Gold Souq Городской квартал by Ahmed Habib

Gold Souq Городской квартал by Ahmed Habib is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 Бронзовая премия A' Design Award in Градостроительство и городской дизайн Competition Category.

БронзоваяГрадостроительство· 2026

Gold Souq Городской квартал

by Ahmed Habib

Client: Ahmed Habib

Бронзовая премия A' Design Award Winner in Градостроительство Category

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The Design

About Gold Souq Городской квартал

Gold Souq — это многофункциональный городской квартал площадью 356 000 кв. м в Джидде, который переосмысливает золотой рынок как интегрированную городскую систему. Задуманный как непрерывная ткань, он объединяет ремесло, торговлю, культуру и гостеприимство в рамках чёткой пространственной иерархии. Центральная пешеходная ось служит опорой для всего проекта, переходя во внутренние дворы, основанные на хиджазских градостроительных принципах, и формируя понятную, удобную для пешеходов среду, определяемую тенью, плотностью и близостью. Экологическая эффективность заложена в самой городской форме, где объёмы и открытые пространства поддерживают комфорт, непрерывность и целостную городскую идентичность.

The Recognition

About the Бронзовая премия A' Design Award

Gold Souq Городской квартал — лауреат Бронзовой премии A' Design Award, весьма престижного признания, присуждаемого выдающимся проектам, отличающимся творческим подходом, изобретательностью и сообразительностью. Обладатели Бронзовой премии — это в полной мере искусные и поразительно творческие произведения, свидетельствующие об огромном опыте, воображении и находчивости их авторов. Ожидается, что Gold Souq Городской квартал станет высокоценимым, вызывающим восхищение и дорогим сердцу объектом, заметно профессиональным и инновационным. Этот проект, получивший Бронзовую премию A' Design Award, воплощает лучшие практики в искусстве, науке, дизайне и технологиях и превосходен вниманием к деталям. Gold Souq Городской квартал прекрасно удовлетворяет потребности, затрагивает желания, очаровывает чувства и пробуждает любопытство.

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