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Male and female students from the College of Architecture and Planning at King Khalid University concluded their summer training at the Asir Development Authority with practical outcomes related to the Asir Region Architecture Code and the development of heritage villages. The professional experience enabled them to apply their academic knowledge to projects connected to the region’s identity and urban future, while enhancing their readiness to contribute to Asir’s development journey.
The training outcomes in the design studio included reviewing a number of projects and proposals in accordance with the guidelines of the Asir Region Architecture Code and examining their relationship with the characteristics of the place, topography, climate, masses, spaces, materials, colors, and architectural details. The students also developed design solutions inspired by the region’s identity and incorporated them into contemporary architecture that preserves the distinct character of the place while responding to its future aspirations.
As part of the Heritage and Culture Management track, the students participated in studying and developing a number of heritage villages within the King Khalid University Cluster (KKU Cluster), addressing their urban and heritage components as cultural and developmental assets that can serve as a foundation for place development, while achieving a balance between preserving identity and meeting development requirements.
Prof. Dr. Ahmed Ali bin Dajam, Dean of the College of Architecture and Planning, emphasized that the program represents a model of integration between university education and professional practice, providing male and female students with an opportunity to apply their knowledge to real-world projects. He noted that training in a professional environment connected to the region’s projects contributes to refining their design and planning skills and enhancing their readiness to contribute to the future of architecture and urban development in Asir.
The program is part of the cooperation between King Khalid University and the Asir Development Authority to develop national capabilities and align university education with development needs. It contributes to preparing qualified national professionals capable of participating in development and urban development projects and supporting the objectives of Asir’s development journey.
