The development of housing in Jeddah :changes in built form from the traditional to the modern

Abstract

Jeddah is one of the most rapidly growing cities in Saudi Arabia. It has been transformed from a small town, enclosed by walls, into a metropolitan area in only about three decades. Housing construction has taken place everywhere in the city. This study describes the chronological development of the housing of Jeddah, the principal sea port of Saudi Arabia on the Red Sea and the gateway to the Holy City of Makkah. The study intends to identify the housing types and to analyse and illustrate the changes occurring in the residential units. It comprises four parts : The first part gives general background information about Jeddah. The second discusses the housing in its socio-physical context within the city, including the environment in which houses were built, namely the neighbourhood, housing types and their spatial concepts and construction techniques. The third deals with the main factors promoting change in housing and the physical structure of the city. The fourth is an attempt to present an overview of the architectural styles and trends in the city.