King Abdulaziz University launches the "Echoes of the Past" exhibition to document heritage

The “Echoes of the Past” exhibition, organized by King Abdulaziz University, represented by the College of Architecture and Planning – Geomatics Department, will begin tomorrow, in a step aimed at building bridges of communication between authenticity and modernity, and highlighting the architectural richness that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia abounds in.

This exhibition is the culmination of the university’s efforts to promote integration between theoretical academic education and practical field application, especially in the fields of architecture, heritage and ecotourism, as the exhibition seeks to present a renewed visual and architectural vision of the local architectural heritage.

Integrating modern technology with heritage documentation

The "Echoes of the Past" exhibition goes beyond the traditional display of photographs and models, aiming primarily to highlight the aesthetics of traditional Saudi architecture and explore its environmental and cultural dimensions through the use of cutting-edge technologies. The Geomatics Department's role is particularly noteworthy, as it utilizes Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and artificial intelligence techniques to meticulously document heritage sites. This reflects the high level of training among the college's students and their ability to adapt modern scientific and technological knowledge to serve and protect national heritage from extinction.

Supporting the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030

The exhibition aligns with the major national initiatives spearheaded by the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which places great emphasis on national heritage as a fundamental element of cultural identity and a vital economic resource in the tourism sector. By linking student projects to the concepts of sustainability and ecotourism, the university contributes to preparing a generation of architects and planners capable of addressing contemporary urban challenges while preserving the distinctive local character of Saudi Arabia's diverse regions.

An interactive experience and a journey through time

The exhibition showcases diverse projects by King Abdulaziz University students that embody the architectural identity of Saudi Arabia's various regions, reflecting their geographical and climatic diversity. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore interactive displays highlighting regional architectural styles and how the natural environment has shaped these building patterns. The exhibition aims to provide a comprehensive educational and cultural experience and is expected to attract a large number of school students from Jeddah, fostering their early awareness of urban planning and geomatics and cultivating their interest in architectural heritage from a contemporary scientific and technological perspective.

Educational and research platform

Dr. Rayan Sahahiri, the course instructor and exhibition supervisor, explained that this initiative represents an educational and interactive platform that combines scientific research with student creativity. He pointed out that the exhibition aims to offer a modern interpretation of traditional architecture through spatial analysis tools and digital technologies for documenting heritage, thus contributing to raising the quality of future urban development projects and enriching tourism and cultural experiences in various regions of the Kingdom. He emphasized that architectural heritage is a cornerstone of national identity and sustainable development.