Strengthening the architectural identity of Makkah Al-Mukarramah’s buildings: an assessment of the impact of laws and regulations

Abstract

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s future vision (Vision 2030) focuses on the enhancement of the urban and architectural identity of cities, where in (2022) King Salman Charter for Architecture and Urbanism was issued to improve residents’ quality of life through the establishment of architectural environments that emphasize cultural and environmental heritage while also simulating future developments. Makkah Al-Mukarramah is distinguished by its religious uniqueness being the ground of the Holy Mosque and a set of natural factors, all of this influenced the formation of its distinctive architectural identity over time, However, for the sake of development projects, and expansion of the Haram Al-Sharif, demolition of many of Makkah’s old neighborhoods occurred leading to declining the city’s historical urban fabric, this development was governed by regulations and rules that focusing only on organizational aspects without considering the architectural identity. This crystallizes the research problem in two main points: “What are the regulations and legislation that led to Makkah losing its distinctive architectural identity?” What function may legislation and laws possibly play in the long-term rehabilitation of Makkah’s distinct architectural identity? The purpose of this research is to define the architectural and urban identity, as well as the major factors that influence them. Also, investigate the impact of the urban development of Makkah on the city’s architectural identity. And the extraction of design requirements for the control of architectural identity. The research uses a theoretical approach to understand the principles of architectural identity and character, as well as to measure the influence of laws and regulations on preserving and enhancing the architectural identity. a descriptive-analytical approach to analyze the laws and regulations related to the architectural identity of several selected cities; to come at a set of criteria that contribute to preserving the identity, following that, a questionnaire is developed for the opinion of academic architects as well as engineers specialized in this field, to try to find the flaw that caused the loss of character and to make some recommendations to correct the flaws caused by lack of attention to architectural identity.

1 Introduction

Architecture is influenced by natural variables such as climate and geographical location, as well as human variables such as religious and social concerns. These aspects serve as the fundamental foundation for the establishment of norms that contribute to the formation of architectural identity in various parts of the world at various times [15].

1.1 Identity and heritage

In linguistics, identity refers to the same thing and its reality, however in philosophy, identity refers to the reality of something that separates it from others [6], and some specialists describe it as the possession of a thing with a special essence. Identity is a broad, holistic term that can be characterized as an intellectual state that develops in a person through a series of affiliations that reflect his connection to his society, culture, and civilization. It can be characterized as a process of production and formation that is influenced by people’s cultural and social circumstances. Some experts believe that there is a connection between tradition and identity. This is because tradition is one of the most fundamental axes that explain the notion of identity, and it plays a significant part in determining the scope that it expresses [1].

The relevance of architecture is demonstrated in showcasing the identity of civilizations by interpreting and expressing them through edifices and buildings that express the importance of the place’s identity. As a result, the architectural identity is produced via the use of certain features that express it, and architecture is an efficient means of showcasing the community's identity and distinguishing it from other cultures [1].

Some specialists defined architectural heritage as facilities and buildings that have stood the test of time and proven their originality in the face of various continuous factors of change, earning them a high moral value until they became a witness to the era that chronicles the place and connects the human being with his environment, emphasizing the importance of architectural heritage as a constant reference. It motivates architects, property owners, and researchers to develop better buildings and environments [5].

1.2 Character

The urban character is the functional and visual arrangement of the place, and urbanization takes on its particular character and shapes through the peripheral experience of space, and the character of cities distinguishes them from one another [3].

Architectural character is influenced by the surrounding environment; therefore, buildings take on a shape that corresponds to the surrounding environment, and via these cultural and spatial influences, a collection of distinguishing traits that comprise the architectural character is produced [3].

1.3 Factors affecting architectural identity

Different towns and regions’ architectural forms have traits and language that differentiate them from one another and constitute their unique architectural character. Many influencing variables impact the character, which is split into two categories: natural causes such as “temperature and the basic shape of the site” and “civilized” human factors such as “religion, politics, and social factors” [17] (Fig. 1).

Fig. 1

Illustrates the variables influencing Architectural identity (researchers)

1.4 Hijazi architectural identity

The western region’s architecture is distinguished by the diversity of functions, the use of stone and brick in construction, and the use of light in finishing the building [2]. Hijazi architecture is further distinguished by the use of architectural terminologies such as rawashin and shwabeer, as well as geometric and botanical inscriptions on woodwork or light etching [13].

