buildings that look into them. Due to the

Rafal,

Islamic conventions and the traditional

which is expected to be the tallest

conservative nature of Saudi Arabia, the

building

issue of privacy would prove to be

completed, all three examples have

immensely problematic.

adopted the building-as-logo method; in

Moustapha's claim is highly applicable

which the building's form is also used as

to Saudi Arabia because new taller

its logo, as seen in figure 4. It can be

buildings are being built into the existing

interpreted from this approach that the

urban fabric of the city where lower rise

intention is to create a building that is

buildings already exist. With the two

synonymous with the brand it represents

existing

and simultaneously a building that

tallest

buildings

Saudi

Arabia, Al-Mamlaka (The Kingdom)

currently

the

under

construction,

Kingdom

when

serves as a landmark for the brand. 17 | P a g e

According to Hafiz Contractor, high rise

a global city. 14 This world city making

buildings are notably associated with

in Dubai will be further examined in

grandeur and power thus the two main

Chapter 3.

reasons skyscrapers are built is to depict this power and glory.

2.2 Physical Implications of skyscrapers

"Symbolic power is the capacity to

The physical implications of skyscrapers

control

will be examined during 3 distinct stages

distinction by mediating other forms of

of the life cycle of the building. Starting

power such as economics and religion

at the construction phase, leading to the

through human technology. 13 "

built stage and finally through the

This attempt to achieve primacy is not a

demolition period.

the

social

production

self struggle, but it is fuelled by competition mainly with neighbouring

2.3 Worker’s Fatigue during the Construction Phase

metropolises

In the past the Kingdom has resorted to

but

also

with

other

countries of further geographic location.

hiring

non-indigenous

construction

To exemplify, the Emirate of Dubai has

workers, mainly from the Indian sub

assumed an explicit attempt to become a

continent, recent developments have

"new New York" and has used symbolic

highlighted the importance of well fare

power in order to become recognized as

and health and safety on the construction site. Thus worker's fatigue has become a

"High Rise Buildings" Michele Acuto, "High‐Rise Dubai Urban Entrepreneurialism and the Technology and Symbolic Power", Cities 27 (2010): pp.272‐289, accessed June 24, 2010, doi:10.1016/j.cities.2010.01.003.

Michele Acuto, "High‐Rise Dubai Urban Entrepreneurialism and the Technology and Symbolic Power,"pp.272‐289.

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matter of immense concern in the

Luminance and Ultra Violet (UV) levels

Kingdom.

were found to increase with floor height,

Hsu et al., carried out a study that

thus, workers at higher elevations resort

determines the effect of elevation change

to wearing trousers and long-sleeved

on work fatigue and the physiological

shirts in order to minimise the exposure

symptoms

building

to the UV rays. This covered apparel

construction workers. In their published

poses a problem in hot climates because

findings, they reported that the main

the

factors that contribute to injury or death

inadequate release of body heat may lead

on the high rise construction site

increase with the increase in elevation. A

dehydration. 16 Strong winds at higher

rise in heart palpitations, unsteady

floor heights along with the afore

footsteps, waist pain, dyspnoea, increase

mentioned conditions that result from

in calf circumference and a decrease in

the

balance function and

workload for the workers and further

for

high

rise

response time

resulting

heat

over-perspiration

stroke,

covered

exhaustion

clothing,

create

were reported in workers at higher

increases both

elevations. While Hsu et at., expand on

caused by the worry of falling. 17

extra

falling and the stress

their findings, by stating that the main stress elevator in workers is the worry of falling. 15

D.J. Hsu, et al., "Effect of Elevation Change on Work Fatigue and Physiological Symptoms for High‐Rise Building Construction Workers", Safety Science 46 (2008): p.843, accessed June 13, 2010, doi:10.1016/j.ssci.2007.01.011.

C.J Chen cited by D.J. Hsu, et al., "Effect of

Elevation Change on Work Fatigue and Physiological Symptoms for High‐Rise Building Construction Workers," p.841. 17 D.J. Hsu, et al., "Effect of Elevation Change on Work Fatigue and Physiological Symptoms for High‐Rise Building Construction Workers," p.843.

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According to Hsu, chronic waist, and

2.4 Temperature Rise

shoulder pain among workers in high-

According to Xue et al., there has been

building

were

an increase recently in split-type air-

lower

conditioning systems in numerous Asian

constructions, the authors have attributed

cities. Although these systems provide

this

“quiet operation and flexibility in multi-

uncomfortable postures, and similar

room services”, installation of multiple

findings have been noted by Alan and

condensing units in a high rise building

Wilson. 18 It is crucial that workers be

is usually confined to narrow areas, in

provided with sufficient training and

order to hide them for aesthetic reasons.

preparation on safety issues, especially

Serious consequences can be caused by

that in Hsu’s findings fatigue symptoms

considerable temperature rise caused by

have proven to rise with an increase in

the

floor level and this in turn is possibly

condensing units that are located in a

credited to the elevated workloads due to

confined

increased environmental disturbances

temperatures, affect the performance of

and fear. 19

air-conditioning systems and shorten

their lifespan, additionally it causes poor

prevalent

construction than

the

long

that

hours

spent

heat

thermal

emitted

space. 20

conditions

from

These

numerous

elevated

neighbouring

Alan and Wilson cited by D.J. Hsu, et al., "Effect of Elevation Change on Work Fatigue and Physiological Symptoms for High‐Rise Building Construction Workers," p.841. 19 D.J. Hsu, et al., "Effect of Elevation Change on Work Fatigue and Physiological Symptoms for High‐Rise Building Construction Workers," p.843.

