Saudi architect designs building featuring traditional men’s headdress
Ghutra-shaped building design shortlisted for architecture and design award
Dubai: A young Saudi architect has designed a building that takes the shape of the traditional Saudi men’s headdress (ghutra), local media reported today.
In an interview with Al Ekhbariya state television, the fresh graduate, Hossam Mahjoub, said that he has been dreaming of introducing changes in the Saudi architecture that reflect the kingdom’s authentic culture in buildings.
The traditional Saudi men’s red and white-checkered headdress is popularly known as ghutra.
“I embarked on this project immediately after I finished my study abroad and returned to the kingdom. I am passionate about having our traditional culture and rich heritage be reflected in our architectural buildings,” Mahjoub said.
When asked about the idea of designing a Saudi ghutra-shaped building, Mahjoub said “many people, whom I met abroad, have always wondered what does the Saudi men’s headdress look like. This has prompted me to think of designing a building featuring our traditional ghutra.”
Mahjoub studied for two years about how to apply this idea, and found it easy to design it this way, quoting Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman as saying, “Neom project is the a place for dreamers.”
He added that the Crown Prince’s Neom project also inspired him to pursue his dream of designing the “Ghutra-shaped building”.
Mahjoub said the design is a candidate for the Architecture and Design Award as part of the cultural awards sponsored by Prince Badr Bin Abdullah bin Farhan, Minister of Culture.