1.5 Makkah Al-Mukarramah's architectural identity

Makkah was honored as the Prophet’s birthplace, the landing spot of revelation, and the home of peace. Makkah is rich in distinct and authentic architectural and urban history since it comprises various historical places related to Islamic identity [16]. The use of native materials like stone, bricks, wood, and clay, as well as the utilization of light, is one of the most distinguishing features of Meccan architectural identity. Finishing and decoration work, as well as architectural treatments owing to the area’s terrain, such as building on many stories and employing exteriors instead of courtyards, as well as architectural treatments connected to the climate, such as the use of brushes in apertures and flanges in roofs [14].

The research gap symbolizes the lack of specific norms or requirements that support the architectural character of the location and maintain the architectural legacy in Makkah, which resulted in two problems: The first is those earlier construction initiatives in Makkah resulted in the loss of a substantial portion of the region’s architectural fabric, This resulted in the deterioration of the place’s architectural identity and the loss of many historic buildings with distinctive character, and the second is that modern constructions lack standards that support the architectural character and unity of the site.

The purpose of this research is to establish some theoretical ideas such as architectural and urban character and identity, as well as the fundamental variables influencing them. Also, investigate the impact of urban development in Makkah on the city's architectural character. And to control the architectural character through achieving architectural design needs. And an attempt to identify flaws in architectural criteria relating to the character of Makkah. And make recommendations that help to correct the flaw caused by a lack of attention to architectural character.

2 Materials and methods

The research methodology used the descriptive approach to study and describe the architectural identity of Makkah and the architectural requirements in Makkah and case studies, then the analytical method by studying the building requirements in several locals, regional, and global regions, by studying the requirements related to the exterior components of the building, which are:

• Entrance.

• The building’s boundary is surrounded by corridors.

• Interfaces and openings.

• Awakening and recoiling.

• Bloc.

• Finishes and colors.

This is done to derive design criteria for facades that may be used to gauge the level of interest in the architectural character in the study model, as well as basic criteria for setting requirements that preserve the architectural character in the study model. A criterion for selecting cities to be studied has been established: they must have documented, specific, and published requirements for buildings and high-rise buildings both locally and in the regional and international environment.

And a questionnaire was created to measure opinion as a primary tool for finding answers to the study’s problem by presenting it to a subset of the target groups. There were also several limitations to the research, such as geographical spatial determinants, where the study will be limited to the part located within the central region or on one of the main axes of Makkah, or both, and the qualitative determinant of the function of the building, which is whether the building is a hotel or intended for pilgrim housing.

3 Results and discussion

3.1 Architectural vocabulary in Meccan architecture

See Table 1.

Table 1 Shows the architectural features that contribute to the development of the Meccan edifice [12]

3.2 An analytical study of the architectural requirements related to character

This area of the research focuses on the study of construction requirements in various local, regional, and worldwide regions, including the requirements linked to the outside components of the building:

• Entrance.

• The building’s boundary is surrounded by corridors.

• Interfaces and openings.

• Awakening and recoiling.

• Bloc.

• Finishes and colors.

3.2.1 Entrance

• Madinah’s center area, where the construction handbook for the neighborhoods of Madinah’s central area stipulates that the main entrances be emphasized so that pedestrians may clearly distinguish them. This may be seen in the design of the facades as well as the horizontal planes. 1432 [7].

• The core district of London (Canada): the requirements verified that regression from the facade line is permitted in the case that building entrances are given. individual construction [8] (Fig. 2).

  Fig. 2

  

  Shows examples of the application of the entrance requirements in Medina’s central region (researcher)

3.2.2 The building’s boundary is surrounded by corridors

• To ensure pedestrian path continuity, the building manual for the neighborhoods of Medina’s [7] core area calls for covered pedestrian walkways in front of the facades viewing the streets, which are linked to the pedestrian paths of nearby buildings. Except for the arches of the main entrances and the entrances to the part designated for parking, the arches on the front of the pedestrian corridor are complete, and it is not accepted to build part of the arch with the unification of the shape of the arches in a semi-circular shape, and the unification of their heights as well. Corridors are next to multiple buildings so that the oldest is the reference while preventing electrical or plumbing installations or false ceilings to guarantee that the overall appearance of the corridors is not compromised (Fig. 3).