H. Xue, B. Xu, J. Wu and Y. Wei, "Prediction of Temperature Rise Near Condensing Units in the Confined Space of a High‐Rise Building", Building Environment 42 (2007): p.2480, accessed July 17, 2010, doi:10.1016/j.buildenv.2006.06.011.

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facilities.

The

increase

the

problem due to the misuse of glass in the Gulf region in general. With the strive for building "icons", as will be examined in the following chapter, there has been an increase in the use of glass and the implementing of glass facades. In this section the physical implications of the excessive use of glass has on the buildings, rather than the social effects of "icon building", that

Figure 5: Moustapha, A.F, "Isometric View of a Traditional Courtyard House (From a House in Al Khobar Saudi Arabia)" (1985), [from Urban Development in Saudi Arabia Building and Subdivison Codes (London: Butterworth and Co, 1985),p. 141]

surrounding temperature leads to an increase in the work load of the compressor, in order to perform its cooling duty. Vice versa, this increase in work load leads to an increase in heat emitted

from

the

condenser. 21

Additionally, this leads to excessive use of

electricity

consumption.

This

exorbitant use of electricity is a existing

will be analysed in part 3.1. The Climatic conditions of Dubai are similar to those of Saudi Arabia, as stated previously, the climate of the Kingdom is of an extreme nature, with severe fluctuation between both day and night and between the different seasons. While there is an excessive use of air conditioners, due to the climate, the exorbitant use of glass in building design raises the question whether the use of air conditioners is futile. In other words, is

H. Xue, B. Xu, J. Wu and Y. Wei, "Prediction of Temperature Rise Near Condensing Units in the Confined Space of a High‐Rise Building," p.2480.

the use of air conditioners just a quick

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fix rather than a long term solution that

conditions, the sizes of the spaces and

could be accomplished with the help of

the internal layout of the building should

returning to a more indigenous building

also be taken into consideration. This

style of the region , as depicted in figure

leads us to the conclusion that excessive

5, mainly the use of less glass, because

glazing is not necessarily effective

of the hot, dry, arid climate of the

glazing.

region, figure 5 depicts a local form of

daylight causes glare, ill distribution of

building design from the Kingdom, that

light within the space and heat gain. 22

shows the limited use of glazing and the

If the design does not permit a change of

use of Moshrabiyah, which is a form of

orientation or dimension of glass panes,

timber lattice that acts as a screen that

an option is to select a type of glass that

offers both privacy and shading.

is absorbent or reflective of the sunlight

The reasoning for glazing is primarily to

in order to decrease the solar gain. By

provide sunlight, daylight, ventilation,

lessening the solar gain, there is less

views,

work for the air conditioners, which will

and

solar

gain/loss

summer/winter, thus a proposition for a building with no glass would be an

The

effects

excessive

lower the amount of glass needed.

2.5 Demolition

extreme notion. The dimensions of the The act of Demolition can be considered glass, the orientation and the use of in two ways, the first being the actual shading devices may all aid in the physical process of demolition, and the limitation of the effects of over exposure second

regarding

the

impact

to sunlight. Additional factors such as, 22

the use of the building, the site

Mohsen M. Aboulnaga, " Towards green buildings: Glass as a building element—the use and misuse in the gulf region," pp.648‐651.

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fabric.

grading. 24 At the commencement of the

According to the National Demolition

thesis, it was believed that demolition

Association (N.D.A), demolition in the

would be an integral factor to examine in

simplest of terms is "problem solving",

high

technically it is the act of deconstructing

expectations that demolition is a risky

an entity in a physical sense. 23 The

process.

N.D.A explain that contrary to popular

contrary to prior expectations, has

belief there is meticulous thought and

proven to be, while not harmless, a

preparation that is carried out before the

managed

actual demolition process begins. The

compliance

steps of the entire demolition process are

regulations, that are concerned with it, a

divided into three distinctive phases. The

routine operation. The question that did

first phase of the process is hazardous

result from the reading behind this topic

material removal, this step insures that

was generated from the, previously

no residue, for example harmful metals

mentioned, definition of demolition by

or radioactive waste, are left on site.

the N.D.A, the definition of the word

The second stage is the deconstruction

suggests that the buildings that are

phase, which in itself consists of 3 parts;

demolished

controlled demolition, resource salvation

assumption may be applicable to certain

and waste removal. The final phase is

situations, were the building up for

foundation

demolition is in very poor state.

demolition

the

removal

urban

and

land

re-

rise

building,

The

because

demolition

process with

are

that the

procedure,

with

the

rules

and

"problems".

