For a closer look, click on the photos.
AL OKAS ART INSTALLATION
The art installation is located in the old village of Al-Okas, located, approximately, 50km outside central Abha, Asir. The art event aims to create a dialogue that discusses the culture and traditions of the reagion by hosting both local and international artists. The works exhibited vary between paintings, photography, and even sound installations and are located in various areas throughout the village.
Project section by Samaher Bakhsh
Project section by Lama Kamal
ASIR ART FOUNDATION
The Asir Art Foundation aims to promote an international art and cultural exchange by providing the opportunity for artists and artisans globaly to travel to Asir and create art alongside their Asiri counterparts. This Art institute is dedicated to those who have the desire to visit new lands, experience new cultures, and commit their hands and minds to the understanding and creation of contemporary art.
The proposed designs were done by the Studio III students who had the objective of creating a landmark institution that took the past into the future by preserving the old village and activate it. By understanding the landscape and incorporating it into the designs, the students were to create a creative, vibrant, and architecturally rich village that encourages engagement in its full spectrum of cultural amenities. This art institution includes various functions that fulfill the needs of artistic visitors and scholars such as studios, lecture halls, and a library. Other users would enjoy visiting the galleries, restaurants, and the auditorium.
PROGRESSIVE PRESERVATION
This seminar focuses on the architectural heritage of the Asir Region. The goal of this seminar is to investigate progressive strategies of preservation for the traditional houses of Azir, some of which are still standing but are falling into rapid decay because of lack of use and consequently lack of maintenance. This is a complex (but typical) issue, which affects the entire region of Asir.Our goal is to provide effective incentives to residents (and the local government) to preserve this important architectural heritage for future generations. Our intent is to position Asir as a signature region for progressive preservation where conservation is not a goal in itself but a means to reinvent the vernacular. Beyond typical modes of conservation, we will research innovative modes of reinventing the vernacular with contemporary art interventions and sustainable technologies.
Logo design by Lama Ajeenah