  Fig. 3

  

  Shows models of the standards’ application in contiguous covered corridors (researcher)

3.2.3 Interfaces and openings

• The criteria in the central district of London (Canada) [8] stressed attention to aesthetic features in the design of the facade such as (Corniche lines, colors, and windows), stressing its autonomous individuality, and its complements and does not overpower the buildings surrounding it. The percentage of glass used in the facade of the stores should be between 40 and 50%.

• Concerning the basement floors, the building is required to be constructed with a height of 4.5 m on the ground floor, and a relationship is taken into account in the height of the ground floor from the base and the ground floor in the adjacent residential buildings, and the height of the base of the building is parallel to the height of the base in the neighboring buildings if any, and in the absence of Its presence The constructed building adheres to the minimum height between 3 and 5 floors, and if the building is on a corner, the height of the base in the streets must change according to the neighboring buildings on each street (Table 2).

  Table 2 Analytical table of interface and opening requirements (rephrased by the researcher) [8]

3.2.4 Awakening and recoiling

• The criteria in the central area of the city of London (Canada) [8] indicate that the setback of the center area of the building shall not be less than 3 m from the mass of the base; it shall not be less than 12.5 m from the midway line and the side and rear land boundaries.

• The requirements of the National Organization for Urban Harmony [18] are confirmed in the Zamalek area of Cairo (Egypt), that in the event of adding new roles to heritage buildings or buildings of outstanding value; the current roof must be preserved and retracted so that its appearance is not distorted, and Fig. 4 illustrates the problem that the brochure hopes to avoid in the future.

  Fig. 4

  

  Shows the problem before the demand and the necessity to solve it [18]

3.2.5 Bloc

• The standards for building mass in the core district of London (Canada) [8] stressed the distribution of the building’s mass to include the whole facade line. Large gaps of more than 10 m are not recommended, and any gaps must be covered with artificial facades or natural walls at the same construction level as the building.

• If the site is on a corner, the building’s block must be on the corner, and in the case of tower buildings, the highest block should be in the corner, and if the building is located on a large angle, the building is closer to the wide street, and in the case of tall buildings, the building is divided into three parts (base, middle, apex), and adhere to the base of what was mentioned above in the construction line confirmation (Table 3).

  Table 3 Showing high-rise building block division

3.2.6 Finishes and colors

• In the Zamalek district of Cairo (Egypt) [18], it was underlined in the building criteria that the finishing of new buildings close to heritage buildings should take into account the manner of completing them to fit with and not clash with the heritage buildings. To match the heritage buildings, wooden windows were used instead of aluminum windows. In addition, mirror glass, stainless steel, and industrial fittings for air conditioning are not permitted.

• Several major factors were emphasized in the choosing of facade materials in the architectural needs of the central district of London (Canada) [8] namely:

• a. Choosing high-grade materials to help improve the region's quality.

• b. The building materials that are suggested for use (cut stone, brick, concrete, curtain glass).

• c. Choosing non-reflective materials to protect birds from collisions with large buildings.

3.2.7 Conclusions of an analytical study of the architectural requirements related to character

See Table 4.

Table 4 Shows the criteria derived from the analytical study

3.3 Makkah Al-Mukarramah: case study

3.3.1 The current state of architecture in Makkah’s Holy City

The city of Makkah suffers from the fading of most historical features as a result of contemporary development and the formation of development projects in Makkah inside and beyond the city's central zone [9, 10]. The classification results in the loss of a large part of the distinctive urban fabric of Makkah, as well as the loss of the majority of architectural monuments within the central region, due to the policy of removal and replacement to maximize economic return, but this policy results in the loss of the distinctive historical character of Makkah’s heart (the central region) [11].

3.3.2 By reading the regulations, it becomes clear [4]

• ○ The following rules govern the shape and character of the building:

  • The maximum percentage of construction on the ground floor is 50% of the land area.

  • The project may surpass the maximum number of roles allowed, as long as it does not exceed double (other than service roles).