This

"What is the Demolition Process?" Last Modified ND. http://www.demolitionassociation.com/

"What is the Demolition Process?"

23 | P a g e

Olaya street, one of the major streets of

While the demolition process is fairly

Riyadh, where both Faisaliya and Al-

simple and safe, this raises the question

Mamlaka towers are located on, an

whether its simplicity has led us to elude

entire block of shops, cafes, and offices

of the economic and social consequences

where demolished in order to make way

for "Olaya Towers", depicted in figure 6

buildings in a country that is barely 80

is the area, marked in red, that was

years old. Also has this led us to work

demolished in order to make way for the

less at the planning and design stage

towers.

because

tearing

down

this

fully

option

functional

easy

demolition, additionally one of the consequences of demolition is the effect it has on place identity. If the significant

Figure 6: Google Maps, "Al Olaya St," (ND). Satellite Image. (http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&client=firefox‐ a&hs=6Bp&rls=org.mozilla:en‐ GB:official&biw=1920&bih=877&q=olaya&um=1&ie=UTF‐ 8&sa=N&tab=wl).

While Olaya street is considered a prime location in the city, with some available un built areas in reasonable sizes, this stems the question why was an

Figure 4: Otaishan Consulting Engineers, "Olaya Twin Tower for Commercial and office Space," (2010). Computer Render. (http://www.otaishan.com.sa/LastProjects.aspx).

entire functioning and fairly new low to

urban fabric is constantly being altered it

mid rise block completely removed.

could

lead

problematic

social

24 | P a g e

situations that will be examined in the upcoming chapter. Figure 7 shows a computer rendered image of the Olaya towers, currently under construction.

25 | P a g e

Chapter 3

26 | P a g e

3.1 Taller in not necessarily better:

The question put forward by this essay asks, whether or not Saudi Arabia should

According to Abdelsalam, as of 2008, continue

constructing

high

rise

the construction division in the G.C.C. buildings or should this notion be countries has expanded enormously, he reviewed and ulterior solutions be cites $800 billion dollars worth of active considered. Thus it can be inferred that projects in the Gulf, which is constantly Saudi Arabia is a country still at the growing. In the year of 2006, 2100 verge of exploring this possibility of projects where either in the planning vertical cities and is not yet fully process or under construction, of which engrossed in it. In comparison, the the United Arab Emirates and Saudi United Arab Emirates is a country that Arabia

hold

29%

and

20% houses one of the largest and fastest

respectively.

what

being expanding construction markets in the

manifested in Dubai today, it seems that world although it may be considered a there is still an attachment to what may

relatively recent urban settlement. 26 In

be considered outdated modernist ideas this chapter, the idea that modern about ideology. Perhaps this can be metropolitan cities frequently compete attributed to Dubai's attempt at a quick for

primacy,

especially

with

ascendance to the stage of world neighbouring areas will be examined. As making. stated previously although Dubai is a 25

Hisham M.E. Abdelsalam and Medhat M. Gad, " Cost of Quality in Dubai: An Analytical Case Study of Residential Construction Projects" International Journal of Project Management 27, (2009): p.501, accessed August 23, 2010, doi:10.1016/j.ijproman.2008.07.006.

fairly new urban development it has 26

Hisham M.E. Abdelsalam and Medhat M. Gad, " Cost of Quality in Dubai: An Analytical Case Study of Residential Construction Projects," p.501.

27 | P a g e

participated in the endeavour to achieve

considered the zenith of this world city

this primacy in a relatively short length

hierarchy or world urban hierarchy have

of time. Saudi Arabia, is an even newer

become perceived as such due to their

competitor in this constant race for urban

religious,

supremacy

economic functions. 30

with

both

the

G.C.C

cultural,

political

and

countries and the world.

Dubai may be considered one of the

This battle for the title of “world’s

fastest growing gulf cities; it is home to

tallest” is a notion that dates back to the

the tallest building in the world, and also

early 20th century, with the noteworthy

houses another 22 of the world’s tallest

rivalry

Manhattan

200 buildings. 31 It is this notion that

buildings, the Chrysler building and the

equates taller to better that has become

Empire State. 27

the main goal of the city. While Burj

Dubai has become synonymous with this

Khalifa is the tallest building in the

ongoing attempt to climb the “world

world currently, Burj Al-Arab, half the

urban hierarchy. 28 ” Problematic social

height of Burj Khalifa, still holds the

consequences have resulted from this

record for being the tallest building to

“symbolic

power. 29 "

act solely as a hotel. 32 Both buildings,

Hall,

prevailing

between

for

According metropolitan 27

famous

areas

the that

are

often

Eric P.Nash. "Manhattan Skyscrapers Revised and Expanded," p.63. 28 Michele Acuto, "High‐Rise Dubai Urban Entrepreneurialism and the Technology and Symbolic Power,"pp.272‐289. 29 Michele Acuto, "High‐Rise Dubai Urban Entrepreneurialism and the Technology and Symbolic Power,"p.272

P. Hall as cited by Michele Acuto, "High‐Rise Dubai Urban Entrepreneurialism and the Technology and Symbolic Power,"pp.272‐289. 31 "Top 100," Last Modified 2009. http://www.tallestbuildingintheworld.com/top1 00_tallest_buildings_in_the_world.php. 32 "Burj al Arab Hotel‐Dubai," Last Modified 2010. http://www.tallestbuildingintheworld.com/build ing_id_18_Burj+al+Arab+Hotel.php.

