A new book by the co‑founders of Jeddah-based practice Bricklab looks to revive the reputation of the Saudi city’s architecture between 1938 and 1964
While architects marvel over the historic heart of Jeddah, the city’s equally impressive modernist heritage has been overlooked. That could change with the publication of a hefty new book, edited by brothers Abdulrahman and Turki Gazzaz, co‑founders of Jeddah-based practice Bricklab.
‘We felt that architecture of the period 1938-1964 had been glossed over as the frivolous product of a post-oil boom, which now needs rectification,’ says Turki. ‘In fact they reflect Jeddah as one of the few really cosmopolitan urban centres in the region.’
With an audience of professionals, students and even policymakers in mind, the editors point out the local specificity in mid-century works, which are often lazily lumped in with cities whose development followed a very different trajectory – from Abu Dhabi to Doha.
Essays by contemporary architects sit alongside excerpts of work by earlier historians, in a tripartite structure that looks at Jeddah’s urban development, architecture, and people. Fifteen case studies include some buildings that are already lost. The remainder have been captured by photographer Laurian Ghinitoiu.
Though diverse in character, the ‘mish-mash’ of buildings illustrated have some shared qualities: playful use of reinforced concrete; interest in the vernacular; civic ambition.
‘Our aim is not to be nostalgic about these buildings,’ says Abdulrahman. ‘We wanted to put ourselves in the shoes of people who packed their bags and moved from the old city for something new, and allow people to take what they want from that in the creation of architecture today.’
Saudi Modern: Jeddah in Transition 1938-1964. Edited by Abdulrahman and Turki Gazzaz. Contributors: Asaad Badawi, Lina Barnawi, Bricklab, Abdulrahman Gazzaz, Turki Gazzaz, Laurian Ghinițoiu, Safouh Naamani, Todd Reisz, Anhar Salem, Saudi Ethnographic Diary, Sumayya Vally, Abdulla Yahia Bokhari, Sameer Al Layali. Architangle, 336pp, €45.