- Day 2 of the Architect Leaders Forum Saudi offers a deep dive into how city skylines show confidence and how global architects can learn from the Kingdom’s design solutions
- MoUs signed between Komate Glass and AGC Pyrobel, as well as Hail House and Waed Real Estate, strengthen value and efficiency in the industry
Day two of Big 5 Construct Saudi’s January edition demonstrated how architecture creates identity, enabling countries to show their value to the world and highlighted how cross-sector collaboration is key to driving the Kingdom’s construction through an exciting new era.
The second day of the knowledge-rich Architect Leaders Forum Saudi explored topics ranging from the evolving role of architecture in nation building to how Saudi Arabia’s architectural landscape combines global appeal with a commitment to a low-carbon future.
‘Skylines are a symbol of confidence and ambition’
In a thought-provoking opening session, Dr Randa A. Mahmoud, Dean of the College of Architecture and Design, discussed how cities and countries are leveraging architecture as a “soft power” play that signals their ambitions.
According to Dr Mahmoud, architecture doesn’t “reflect identity; it actively produces it. It shapes how communities see themselves and how nations project their value to the world,” adding that architecture now serves as a “language of power, of values and ambition”.
Illustrated this by pointing out the skylines of major international financial hubs, including Saudi Arabia’s KAFD, do not just showcase height but also emanate confidence.
In an interesting panel discussion titled ‘Designing Saudi Arabia’s Architectural Identity’, Emilia Dobrzynska, Development Director, HBA KSA, told attendees how Saudi Arabia’s modern-day architecture pays tribute to thousands of years of culture and history, giving it proper representation and earning recognition on a global stage.
Discussing how projects can shape behavioural and cultural transformation, fellow panelist, Hala Lloyd, Executive Director of Architecture, New Murabba, said: “The Kingdom is now a magnet for global architects, emphasizing how it is leading the way with active programmes to include young architects in ‘transformational opportunities’”.
Lloyd added that while young architects in the Kingdom are given real-life exposure to complex challenges, their peers around the world could draw inspiration from the Kingdom’s architectural design solutions in their studies and research.
Cross-sector MoU signings drive value and efficiency
Further elevating its status as the leading event in the Kingdom’s built environment, day two hosted several MoU signings, enhancing cross-sector collaboration. Komate Glass and AGC Pyrobel signed an agreement to strengthen the local supply of fire-rated glass in Saudi Arabia, a response to growing market demand across the Kingdom and the GCC.
Fire-rated glass is often imported into the Kingdom, resulting in long lead times (up to two months), higher costs and project delays. Through this partnership, the entities plan to make stock available by processing it locally, from cutting, cleaning, packing and delivering directly to projects, with a goal to reduce timelines down to as little as two weeks in some cases. With AGC’s advantage in offering fire-rated glass and Komate’s local manufacturing, service capability and machinery, the collaboration will benefit both entities and the wider industry.
In another MoU signing, which underscores the importance of collaboration within the construction ecosystem, Hail House, a supplier of construction materials and Waeda Real Estate, announced an agreement that will see Hail House provide high-quality products and materials for Waeda Real Estate’s developments. The partnership is based on strict quality standards, careful material selection and fast execution, ensuring projects are delivered on schedule.
Architects Club facilitates the construction of networks and knowledge sharing
Day two also brought architects and designers together in a relaxed networking setting to connect and share experiences. The Architects Club session encouraged impactful conversations and professional connections, with attendees visiting selected exhibitors to explore the latest product trends, innovative solutions and new technologies shaping the construction and design industry.
Providing a meeting place for industry professionals to explore innovations in the finishing stages of construction, spanning building interiors and finishes, marble and stone, glass production technology and machinery, smart building, urban design and more, Big 5 Construct Saudi runs until Wednesday, 21 January at Riyadh Front Exhibition and Conference Center.
Co-located with Windows Doors & Facades Saudi Arabia, Marble & Stone Saudi Arabia and Urban Design & Landscape Saudi Arabia, the exhibition is welcoming more than 1,100 exhibitors from over 50 countries showcasing more than 20,000 products and solutions.
Over the next two days, Big 5 Construct Saudi will witness several more announcements, product launches and facilitate in-depth discussions that cater to the evolving market demands of the Kingdom’s construction sector. Day three includes the future-focused EcoTrail Awards, which will award a curated selection of products and systems developed with environmental responsibility, efficiency and long-term performance in mind.
Big 5 Construct Saudi is free-to-attend for industry professionals, excluding visitors under the age of 18. To register, visit: www.big5constructsaudi.com