  • Design innovation and creativity, as well as highlighting the characteristics of Islamic and local architecture and the project’s urban features.

• ○ There is no definition or concept of what constitutes Islamic or local architecture, and this is left to the discretion of the Secretariat's Distinguished Projects Committee.

3.3.3 Analytical study of chosen architectural models in Makkah Al-Mukarramah

• ○ Model selection criteria:

  • That the model is positioned inside the spatial boundaries established by the research (within the central region or on one of the main axes of Makkah or both).

  • The form should be placed on a major thoroughfare.

  • The building’s height should be greater than ten stories.

  • The building should be used as a hotel or to house pilgrims.

    

3.4 A questionnaire for professionals and academics on Makkah Al-architectural Mukarramah's identity

This questionnaire was created to be a primary instrument for creating answers to the study’s problem, and it is an electronic questionnaire designed on the Google Forms platform to ease distribution to the study population. The statistical analysis was completed around two months ago to arrive at the questionnaire results.

3.4.1 Study limitations

This study was directed to two samples represented:

• ○ Form No. (1) addressed to (for employees of secretariats, municipalities, and engineering offices specialized in issuing building permits).

• ○ Form No. (2) directed at (academic architects, students, and graduates of architectural specialties).

with a period for participation ranging from 10/13/1442 AH to 30/11/1442 AH.

3.4.2 Governing elements

This questionnaire was created with a set of control elements that govern its orientation in mind. This questionnaire is divided into two sections:

• o The first section attempts to identify the significance of architectural character, ascertain the research problem, identify the reasons for this problem, and the relevant solutions; this section includes 11 questions; 9 required multiple-choice questions and two optional open-ended questions.

• o The second half of the questionnaire is made up of ten mandatory questions with a multiple-choice method. This section tries to incorporate the two groups’ perspectives on a set of criteria and specified requirements for upgrading the architectural character.

3.4.3 Mechanisms of the questionnaire

The researchers followed the following procedures to carry out this study:

• 1- Preparing the theoretical framework: a review of numerous past studies relating to the subject of the inquiry.

• 2- Developing a set of questions and then refining and decreasing them depending on the importance of the question, its relevance to the topic of the study, the clarity of its wording, as well as the question's shortness and ease of resolution.

• 3- The initial form was provided to a group of specialists in the field of research to form an initial sample to test the compatibility of the form's content to the study sample.

• 4- The re-audit and modification stage: the study instruments were updated based on the results of the initial sample and the opinions of the specialists, and the final form of the form was obtained as a result.

• 5- Application of the study tools: in their final form, on the study's main sample.

• 6- Conducting statistical analyses: obtaining numerical findings that directly convey the viewpoint of the study sample and concluding.

• 7- Discussing and interpreting the study's findings.

• 8- Deriving and composing the proposed recommendations.

3.4.4 The questionnaire’s first section

The answers to the first section of the questionnaire for Model No. 1 and Model No. 2 will be displayed in a graph under this title.

3.4.5 The questionnaire’s second section

3.4.6 Questionnaire findings

The Questionnaire yielded the following results:

• 1- There is no distinct general trait that distinguishes Makkah.

• 2- The lack of architectural rules that protect architectural character has directly impacted the loss of character in Makkah.

• 3- People prefer modern buildings with traditional aspects.

• 4- Focusing on and paying attention to archaeological buildings has a significant impact on conserving the architectural character of the area.

• 5- Applying the rules for conserving architectural identity to individual districts or streets is more effective and efficient than applying them to the city as a whole.

• 6- Creating specific architectural requirements for the architectural character will improve the overall appearance of the building in Makkah.

4 Results

The search yielded the following results:

4.1 General results

• 1- In the modern age, the city of Makkah has undergone considerable development. In terms of the extension of the urban area and the development of Mecca’s urban area.

• 2- Making the urban character of Makkah stand out.

• 3- Most of the buildings with a distinct traditional character in the center region of Makkah were demolished as part of development efforts in the region.

• 4- Without compromising the building’s distinctiveness, emphasis was made on respecting the overall arrangement in the building, particularly in the adjacent buildings in terms of floor heights, apertures, and color.

