Gold Souq Mestská štvrť by Ahmed Habib is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 Bronzová cena A' Design Award in Urbanistické plánovanie Competition Category.

BronzováUrbanistické plánovanie· 2026

Gold Souq Mestská štvrť

by Ahmed Habib

Client: Ahmed Habib

Bronzová cena A' Design Award Winner in Urbanistické plánovanie Category

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The Design

About Gold Souq Mestská štvrť

Gold Souq je mestská štvrť so zmiešaným využitím s rozlohou 356 000 m² v Džidde, ktorá redefinuje trh so zlatom ako integrovaný mestský systém. Koncipovaná ako súvislá štruktúra spája remeslá, obchod, kultúru a pohostinstvo v rámci jasnej priestorovej hierarchie. Centrálna pešia os tvorí kotvu celého rozvoja, pričom sa rozširuje do nádvorí odvodených z hidžázskych urbanistických princípov, čím vytvára čitateľný a pre chodcov priateľský zážitok formovaný tieňom, hustotou a blízkosťou. Environmentálna výkonnosť je zakomponovaná do mestskej formy, kde objemové členenie a otvorený priestor podporujú komfort, kontinuitu a ucelenú mestskú identitu.

The Recognition

About the Bronzová cena A' Design Award

Gold Souq Mestská štvrť je laureát Bronzovej ceny A' Design Award, vysoko prestížneho uznania udeľovaného vynikajúcim dizajnom, ktoré sa vyznačujú kreativitou, vynaliezavosťou a bystrosťou. Laureáti Bronzovej ceny sú plne zručné a nápadne kreatívne artefakty, ktoré potvrdzujú rozsiahle skúsenosti, predstavivosť a zdatnosť svojich dizajnérov. Od Gold Souq Mestská štvrť sa očakáva, že bude vysoko cenený, obdivovaný a milovaný predmet, pozoruhodne profesionálny a inovatívny. Tento dizajn ocenený Bronzovou cenou A' Design Award zahŕňa najlepšie postupy v umení, vede, dizajne a technológii a vyniká pozornosťou k detailom. Gold Souq Mestská štvrť skvele uspokojuje potreby, dotýka sa túžob, očarúva city a vzbudzuje zvedavosť.

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