King Abdulaziz University, one of the leading academic institutions in Saudi Arabia, is preparing to launch the "Echoes of the Past" exhibition tomorrow. Organized by the Faculty of Architecture and Planning, specifically the Geomatics Department, this important cultural and scientific event reflects the university's ongoing efforts to integrate academic learning with practical application, highlighting architecture, heritage, and ecotourism from a contemporary and innovative perspective.
National cultural background and context
The “Echoes of the Past” exhibition is part of a broader national initiative to celebrate and preserve Saudi Arabia’s rich heritage, a key pillar of Saudi Vision 2030. The Kingdom is witnessing a growing interest in reviving its unique architectural heritage, not only as part of its historical identity but also as a source of inspiration for the future and a driver of sustainable development and cultural tourism. Educational institutions, most notably King Abdulaziz University, founded in 1967, play a pivotal role in this endeavor by training national talent capable of engaging with heritage using advanced scientific and technological methods, and connecting the past with the present and future.
Exhibition objectives and importance
The exhibition primarily aims to highlight the aesthetics and values of traditional Saudi architecture and explore its profound environmental and cultural dimensions. What distinguishes this initiative, however, is its use of cutting-edge technologies such as geospatial information systems (geomatics) and artificial intelligence to offer a fresh and innovative interpretation of this heritage. This approach reflects the advanced level of training of the college's students and their ability to adapt scientific knowledge to serve national heritage, opening new horizons in the fields of digital documentation and spatial analysis of heritage sites.
Interactive content and expected impact
The exhibition will offer visitors a comprehensive learning journey, showcasing examples of projects by King Abdulaziz University students that embody the architectural identity and geographical diversity of the Kingdom's various regions, from the Hijazi style in the west to the Najdi style in the central region and the Asiri style in the south. In addition to the student projects, there will be interactive displays highlighting regional architectural styles and the influence of the natural environment and climate on their formation. The exhibition is expected to attract a large number of school students from Jeddah, aiming to cultivate their early awareness of the importance of urban planning and geomatics, and to instill in them an interest in architectural heritage from a contemporary scientific and technological perspective.
Supporting the goals of Vision 2030
The “Echoes of the Past” exhibition is a practical manifestation of King Abdulaziz University’s efforts to support the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, particularly in the areas of sustainability, developing the ecotourism and cultural tourism sector, and strengthening national identity. Dr. Rayan Sahahiri, the course instructor and exhibition supervisor, explained that the initiative aims to offer a modern interpretation of traditional architecture through spatial analysis tools and digital technologies, contributing to improving the quality of future urban development projects and enriching tourism and cultural experiences across the Kingdom. Thus, the exhibition represents a unique educational and interactive platform that combines scientific research with student creativity, contributing to raising awareness of the importance of architectural heritage as a cornerstone of national identity and sustainable development.