28 | P a g e

Burj Khalifa and Burj Al-Arab have

From its initiation the validity of Dubai

adopted the building -as- logo method

as a fabricated post-industrial site has

mentioned previously. Burj Al-Arab has

been

served as a symbol for Dubai since its

sustainability.

inauguration.

question here is that of the nation being

This constant strive to break records and

able to keep up this shocking evolution

questionable The

terms

sustainability

from its origins. Both of figures 8 and 9 depict Dubai Airport, but the former being in 1960 and the latter being the current airport, completed in 2008 and holds the title of having the largest Figure 8: Unknown, "Dubai Airport Aerial View 1960," (1960). Photograph. (http://www.binuae.ae/?p=2309).

terminal in the world. 34 The irony of Dubai being considered a post industrial area is that Dubai is a city that lacked any considerable industrial origins, the irony continues in this matter

Figure 9: Google Maps, "Dubai international Airport,"( ND). Satellite Image. (http://maps.google.com/maps?client=firefox‐ a&rls=org.mozilla:en‐ GB:official&channel=s&hl=en&biw=1920&bih=877&q=dubai&u m=1&ie=UTF‐8&sa=N&tab=wl)

prove the ability of the country have led

as numerous Middle Eastern countries have mimicked Dubai in order to achieve

recognition,

although

this

to the perception that Dubai is a model for urban development in the region. 33

H. Molotch as cited by D. Bassens, et al., " The Making and Breaking of Dubai: The End of a City–State?", Political Geography (2010): pp. 1‐

3, accessed July 27, 2010, doi:10.1016/j.polgeo.2010.01.007. 34 "Dubai International Celebrates 50 years of Growth," Last Modified September 29, 2010. http://www.dubaiairport.com/DubaiAirports/En glish/Media+Center/Press+Release/Dubai+Inter national+Celebrates+50+years+of+Growth.htm

29 | P a g e

recognition may be considered a false

regionalism. 36

and fabricated one, because of the

Eben Saleh believes that the importance

foundation it is built on. While in other

of these factors have been disregarded

cities for example New York, where

due to two questionable trends in design

high rise has had a logical evolutionary

and planning. Although these two trends

process mainly due to land values and

offer

availability, Dubai has skipped this

traditionalism and modernism affect the

evolution and simply built the buildings

visual image of the place. 37

that

While Eben Saleh's thesis is based on the

metropolis, this attempt at an "instant

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, he does make

world city" based on simply architecture

a point that relates back to Dubai's

has been the reason behind numerous

endeavour of making an "instant world

problems involving place identity and

city". He believes that place making is a

social cohesion. 35

process that is built on a foundation of

are

thought

represent

3.2 Place identity and Social Cohesion:

conflicting

prepositions,

both

regionally unique principles of urban and architectural design and that the

As stated previously, location plays an

incorporation of both old and new will

enormous role in forming a city and

aid in this progression in a logical form.

shaping its evolutionary process. Eben

He stresses the importance of up-

Saleh

adds

that

climatic,

social, 36

topographic and economical aspects are important factors in the formulation of 35

D. Bassens, et al., " The Making and Breaking of Dubai: The End of a City–State?," pp. 1‐3.

Mohammed Eben Saleh, "Place Identity: The Visual Image of Saudi Arabian Cities", Habitat International 22, 2 (1998): p.149, accessed July 12, 2010, PII:S0197‐3975(97)00033‐7. 37 Mohammed Eben Saleh, "Place Identity: The Visual Image of Saudi Arabian Cities," p.149. 30 | P a g e

keeping an identifiable and recognizable

This distortion in viewing place and

city and that this creates "[an] image

failure to affix an identity to it has led to

[that] represents a cultural significance

a deformed un-cohesive society. Yuen,

which tie it to culture. 38 "

recognizes

The

novelty

constructing

many

cities

are

new

becoming more aware of the constant

physical structures has overwhelmed

change in the world and the growing

many Middle Eastern countries, while

urban rivalry and "world city" formation.

the erection of new buildings is not

While this realization is vital, it should

condemned, it is the disregarding of the

be noted that it is not a sign that in order

integration

the

existing

built

to qualify as a global city that mimicry

with

the

new.

should be undergone. Heritage and its

these

role in the development of the urban

existing built environments to make way

area, should be given more consideration

for new structures has not only led to a

at the planning stage as it plays a

loss of prominent historic areas but it has

prominent role in forming an identity.

also aided in distorting the way in which

Additionally,

residents of the area view and recognize

maintaining built and lived heritage

the places. Which in turn can affect the

should be taken into account, and should

traditional values of the society. 39

aid in promoting and investing in

environments Additionally,

that

demolition

the

importance

heritage industries. 40 As stated by Eben 38

Mohammed Eben Saleh, "Place Identity: The Visual Image of Saudi Arabian Cities", Habitat International 22, 2 (1998): p.149, accessed July 12, 2010, PII:S0197‐3975(97)00033‐7. 39 Mohammed Eben Saleh, "Place Identity: The Visual Image of Saudi Arabian Cities," p.149.

