Redefining the Edge

This project is an inquiry into the idea of public spaces and recreation along the Persian Gulf. It aims at identifying the disparity that exists between the populations of the Saudi Arabian city of Al-Khobar. The expatriate community, accounting for 44% of the city’s population, is at neglect by the locals when it comes to acceptance and tolerance. Al-Khobar, being one of the fastest-growing urban centers in the Middle East, results in a very robotic and mundane lifestyle for its dwellers. The Cornish Waterfront development serves as a getaway for the city’s inhabitants. The sole presence of the sea brings calm and joy to the people, they go fishing, walk, run and distress. A disparity exists between the locals and the ex-pats, between work and recreation, and between the land and sea.

My thesis is an architectural response to the site, the local/ex-pat population of the dwellers of Al Khobar and the deep-rooted history of the regional Arabs as fishermen and traders. The architectural typology includes a market place that is a contemporary interpretation of a souk market-place that showcases not only the Arab but also the culture of the various ex-pats through the variety of food, goods, commerce, and trade (specific regional goods). In addition, an underwater awareness center that showcases the endangered undersea life of the Arabian Gulf sea and informs visitors on their importance to the ecosystem, their beauty and being more responsible citizens. An Arts Center features art galleries and libraries along with workshop spaces for hands-on experiences and one on one learning when it comes to understanding local and foreign crafts, arts and culture. An open-air fish market that activities during the night time, when the temperature drops, and provides a platform for fishermen to public interaction and reviving the once-booming fishing industry of the region.

This design adds quality to the rather monotonous seaside development. An architectural response that places people at its core. Adding places of interest in one of the fastest-growing urban centers in the kingdom, the design not only is beneficial to the local community but also the steadily growing tourism industry.

Redefining the Edge by Saad Shahid in Pakistan won the WA Award Cycle 34. Please find below the WA Award poster for this project.