BY NAUREEN AHMED
They say that every building, every work of art has its own soul. And if we’re talking about the skyscrapers and architecture in Riyadh, it’s HRH King Salman who gave them a traditional yet new soul; a style that has an awareness of the past, a celebration of the present and much thought for an unknown yet exciting future. The “Salmani Style” is here to stay.
The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques His Royal Highness King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud has been king of Saudi Arabia since 2015. Before that, he was the governor of Riyadh for almost 50 years. The capital flourished under his care and guidance. Riyadh has become one of the wealthiest cities in the world with a vibrant economy swathed in rich culture and dotted with tall buildings.
King Salman oversaw the development of Riyadh and while that meant new ideas and structures, he firmly believed in the combination of the city’s glorious past and bold aspirations coming together to form one cohesive and authentic identity. His vast knowledge and understanding of Saudi Arabia’s history and heritage led to what is now known as “Salmani” style in architecture and design.
The “Salmani” architecture is known as a “ unique architectural style that is modern and futuristic but also embodies the authentic local architectural heritage.” Described by Prince Dr. Abdulaziz Bin Mohammed Bin Ayyaf in his article in Arab News entitled “Salmani Style Redefined Architecture in Riyadh”, the architecture is distinguished by its vitality, flexibility, and restriction to limited elements and items. It gave city planners and architects the freedom to plan and design while taking into consideration traditions and locations.
King Salman supported the modern plans for Riyadh. He helped select sites for major projects and drafted design guidelines for most of them. That is why even though most projects were designed by international consultancy agencies, they still fell under the Salmani style inspired by heritage and powered by the newest technologies. The Diplomatic Quarter is one example of this.
The Diplomatic Quarter is considered as one of Saudi Arabia’s most accomplished works of “green architecture”. It’s home to embassies and residential areas where most villas are equipped with smart home appliances and security. The neighborhood is strongly punctuated by elegant landscapes and lush trails. It made use of plants and materials that are already available in the surrounding valleys and desert. The DQ’s landscape is a self-sustaining ecological system that established King Salman’s commitment and passion for sustainability.
The city’s old mud houses, their courtyards and majlis inspired the designs for well-known buildings in Riyadh. Some projects in Riyadh like the King Abdul Aziz Historical Centre reflects the historical, political, and religious ingenuity and design of the old mud cities of Turaif in Diriyah, the original home of the Saud family, and the heritage village of Ushaiger in Shagra. These old living quarters are currently being renovated. In time, we will see the shining influence of the Salmani style in them; the palm trees swaying and the wadis flowing helping to tell their stories with the glittering Riyadh center skyline as its backdrop.
People often think that palaces are only lavishly ornate buildings. In Saudi Arabia, the Al Auja Palace in Riyadh is not your typical palace. Instead of displaying imported furnishings, the palace, also located in Diriyah, showcases the best of Saudi craftsmanship and Najd distinctive architecture with its hand-carved walls, mosaic floorings, and unique arabesque accents. The king’s simple yet exquisite taste in local architecture and style can be seen here. Other projects that incorporated the Salmani architecture include the buildings of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Riyadh Municipality headquarters.
Riyadh’s architecture adapts to the country’s geography and climate but more than that, it shows the tradition and culture of the Kingdom and its people. It also reflects the visions and aspirations of a truly great king. The Salmani style of architecture and design speaks for itself in Riyadh’s beautiful and unforgettable buildings and projects making them last for eternity.