Saleh previously, Yuen also stresses that the maintaining of heritage and urban 40

Belinda Yuen, " Romancing the High‐Rise in Singapore," pp. 3‐13. 31 | P a g e

development are, in contrary to the

term "landmark". However it is the

prominent

their

reoccurring statement by chairman of

incompatibility, are crucial in creating a

Emaar, a leading Dubai based real estate

cohesive city that relates to the cultural

company, Mohammed Alabbar that goes

heritage. 41

beyond the typical use of the word to

notion

describe buildings, he states about Dubai

3.3 Case Study 1, Dubai:

that ‘‘we aim – he says with compelling According

Michele

Acuto,

city assertiveness – to create a global

rankings may give false information of landmark.” It is Emaar along with the true social state of the country, Nakheel Properties and Dubai Holding because with the quest for symbolic that are required to manifest Sheikh Alpower, in the term of the physical Maktoum's vision of Dubai. Their job is appearance of the city, comes the price to explicitly create an image of Dubai in the form of problematic social that is immediately recognized and bears repercussions. The race for constructing witness to the rise of the city while also "iconic buildings" and "vertical cities" is setting standards on a global scale. 43 a factor of "world making" which is a The abundance of un-built land, (preprimary reason that may lead to the afore mentioned social effects. 42

recession)

excessive

financial

availability and lack of a predetermined A word used constantly to describe new historical image has all aided in the skyscrapers in the Middle-East is the process of the city of Dubai's "world 41

Belinda Yuen, " Romancing the High‐Rise in Singapore," pp.3‐13 42 Michele Acuto, "High‐Rise Dubai Urban Entrepreneurialism and the Technology and Symbolic Power,"pp.272‐289.

Michele Acuto, "High‐Rise Dubai Urban Entrepreneurialism and the Technology and Symbolic Power,"pp.272‐289.

32 | P a g e

making" and the erection of its global

This consumption of public spaces feeds

city facade. While this lacking in historic

back into the notion of brand making

identity has eased the possibility for

and

"world making" it has countered the

environment

formation of a coherent and realistic idea

implementing an architecture that is

to what the brand of Dubai actually is. 44

mainly driven by making ‘‘nowhere

This identity crisis of the city remains as

suddenly

an ongoing issue, which the governing

important to note that this image making

officials of Dubai have tried to solve by

is intended to be perceived by foreign

emphasizing the building of "land

audiences

marks" to fabricate an urban identity that

nationals, this fixation with iconicity is

is more easily perceived. 45 It is the

driven by its role as a core element in

consumerism nature and retail tourism

Dubai's presence as an entrepreneurial

attraction of Dubai that has effected

hub for world affairs.

down to the core of the city, making

As it also serves as a constant reminder

even the fabricated spaces, experiences

of the city's devotion to progress, and its

intended to be consumed. 46

fulfillment of what Acuto states as

creating

into

that

has

unmistakable resulted

somewhere. 47 ”

rather

than

the

Emirati

becoming a "new New York", and what 44

H. Bradley as cited by Michele Acuto, "High‐

Rise Dubai Urban Entrepreneurialism and the Technology and Symbolic Power,"p.276. 45 Eben Saleh as cited by Michele Acuto, "High‐ Rise Dubai Urban Entrepreneurialism and the Technology and Symbolic Power,"p.328. 46 S. Zukin as cited by Michele Acuto, "High‐Rise Dubai Urban Entrepreneurialism and the Technology and Symbolic Power,"p.276.

Alabbar reassures is not a mistake but

D. Sudjic as cited by Michele Acuto, "High‐ Rise Dubai Urban Entrepreneurialism and the Technology and Symbolic Power,"p.276. 33 | P a g e

explicitly describes Dubai as a "New

apart as an exotic location that fulfills

Figure 10: Unknown, "Frank Lloyd Wright Reveals the Design for his Mile‐High Skyscraper in Chicago," (1956), Chicago, [from Paul Goldberger , The Skyscraper (New York: Alfred A Knope, 1981) ,p. 89)

Figure11: Burj Khalifa, "Burj Khalifa photograph," (ND). Phtograph.(http://www.burjkhalifa.ae/language/e n‐us/the‐tower.aspx)

York in the Making". 48

the same entrepreneurial tasks, by

The facade of a global city that Dubai

adopting skyscrapers; for their obvious

portrays would be useless without the

symbols as elements of progress and

general

target

modernity. 49 For Dubai this symbolism

the

is not simply a facade that houses a

symbolism of these "land marks". In

pretence of entrepreneurial excellence,

order to achieve this conformity Dubai

rather it is a means to inform, globally,

has succumbed to the " globalization it

the potential of the prevailing culture. In

tries to master", instead of setting itself

other words, it has resorted to adapting

audience

conformism on

the

validity

Michele Acuto, "High‐Rise Dubai Urban Entrepreneurialism and the Technology and Symbolic Power,"pp.272‐289.

