Rodić Davidson explores heritage, preservation and conservation

During our visit to Cityscape Global 2024 in Riyadh, we visited Diriyah, northwest of the city.

As of 2010, the At-Turiaf District of Diriyah gained historical and heritage status, now registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Diriyah Gate is a mixed-use heritage and tourism development project, which aims to represent the modern capital of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The main aims of the project are to create a district which preserves heritage whilst creating educational and cultural opportunities, towards the goal of the Kingdoms Vision 2030. The masterplan includes landscaped spaces, social, play and workspaces, forming a new picture for Riyadh living.

It’s refreshing to see the old city restored on a smaller scale, a distinct contrast to the large developments taking place. The approach to conservation of the site is one of minimal intervention, allowing for a considered approach for the different buildings and construction typologies. With the development plan developed around the restoration of the old city, at its core it is culture and heritage focused. Heritage features such as turrets, walls, gate structures have been retained, and new developments will combine traditional Najdi architecture styles with modern urbanism. Ultimately, recognising that the history of Diriyah is worthy of conservation and preservation.

At Rodic Davidson, the nature of the work that we undertake requires us to place conservation at the core of our design approach. Our clients are very often attracted to a particular building for the inherent characteristics that come with a heritage property, whether this be a townhouse in Belgravia, or a hotel in Piccadilly. Our approach to conservation is to care for the existing heritage and building fabric, whilst also introducing sensitive and considered contemporary interventions. Fundamentally, as with the new vision for Diriyah, well designed contemporary additions become part of the layered history. Whilst recognising that buildings should be worthy of protection and conserved.