• 5- By evaluating and comparing the architectural requirements connected to the character in similar situations, certain criteria have been obtained that contribute to the preservation of the general character of cities, namely:

A table showing some of the analytical study’s findings and criteria
No	Element	Description
1	Entrances	• Highlighting and differentiating the entry block so that passersby can see it
2	Bloc	• A single building line that cannot be built before or after it • Buildings are divided into three sections (base body crown) • Considering the design of the tops of buildings in a way that contributes to the aesthetics of the city's skyline • If the buildings are adjacent to each other, the heights must be harmonized, with the oldest building serving as the reference
3	Awakening and recoiling	• Allow architectural vocabulary like the rawashin to emerge from the building, with the greatest protrusion determined by the width of the street from which it protrudes
4	Interfaces and openings	• Using local architectural vocabulary (Meccan) • Considering the parallelism of the baselines in neighboring buildings' windows • Taking into account, as much as practicable, the similar heights of service levels in nearby buildings
5	The building’s boundary is surrounded by corridors	• Promoting the use of contracts for basement decoration
6	Finishes and colors	• Encouraging the finishing of buildings with natural materials as much as feasible, and if this is not possible, materials that convey a comparable character are utilized • In the case of adjacent buildings, the colors of the finishes must be constant while still allowing each building to have its personality •Glass raw materials should be united in the same building, with low-reflective glass being used • Choosing a set of materials and colors to be utilized in finishing, and if they are not accessible, using substitute materials that are similar in texture and color • The use of a maximum of four finishing materials in the same building must be considered, as must the consistency of the materials used in the same building

4.2 The Makkah Al-Mukarramah study’s results

• 1- There are no architectural requirements, as we discovered after reviewing the paper of the tentative plan for Makkah.

• 2- In terms of lands that do not satisfy the parameters of the distinctive projects, there are no architectural character requirements.

• 3- Linking the differentiated project’s system to the land area resulted in unpredictability in the overall building form and evident discrepancies in the design and finishing of the facades at the level of a single place (street or area).

• 4- The emphasis on the distinguished projects resulted in a distinct difference in form between the distinguished projects and the other projects.

• 5- There is no obligation in the architectural character criteria, but rather an incentive for unusual buildings; and that is by permitting distinctive projects to exceed the region's heights by 15% in exchange for a set of regulations, including attention to character.

• 6- According to the Secretariat, there is no specification for the meaning of Islamic architecture or local architecture, rendering these terms ambiguous and open to interpretation by the accreditation committee.

• 7- Lack to articulate specific standards for the character in distinctive projects, resulting in chaos and inconsistency in the design of distinctive buildings.

• 8- Leading to a shortage of restrictions over building finishes or stipulations requiring owners to utilize materials permitted by the municipality, owners changed the finishes after approval for economic reasons.

5 Conclusions and recommendations

This research presents various recommendations that contribute to enriching the architectural identity of Makkah, as well as eliminating visual distortion and achieving building facade homogeneity; which:

• 1- Setting precise architectural regulations, requirements, and guidelines that contribute to the enhancement of the Meccan architectural identity.

• 2- Dedicated to the use of Meccan architectural vocabulary and the establishment of aesthetic criteria for the design of building facades.

• 3- To the greatest extent possible, natural materials from the region's environment or industrial materials of a comparable kind are used to complete buildings.

• 4- Considering the architectural character of all projects, particularly those in the core region and important axes, and not confining attention to distinctive projects.

• 5- Modifying the site regulations with the organization of distinctive projects in Makkah and the usage of domains in applying the character (a specific region or a specific street) rather than attaching the distinguished projects to the land requirements.

• 6- Using the spaces around historical buildings and the city's main axis as sites for the application of architectural regulations concerned with the architectural character of the place.

• 7- Concentrating on connecting development projects to their surroundings and ensuring that they are not isolated from them.

• 8- The secretariat must focus on strengthening architectural character, monitoring projects after approval, and ensuring that project owners do not tamper with facade design or change finishes without permission from the competent authority.

• 9- Awareness of the relevance of the architectural character of the location and the necessity to pay attention to the design of the exterior of the buildings in line with the surrounding environment among specialists from the secretariats and municipalities, as well as the staff of engineering offices.

• 10- Owners' understanding of the significance of the architectural character of the facades and their positive or negative effects on the architectural shape of the city.