THE FUTURE OF JEDDAH-AL QADEMAH - CONSERVATION OR REDEVELOPMENT - SAUDI-ARABIA

Never in history has the duality of new and old happened and been felt in the physical environment as rapidly and as clearly as has recently occurred in Saudi Arabia. Economic changes resulting from the oil boo m of 1973 have joined with rapid development to create a new physical environment, changing the overall pattern of traditional areas and des troying much of the architectural heritage of this country. This paper discusses the future of traditional architectural heritage in the his toric area of Jeddah City, the second largest city in Saudi Arabia. It argues for immediate action to protect both the distinguished heritag e of Jeddah Al-Qademah (the city's historic center), along with its fu nctional role as an area supporting numerous economic activities. The main concern is how to achieve the delicate balance between conservati on of the architectural heritage and development of the physical eleme nts of the area. The paper concludes that a comprehensive conservation approach is needed to save the architectural heritage of Jeddah Al-Qa demah. This effort must combine legislation with policy planning, phys ical planning, design and socio-economic development. A balance must b e struck between the interests of society and those of individuals in Jeddah Al-Qademah in a way that invites ordinary citizen involvement.