A. King as cited by Michele Acuto, "High‐Rise Dubai Urban Entrepreneurialism and the Technology and Symbolic Power,"p.274.

34 | P a g e

the exterior in order to become a suitable

rather it should be understood for its

face for the potential entrepreneurial

social role as well. 50 This attempt at

future.

primacy in Dubai is a self battle rather

The most prominent example of this

than a competition, the question of when

symbolism in construction in Dubai, is

will it be content with its role and when

the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest

can the possibility of it outdoing itself

building to date. It's only precedent

become futile.

being the Mile High Illinois, the

In 1997 William Mitchell published an

unrealized envision by Frank Lloyd

article in Scientific American where he

Wright. Burj Khalifa represents all of

posed the question "Do we still need

what Dubai stands for in terms of

skyscrapers?" The question is the result

symbols of dominance, power and proof

of the realization that the dense office

of its competency as a world city, while

buildings in the middle of important

also striving for primacy in the league of

cities around the world, is at best

world cities. In order to gain a sufficient

questionable with the advancement of

understanding of the methods that Dubai

technology and telecommunication and

has employed in order to reach its goal

the location flexibility that generates

of becoming a world city, it is crucial to

from it. Although Mitchell cautions that,

fully understand that the methods it

while

undertakes for world making, cannot be

questionable, skyscrapers, undeniably,

their

function

might

thought of in isolation. Meaning the Burj Khalifa cannot be thought of as a rational decision based on land value,

T. Bunnel as cited by Michele Acuto, "High‐ Rise Dubai Urban Entrepreneurialism and the Technology and Symbolic Power,"p.278. 35 | P a g e

expatriates. 53

have symbolic value that goes beyond

wealthy

their function. 51

symbolic power in Dubai may be an

It is key to note that by building these

attraction to both tourists and business

almost self sufficient building, that

men, it has also caused oppression.

house most of the amenities, it creates "a

While most of these attractions are open

city within a city"- a notion that has been

to the public, this oppression is the result

expressed numerous of times in various

of exclusivity by either memberships or

building around the world, such as the

by the reality that the only customers

Petronas in Malaysia and the Shard in

that can afford these attractions are the

London. 52 The trend of creating these

wealthy (expatriates and nationals). This

partially

structures

in turn has resulted in social segregation

counteracts the Emirate's objective of

that has in turn led to low income

creating a locality in which numerous

migration workers and minorities to

cultures and nationalities merge. This

migrate from the city to the outer

has led to the creation of zones

suburbs. 54 Thus leaving, and constantly

especially targeted at nationals (that

developing Dubai for the "anonymous

represent a mere 10% of the resident

corporate elitist and the opulent transient

population), short term visitors and

tourist," both of which are visiting

self

dependant

consumers

that

have

While

almost

the

53 51

W. Mitchell as cited by Michele Acuto, "High‐ Rise Dubai Urban Entrepreneurialism and the Technology and Symbolic Power,"p.113. 52 T. Bunnell as cited by Michele Acuto, "High‐ Rise Dubai Urban Entrepreneurialism and the Technology and Symbolic Power,"p.280.

S. Bagaeen and L. Benton‐Short as cited by Michele Acuto, "High‐Rise Dubai Urban Entrepreneurialism and the Technology and Symbolic Power,"p.278. 54 D. Westley as cited by Michele Acuto, "High‐ Rise Dubai Urban Entrepreneurialism and the Technology and Symbolic Power,"p.282. 36 | P a g e

contribution to the local identity. 55

Arabia does not offer tourist visas,

Which in turn has led the Emirate to

except for persons visiting friends or

adopt

society

family in the Kingdom or the religious

(gesellschaft) of Ferdinand Tönnies – in

tourism visas for people planning to

essence he describes it as a group of

perform the Hajj or Umrah. From the

people whose actions and existence is

Dubai case study it can be inferred that

simply functional to the individual

the Emirate's strive to become a global

interests of the members, where both

city goes in conjunction with its aim to

social bonds and community spirit are

attract

trivial. 56 Consequently this might aid in

Conversely, because of the strict visa

making Dubai a city with many users

requirements of the Kingdom, it leads to

and no inhabitants.

the questioning of the reason these

the

rationale

both

business

and

tourism.

skyscrapers are being built, especially in

3.4 Case Study 2, Makkah:

cities other than religious tourism cities While it was stated previously that Saudi Makkah and Al-Madinah. The grounds Arabia's

adoption

building for building skyscrapers in both Makkah

skyscrapers

relatively

new and Al-Madinah were explained in

methodology that is being adapted, it is Chapter one. If it is assumed that the key to understand the reasoning behind reasons stated previously are adequate to the adoption of this approach. It is justify the building of skyscrapers, it is important to note that currently Saudi important to note how these buildings 55

