Siq Primary Function: Wilaya ya Matumizi Mchanganyiko by Ahmed Habib

Siq Primary Function: Wilaya ya Matumizi Mchanganyiko by Ahmed Habib is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 Tuzo ya Shaba ya A' Design Award in Usanifu wa Majengo, Ujenzi na Miundo Competition Category.

ShabaUsanifu wa Majengo· 2026

Siq Primary Function: Wilaya ya Matumizi Mchanganyiko

by Ahmed Habib

Client: Ahmed Habib

Tuzo ya Shaba ya A' Design Award Winner in Usanifu wa Majengo Category

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The Design

About Siq Primary Function: Wilaya ya Matumizi Mchanganyiko

Book Text: Ukiwa na bajeti ya ujenzi inayozidi riyali bilioni 1.2 za Saudi Arabia, mradi huu umebuniwa kama Siq ya kimji ambapo miundo ya majengo inainuka kama maumbo ya ardhi huku bonde lenye kivuli likipangilia mwendo wa watembea kwa miguu. Maendeleo haya yamejengwa kuzunguka mihimili mitatu inayoakisi imani, biashara, na uthabiti, ikiunganisha miundo saba kupitia njia zenye kivuli na maeneo ya wazi. Maumbo ya matuta yanaibuka kutoka kwenye viwanja vilivyopambwa kwa mandhari na njia zenye kivuli, huku vifuniko vinavyotiririka vikitanda juu ya njia za kutembea ili kutoa ulinzi dhidi ya hali ya hewa na kuunganisha sehemu mbalimbali za mradi, vikitengeneza mandhari ya kipekee ya kimji jijini Jeddah.

The Recognition

About the Tuzo ya Shaba ya A' Design Award

Siq Primary Function: Wilaya ya Matumizi Mchanganyiko ni mshindi wa Tuzo ya Shaba ya A' Design Award, utambuzi wenye heshima kubwa unaotolewa kwa miundo bora inayotofautishwa kwa ubunifu, ustadi na busara. Washindi wa Shaba ni kazi za ufundi mwingi na bunifu ya kushangaza zinazothibitisha uzoefu mpana, mawazo na ustadi wa wabunifu wao. Siq Primary Function: Wilaya ya Matumizi Mchanganyiko inatarajiwa kuwa kitu kinachothaminiwa sana, kupendwa na kuenziwa, ambacho ni cha kitaalamu na bunifu kwa kiasi kikubwa. Muundo huu ulioshinda Tuzo ya Shaba ya A' Design Award unajumuisha mbinu bora katika sanaa, sayansi, usanifu na teknolojia, na ni bora kwa umakini wake kwa undani. Siq Primary Function: Wilaya ya Matumizi Mchanganyiko hutosheleza mahitaji kwa uzuri, hugusa hamu, huvutia hisia na kuvutia udadisi.

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