Siq Príomhfheidhm: Ceantar Ilúsáide by Ahmed Habib

Siq Príomhfheidhm: Ceantar Ilúsáide by Ahmed Habib is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 Duais Cré-umha A' Design Award in Dearadh Ailtireachta, Foirgníochta agus Struchtúir Competition Category.

Cré-umhaAiltireacht· 2026

Siq Príomhfheidhm: Ceantar Ilúsáide

by Ahmed Habib

Client: Ahmed Habib

Duais Cré-umha A' Design Award Winner in Ailtireacht Category

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The Design

About Siq Príomhfheidhm: Ceantar Ilúsáide

Téacs an Leabhair: Le buiséad tógála os cionn 1.2 billiún riyal Sádach, tá an tionscadal beartaithe mar Siq uirbeach ina n-éiríonn maiseanna ailtireachta cosúil le foirmeacha talún agus ina n-eagraíonn gleann faoi scáth gluaiseacht na gcoisithe. Tá an fhorbairt struchtúrtha timpeall trí ais a léiríonn creideamh, trádáil agus cobhsaíocht, ag nascadh seacht maise trí bhealaí scáthaithe agus spásanna oscailte. Tagann foirmeacha céimnithe chun cinn ó chlóis tírdhreachaithe agus cosáin scáthaithe, agus síneann ceannbhrait shreabhacha trasna na gcosán chun cosaint aeráide a sholáthar agus codanna éagsúla den tionscadal a nascadh, ag cruthú suíomh uirbeach sainiúil i Jeddah.

The Recognition

About the Duais Cré-umha A' Design Award

Bhuaigh an dearadh Siq Príomhfheidhm: Ceantar Ilúsáide Duais Cré-umha A' Design Award, aitheantas an-ghradamach a bhronntar ar dhearaí sármhaithe a mbíonn cruthaitheacht, aireagacht agus géarchúis mar shaintréithe acu. Is déantúsáin ghlic agus chruthaitheacha go suntasach iad buaiteoirí Cré-umha a dhearbhaíonn taithí fhairsing, samhlaíocht agus acmhainneacht a ndearthóirí. Táthar ag súil go mbeidh an dearadh Siq Príomhfheidhm: Ceantar Ilúsáide ina rud a bhfuil an-mheas air, a n-ardaítear agus a ghráitear, atá thar a bheith gairmiúil agus nuálach. Ionchorpraíonn an dearadh seo a bhuaigh Duais Cré-umha A' Design Award na cleachtais is fearr san ealaín, san eolaíocht, sa dearadh agus sa teicneolaíocht, agus tá sé sármhaith as a aird ar mhionsonraí. Sásaíonn an dearadh Siq Príomhfheidhm: Ceantar Ilúsáide riachtanais go hálainn, bainíonn sé le mianta, cuireann sé draíocht ar mhothúcháin agus tarraingíonn sé fiosracht.

Behind the Design

Press Kit

Credits, team members and technical details provided by the designer.

Unique Properties: Set on a 356,000 sqm site in Jeddah, This project reinterprets the spatial logic of a siq within a contemporary mixed-use development. Instead of isolated buildings, the project forms a continuous urban landscape where terraced masses frame a shaded valley of movement. Large canopy structures create a protected pedestrian environment adapted to Jeddah climate, while seven interconnected masses integrate retail, cultural, educational, and hospitality functions within a unified spatial system.
Dimensions & Packaging: Plot Area 356,000 square meters,
Built Up Area 400,000 square meters,
Construction Budget 1,250,000,000 Saudi Riyals
Tags: Retail, Commercial, Hospitality, Cultural, Architecture, Real Estate, Construction, Saudi, Urban, Masterplan
Production Technology: The project was developed through a system driven urban methodology translating site forces into spatial organization. Parametric studies informed axes, massing, and pedestrian circulation, while environmental analysis shaped the shading strategy. Terraced volumes and canopy structures were modeled to improve shade and walkability in Jeddah climate. The material palette combines steel, stone, textured concrete, wood, glass, and metal screens, while modular planning enables flexible retail and production spaces within a coherent spatial system.
Design Challenge: The main challenge was translating complex urban forces into a coherent spatial system while responding to Jeddah harsh climate. Balancing cultural continuity with contemporary commercial demands required rethinking spatial organization, density, and pedestrian circulation. Environmental constraints, large scale coordination, and program complexity required extensive testing. The resulting design organizes the project as a shaded urban Siq, improving walkability, climatic protection, and spatial clarity.
Research: This project is based on applied urban design research exploring how contemporary market districts can respond to climate, culture and social movement in hot environments. The objective was to reinterpret traditional market structures for Jeddah conditions. The methodology combined urban analysis, environmental studies, parametric modeling, and site research, supported by discussions with clients and users. Iterative testing informed a shaded urban Siq linking architecture masses, improving walkability, circulation, and commercial interaction.
Inspiration: The design draws inspiration from a Siq, a natural passage between rock formations, combined with forces shaping Jeddah urban structure. Architectural masses rise like landforms while a shaded valley organizes pedestrian movement. Three axes reflecting faith, trade, and stability structure the masterplan, linking seven masses through shaded routes and open spaces integrating landscape, movement, and commerce.
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: Visitors move through the project along a shaded valley linking plazas, courtyards, and interior spaces. Terraced masses create a sequence of outdoor spaces where retail, culture, and hospitality unfold along walkable routes. Large canopy structures provide shade and shelter, allowing smooth transitions between shaded plazas and climate-controlled interiors. This arrangement supports continuous pedestrian flow while maintaining clear orientation across the development.
Image Credits: Ahmed Habib