Gold Souq Primary Function: Distrito sa Kasyudaran by Ahmed Habib is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 A' Design Award nga Bronse in Pagplano sa Siyudad ug Disenyo sa Urban Competition Category.
BronsePagplano sa Urban· 2026
Gold Souq Primary Function: Distrito sa Kasyudaran
by Ahmed Habib
Client: Ahmed Habib
A' Design Award nga Bronse Winner in Pagplano sa Urban Category
Verified Award Winner
Verify Award Status for #182664The Design
About Gold Souq Primary Function: Distrito sa Kasyudaran
Book Text: Ang Gold Souq usa ka 356,000 ka metro kwadrado nga halo-halo nga gamit nga distrito sa kasyudaran sa Jeddah nga nag-usab sa kahulogan sa merkado sa bulawan ingong usa ka integrado nga sistema sa kasyudaran. Gilantaw ingong usa ka nagpadayon nga panapton, kini naghiusa sa pagkahanas, komersyo, kultura, ug pag-abiabi sulod sa usa ka tin-aw nga han-ay sa luna. Usa ka sentro nga pang-tiil nga gulod ang nag-angkla sa kalamboan, nga nagsangko ngadto sa mga patyo nga gikuha gikan sa mga prinsipyo sa kasyudaran sa Hijazi aron maporma ang usa ka mabasa, malakwan nga kasinatian nga giporma sa landong, kadasok, ug kaduol. Ang paglihok sa kalikopan gisulod sa porma sa kasyudaran, diin ang mass ug abli nga luna nagsuporta sa kahupayan, pagpadayon, ug usa ka tarong nga pagkatawo sa kasyudaran.
The Recognition
About the A' Design Award nga Bronse
Gold Souq Primary Function: Distrito sa Kasyudaran usa ka mananaog sa A' Design Award nga Bronse, usa ka labihan ka prestihiyoso nga pag-ila nga gihatag sa talagsaon nga mga disenyo nga gipaila sa pagkamamugnaon, kaabtik, ug kamatngon. Ang mga mananaog sa Bronse mga hanas kaayo ug makapahibulong nga mamugnaon nga mga artipakto nga nagpamatuod sa dakong kasinatian, imahinasyon, ug kaabtik sa ilang mga tigdesinyo. Gilauman nga ang Gold Souq Primary Function: Distrito sa Kasyudaran mahimong gipabilhan, gihangaan, ug gihigugma nga butang nga talagsaon ang pagkapropesyonal ug bag-o. Kini nga disenyo nga nakadaog og A' Design Award nga Bronse naglakip sa labing maayong mga praktis sa arte, siyensya, disenyo, ug teknolohiya ug maayo kaayo tungod sa pagtagad niini sa mga detalye. Gold Souq Primary Function: Distrito sa Kasyudaran nagtagbaw sa mga panginahanglan sa matahom nga paagi, nag-igo sa mga tinguha, nagbihag sa mga pagbati, ug nagdani sa pagkamausisaon.
Behind the Design
Press Kit
Credits, team members and technical details provided by the designer.
- Unique Properties
- This design redefines the gold market as a complete urban ecosystem where production, trade, and public life coexist. Unlike conventional commercial developments, it integrates retail, workshops, education, and culture within a pedestrian network of shaded streets and courtyards inspired by Hijazi urbanism. A central flow structure organizes movement and visibility, while climate-responsive design ensures comfort. Its strength lies in merging heritage principles with a contemporary, high-performance urban model.
- Dimensions & Packaging
- Plot Area 356,000 sqm
Foot Print 72,500 sqm
built up area 418,000 sqm - Tags
- Hijazi architecture, gold market, mixed-use development, urban ecosystem, pedestrian spine, climate responsive design, souq reinterpretation, cultural urbanism, parametric planning, public realm, Jeddah, Saudia
- Production Technology
- The design was developed through a parametric and iterative methodology linking circulation, program distribution, and climatic performance. A central flow spine informed massing and spatial hierarchy, supported by simulations for shading and ventilation. Traditional Hijazi elements were reinterpreted using stone cladding, precast concrete, steel structures, timber and wood screens, and high-performance glazing, ensuring durability, thermal efficiency, buildability, and a strong expression of local identity.
- Design Challenge
- The main challenge was translating the organic complexity of historic Hijazi souks into a contemporary, buildable urban system. Internally, it required balancing cultural authenticity with modern program demands and user expectations. Externally, constraints included climate conditions, large-scale coordination, and regulatory frameworks. The design resolved these through a structured flow-based approach, integrating environmental strategies and flexible planning to maintain identity while ensuring feasibility and performance.
- Research
- Type of Research: applied urban and climatic research. Research Objectives: to redefine the traditional gold market as a resilient mixed-use ecosystem. Methodology: comparative analysis of historic souks and contemporary retail districts combined with environmental simulations. Data Collection and Tools: solar studies, pedestrian flow mapping, and heat analysis models. Participants: planners, economists, and local stakeholders. Results: improved environmental comfort and commercial synergy. Insights and Impact: a scalable model linking heritage, economic performance, and climate-responsive urban design.
- Inspiration
- The project is inspired by the organic growth of historic Hijazi cities, where movement, climate, and commerce shape urban form over time. Traditional souqs were not planned as isolated buildings but emerged as interconnected networks of streets, courtyards, and shaded passages driven by trade and social interaction. This logic informed the design, where a continuous flow organizes space and activity. The aim was to reinterpret these principles within a contemporary framework, creating a resilient environment that reflects local identity while supporting modern patterns of production and exchange.
- Project Duration
- Design started in May 2025 and finished in December 2025, in Cairo, Egypt. The Project is to be executed n Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
- Operation Flow
- The project operates through a continuous pedestrian flow that structures movement, visibility, and interaction. A central spine connects courtyards, retail, workshops, and cultural spaces, creating sequential experiences from arrival to immersion. Vehicular access is limited to the perimeter, ensuring a safe, walkable environment. Layered circulation enhances accessibility and engagement, while the integration of production and trade within public space creates a dynamic, efficient, and socially active urban system.
- Image Credits
- Ahmed Habib
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