Michele Acuto, "High‐Rise Dubai Urban Entrepreneurialism and the Technology and Symbolic Power,"pp.272‐289. 56 F. Tönnies as cited by Michele Acuto, "High‐ Rise Dubai Urban Entrepreneurialism and the Technology and Symbolic Power,"p.282

are being implemented. The goal of this case study is not to question the

37 | P a g e

Figure 12: Salah Malkawi, "The Royal Mecca Clock Tower," 2010. Photograph. (http://www.nytimes.com/imagepages/2010/12/30/arts/MECCA.html).

reasoning for building skyscrapers in

rendition of London's Big Ben", the

Makkah, rather it is in order to question

clock tower is part of a complex that

the approach implemented in building

houses an 800 room hotel, a gigantic

these high rise buildings, and examining

shopping mall and a prayer room able to

this method’s sensitivity to what may be

accommodate thousands of people, see

considered the holiest Islamic site.

figure 12. 57

Nicolai Ouroussoff, critic of the New

While the validity of building such a

York

Angawi,

complex adjacent to what is considered

prominent Saudi Architect, both agree

the holiest Islamic site in the world may

architectural

be questionable on its own, the fact that

developments in Makkah are absurd.

an 18th century Ottoman fortress and the

Times,

that

the

and

Sami

current

The enormous clock tower, the tallest clock tower in the world, built to the south of the Al-Haram mosque is described by Ouroussoff as a "kitsch

"New Look for Mecca: Gargantuan and

Gaudy," Last modified December 29, 2010. http://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/30/arts/desi gn/30mecca.html?_r=1.

38 | P a g e

Figure 13: Nytimes, "Untitled," 2010. Geoeye via Google Earth. (http://www.nytimes.com/imagepages/2010/12/30/arts/30meccamap.html?ref=design).

hill it stood on were both demolished in

the recent development is “[It] is the

order to make way for it is absurd, figure

commercialization of the house of God",

13 shows areas cleared for development.

Sami may be considered the vocal critic

The clock tower complex is just the

that voices the criticism of the locals,

beginning of a string of projects intended

that find the constructions appalling. 59

for the centre of Makkah, the projects

While officials claim that the boom in

include luxury skyscrapers, train lines,

construction

hotels and a vast expansion of the Holy

demolition

mosque. 58 Angawi explicitly states that

accommodate the increasing number of

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/30/arts/desi gn/30mecca.html?_r=1. 59 New Look for Mecca: Gargantuan and Gaudy," Last modified December 29, 2010.

"New Look for Mecca: Gargantuan and Gaudy," Last modified December 29, 2010.

and is

vital

the in

associated order

39 | P a g e

pilgrims

and

visitors,

consensus

the

among

preservationists

which considers much of the history and

architects,

artefacts that are post the era of prophet

some

Mohammed (peace be upon him) to be

invalid, thus making them disposable.

Ouroussoff, is that the motive behind the

As is the case with Dubai, these

developments is purely financial gain. 60

developments

The changes effect the spiritual quality

segregation, where the wealthy habituate

of the Al-Haram Mosque as much as it

these complexes and the poor are lead

effects the urban fabric. One of the

out of the city centre. 61 Angawi states

prevailing characteristics of the mosque

that Makkah is being cleansed of

was its relationship with the nearby

Makkans, it has effected both the middle

mountains, the mountains offer a sense

class and the poor, by pushing them to

of intimacy by surrounding the mosque,

the outskirts of Makkah or even as far as

while they are also significant sacared

Jeddah. Faisal Al-Mubarak, an urban

Islamic sites. This intimacy will surely

planner at the ministry of tourism and

be effected by the addition of new

antiquities, concurs with Angawi and

towers,

adds that “The irony is that developers

governing

and

general

officials,

that

even according

will

dwarf

their

surroundings. Additionally

are

causing

social

argue that the more towers you build the Ouroussoff

marks

the

more views you have...but only rich

relative ease in which the plans have

people go inside these towers. They have

been implemented are due to the Kingdom's harsh understanding of Islam, 61 60

"New Look for Mecca: Gargantuan and Gaudy," Last modified December 29, 2010.

"New Look for Mecca: Gargantuan and Gaudy," Last modified December 29, 2010. 40 | P a g e

the views. 62 ” It is important to note that

am in Mecca (Makkah) and go around

the conflict is not simply a matter of

the Kaaba, I don’t look up. 65 ”

class segregation, rather it reflects a

The developments in Makkah are merely

divide between those who believe in

a few of similar plans that are intended

excessive capitalism and those who

for other parts of the country, to

think there is no place for it in Makkah,

exemplify there are the King Abdullah

which is considered the epitome of ideal

Financial

equality. 63

District,

Princess

Noura

Angawi

University and Al-Yamamah University

always

built on the outskirts of Riyadh, and the

supposed to be a time when everyone is

King Abdullah Economic city, about an

the same. There are no classes, no

hour's drive from Jeddah.

nationalities. It is the one place where

Islamic suggests,

social “The

Hajj

was

we find balance. You are supposed to leave worldly things behind you. 64 ” However

the

government

seems

indifferent to the reactions it has received.

response

Angawi's

comments, Minister of tourism and antiquities, Prince Sultan said, “When I 62

"New Look for Mecca: Gargantuan and Gaudy," Last modified December 29, 2010. 63 "New Look for Mecca: Gargantuan and Gaudy," Last modified December 29, 2010. 64 "New Look for Mecca: Gargantuan and Gaudy," Last modified December 29, 2010.

