Siq Primärfunktioun: Gemëschte Notzungsquartier by Ahmed Habib

Siq Primärfunktioun: Gemëschte Notzungsquartier by Ahmed Habib is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 A' Design Award an Bronze in Architektur, Gebai an Strukturdesign Competition Category.

BronzeArchitektur· 2026

Siq Primärfunktioun: Gemëschte Notzungsquartier

by Ahmed Habib

Client: Ahmed Habib

A' Design Award an Bronze Winner in Architektur Category

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Colors

The Design

About Siq Primärfunktioun: Gemëschte Notzungsquartier

Buchtext: Mat engem Baubudget vu méi wéi 1,2 Milliarde saudesche Riyal, gëtt d'Projet als urbane Siq konzipéiert, wou architektonesch Masse wéi Landformen ophiewen, während en schattegt Dall d'Foussgängerbewegung organiséiert. D'Entwécklung ass ronderëm dräi Achsen strukturéiert, déi de Glawen, den Handel an d'Stabilitéit reflektéieren, a verbënnt siwe Masse duerch schatteg Weeër an oppe Plazen. Terrasséiert Forme entstinn aus gestaltete Banneninnenhäff a schattege Weeër, während fléissend Iwwerdaachunge sech iwwer d'Foussgängerweeër erstrecken, fir Klimaschutz ze bidden a verschidde Deeler vun der Projet ze verbannen, wouduerch eng markant urban Ëmgéigend zu Jeddah entsteet.

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award an Bronze

Siq Primärfunktioun: Gemëschte Notzungsquartier ass e Gewënner vum A' Design Award an Bronze, enger héich prestigiéiser Unerkennung, déi un erausragend Designe vergi gëtt, déi sech duerch Kreativitéit, Erfindungsgab a Schlauheet ausgezeechnen. Bronze-Gewënner si voll Fäegkeet a opfälleg kreativ Wierker, déi déi grouss Erfahrung, d'Fantasie an d'Ressourceréichtum vun hire Designer bestätegen. Et gëtt erwaart, datt Siq Primärfunktioun: Gemëschte Notzungsquartier e héich geschätzt, bewonnert a beléifte Géigestand ass, bemierkenswäert professionell an innovativ. Dëst mam Bronze ausgezeechent Design integréiert déi beschte Praktike vun der Konscht, der Wëssenschaft, vum Design an der Technologie an zeechent sech duerch Opmierksamkeet fir Detailer aus. Siq Primärfunktioun: Gemëschte Notzungsquartier erfëllt Bedierfnesser exzellent, beréiert Wënsch, bezauberet Gefiller an erweckt Neigierecht.

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