Gold Souq Distrika An-tanàn-dehibe by Ahmed Habib

Gold Souq Distrika An-tanàn-dehibe by Ahmed Habib is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 A' Design Award Varahina in Fandaminana Tanàna sy Famolavolana An-tanàna Competition Category.

VarahinaFandaminana An-tanàna· 2026

Gold Souq Distrika An-tanàn-dehibe

by Ahmed Habib

Client: Ahmed Habib

A' Design Award Varahina Winner in Fandaminana An-tanàna Category

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The Design

About Gold Souq Distrika An-tanàn-dehibe

Gold Souq dia distrika an-tanàn-dehibe mampiasa fampiasana isan-karazany mirefy 356.000 metatra toradroa ao Jeddah izay mamaritra indray ny tsenan'ny volamena ho rafitra an-tanàn-dehibe mitambatra. Noforonina ho lamba mitohy, izy io dia mampivondrona ny asa tanana, ny varotra, ny kolontsaina ary ny fandraisam-bahiny ao anatin'ny ambaratonga ara-toerana mazava. Ny hazon-damosin'ny mpandeha an-tongotra eo afovoany no fototry ny fampandrosoana, miitatra mankany amin'ny tokotany avy amin'ny fitsipika an-tanàn-dehibe Hijazi mba hamoronana traikefa azo vakiana sy azo aleha an-tongotra, voafaritry ny alokaloka, ny hakitroky ary ny fifanakaikezana. Ny fahombiazana ara-tontolo iainana dia tafiditra ao anatin'ny endrika an-tanàn-dehibe, izay ny faobe sy ny habaka misokatra dia manohana ny fahatomombanana, ny fitohizana ary ny maha-izy azy an-tanàn-dehibe mirindra.

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award Varahina

Nandresy ny A' Design Award Varahina ny famolavolana Gold Souq Distrika An-tanàn-dehibe, fankasitrahana malaza be omena ny famolavolana miavaka izay mampiavaka ny fahaiza-mamorona, ny fahazotoana ary ny fahamaotinan-tsaina. Ny mpandresy Varahina dia zavatra vita tanana mahay dia mahay ary mamorona mivantana izay manamafy ny traikefa be dia be, ny sarintsaina ary ny fahaizan-kafoy an'ny mpamolavola azy. Andrasana ho zavatra ankasitrahana be, ankafizina ary tiana, mahay amin'ny asa sady vaovao ny famolavolana Gold Souq Distrika An-tanàn-dehibe. Ity famolavolana nandresy ny A' Design Award Varahina ity dia mitahiry ny fomba fanao tsara indrindra amin'ny zavakanto, ny siansa, ny famolavolana ary ny teknolojia, ary tsara indrindra amin'ny fitandremana ny antsipirihany. Ny famolavolana Gold Souq Distrika An-tanàn-dehibe dia mahafa-po ny filana tsara, mikasika ny faniriana, mahasarika ny fihetseham-po ary misarika ny fahalianana.

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