"New Look for Mecca: Gargantuan and Gaudy," Last modified December 29, 2010. 41 | P a g e

Chapter 4

42 | P a g e

case study of Dubai was used in order to

4.1 Conclusion:

accumulate

comprehensive

In order to conclude, although research behind the origins of this construction into the stylistic origins of the region and type and the effects of it. While origins the

massive

leap

constructionfor high rise buildings maybe found in

accelerated

evolution

may

give

a the stylistic history of some of the areas

glimpse of what may be the future of the of the Kingdom, this argument is both Kingdom,

comprehensive very location oriented and subject to

research into previous endeavours will scarcity to be considered a valid reason aid and give a clearer image. According for the construction of high rise in the to

the

High

Commission

for

the present time.

Development of Arriyadh, in less than a From the physical attributes examined in century the area of the city of Arriyadh this paper, while demolition proved to be has witnessed an increase by over a a controlled process if it is carefully thousand fold, which was accompanied implemented correctly. A revelation by

200

time

increase

the

population. 66 While this is no indication

during the further examination of the implications of demolition is of the

of the high rise trend, it exemplifies the social consequences that it causes. In ongoing evolution of the cities of the chapter 3, it is apparent that demolition Kingdom. Since the construction of high directly effects place identity and social rise buildings in the Kingdom maybe cohesion, with the aid of the rapid considered a fairly new trend the aid of a evolution and size and population 66

Abdullatif, Al‐Sheikh, "Strategic Master Plan of Riyadh" (Higher Administration for the Development of Riyadh, 1996) p.2.

increase of the region, unnecessary

43 | P a g e

demolition leads to the emergence of

what the influence of those aspects in the

these repercussions.

occupation of the building is. 67 While

While demolition is a factor that aids in

the Kingdom has succumbed to copying

this loss of identity, the main culprit is

western metropolises, Angawi condemns

the blind search for city rankings and

this to an extent, he stresses that it is not

icon making, in general the search for

the buildings that should be mimicked,

primacy,

rather it is the ideas behind them of

whether

locally

internationally. This method of place

sustainability

making has proven to be unsuccessful

conscious buildings, rather than getting

as seen in both Dubai and Makkah.

occupied with building the tallest towers

While the appeal of high rise buildings is

which has become a dated movement in

discussed in chapter 2, financial gain is

the West. 68 Angawi also emphasizes the

suggested to be the ulterior motive that

importance of preserving heritage sites, a

is concluded from both the case studies

notion that Saudi Arabia seems to

analysed. A methodology that might be

oppose. He further goes on to challenge

appropriate for the Kingdom to adopt is

the claim that the Kingdom is imitating

Sami Angawis's concept of Al-Mizan

the western world, by saying “If we are

(the scale), thus balance guides the

imitating the western world, then we are

design. The notion that Angawi puts

not doing it correctly. They have proven

forward

neither

everywhere else in the world that the

traditionalist nor modernist, it is a

most valuable parts of the city are the

concept that aims to serve the social,

one

that

functional and environmental factors and

and

environmentally

"New Look for Mecca: Gargantuan and Gaudy," Last modified December 29, 2010. 68 "New Look for Mecca: Gargantuan and Gaudy," Last modified December 29, 2010. 44 | P a g e

old parts, so there must be something

of two case studies in order to gain a

wrong either with the 50 years of

further understanding of the problem.

experience, or with our thinking. 69 ”

A possible preposition for the planning of the cities of the Kingdom of Saudi

4.2 Recommendations:

Arabia is to explore the notion of At the heart of the dissertation an answer constructing

developments

that

are

to the validity of the reasoning behind located on the outskirts of the city thus the

building

skyscrapers

was diluting the congestion at the city centre.

attempted. While the research in this Examples of this have already been thesis may be considered limited, its carried out in developments such as purpose was to question the building of Princess Noura University and King high rise in the cities of the Kingdom, by Abdullah Financial District and Alanalysing their physical implications and Yamamah University, they have all been their social repercussions. The thesis constructed on the outskirts of the city of focused on studying the traditional style Riyadh. In the history of Riyadh's of the region, the physical implications evolution as a city, it has expanded of skyscrapers during three distinct numerous of times, thus incorporating stages of the life cycle of the building, areas that might have been considered and finally carrying out an examination remote into the city. Additionally, renovating older parts of the cities could be a possible solution, and in some 69

"Arabian Nightmare." Last modified August 4, 2010. http://www.constructionweekonline.com/articl e‐9119‐arabian‐nightmare/2

situations vital, in terms of the areas that have become slums. Further research

45 | P a g e

into

whether

any

purposely

built

metropolises have been successful in creating an identity while proving to be sustainable and able to adapt with the society it accommodates would result in a more comprehensive understanding of planning methods. Additionally, moving away from this race of tower height should be abandoned. A decision on the identity of the city should be reached, before implementing a plan that provides a

sustainable

environment

for

the

occupants.

46 | P a g e

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50 | P a g e

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