Siq Umsebenzi Oyintloko: Ingingqi Yokusetyenziswa Okuxubeneyo by Ahmed Habib

Siq Umsebenzi Oyintloko: Ingingqi Yokusetyenziswa Okuxubeneyo by Ahmed Habib is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 Ibhaso Lebhronzi le-A' Design Award in Uyilo lweZakhiwo, Isakhiwo kunye neMilo Competition Category.

IbhronziUyilo lweZakhiwo· 2026

Siq Umsebenzi Oyintloko: Ingingqi Yokusetyenziswa Okuxubeneyo

by Ahmed Habib

Client: Ahmed Habib

Ibhaso Lebhronzi le-A' Design Award Winner in Uyilo lweZakhiwo Category

6,045

Verified Award Winner

Verify Award Status for #183189

Visit Site View at A' Design Award Press Release Award Badge

Colors

The Design

About Siq Umsebenzi Oyintloko: Ingingqi Yokusetyenziswa Okuxubeneyo

Ngohlahlo-lwabiwo-mali lokwakha olungaphezu kweebhiliyoni ezi-1.2 zeeriyali zaseSaudi, le projekthi iyilwe njengeSiq yasezidolophini apho izixhobo zokwakha ziphakama njengeentlobo zomhlaba ngelixa intlambo enomthunzi ihlela ukushukuma kwabahamba ngeenyawo. Uphuhliso lwakhiwe ngokujikeleza imihlaba emithathu ebonisa ukholo, urhwebo, kunye nozinzo, idibanisa izixhobo ezisixhenxe ngeendlela ezinomthunzi kunye neendawo ezivulekileyo. Iindlela ezinamanqwanqwa ziphuma kwiibala ezilungiselelweyo kunye neendlela ezinomthunzi, ngelixa izindlu ezigeleza phezu kweendlela zokuhamba zinaba ukunika ukhuselo lwemozulu kunye nokudibanisa iindawo ezahlukeneyo zale projekthi, zenza imeko yasezidolophini eyahlukileyo eJeddah.

The Recognition

About the Ibhaso Lebhronzi le-A' Design Award

Siq Umsebenzi Oyintloko: Ingingqi Yokusetyenziswa Okuxubeneyo ngumphumeleli weIbhaso Lebhronzi le-A' Design Award, ukuqatshelwa okuhlonitshwayo kakhulu okunikwa imiyilo ephawulekayo eyahlukaniswa kukuyila, ubukrelekrele nobukrelekrele. Abaphumeleleyo beBhronzi ziimveliso ezinobuchule obukhulu nezidala ngokumangalisayo ezingqina amava aphangaleleyo, ukucinga nokwazi ukuzenzela kwabayili bazo. Siq Umsebenzi Oyintloko: Ingingqi Yokusetyenziswa Okuxubeneyo iyathenjwa ukuba ibe yimpahla exatyiswa kakhulu, edunyiswayo nethandwayo enobungcali obuphawulekayo nezinto ezintsha. Lo myilo uphumeleleyo weIbhaso Lebhronzi le-A' Design Award ubandakanya iindlela ezilungileyo kakhulu kubugcisa, inzululwazi, uyilo kunye nobuchwephesha kwaye ugqwesile ngenxa yokunikela ingqalelo kwiinkcukacha. Siq Umsebenzi Oyintloko: Ingingqi Yokusetyenziswa Okuxubeneyo iyanelisa iimfuno ngokumangalisayo, ichukumisa iinqwenelo, ikhwebela iimvakalelo kwaye itsala umdla.

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