Introduction
The Department of Architecture and Building Sciences was established within the College of Engineering at King Saud University in the year 1387(H) (1967). It was the first architecture department in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Arabian Gulf Area. With the establishment of the College of Architecture and Planning in the year 1984, the Department expanded to include building sciences and technology, and was more able to deal with the needs of the job market. The Department offers a Bachelor’s Degree, a Master’s Degree and a Ph. D. Degree in Architecture and Building Sciences.
In the Department there are over 45 faculty members (Professors, Associate Professors and Assistant Professors) who are holders of PhD degrees in architecture from prestigious universities. They all participated in securing several research projects and grants to the Department in particular, and to the College in general. In addition, a number of them were delegated to governmental and private institutions to assist in the development of the Nation and Society.
Mission of the Department
· Providing students with high levels of knowledge and professional skills in all areas of architecture and building sciences
· The Department strives to foster a nurturing environment to help future architects contribute to the development of the built environment, and encourages the conservation of the cultural heritage of the Kingdom.
· Development of the academic curriculum and methods of teaching architecture and building sciences.
· The Department supports research and scholarly activities that help promote architecture and the building sciences. It also encourages researchers to solve problems pertaining to architecture that fit the traditions, values and heritage of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Vision of the Department
· The Department seeks to distinguish itself in Architecture and Building Sciences, and be academically recognized and accredited
· Conserve the local cultural urban heritage
· Maintain high standards in providing academic programs of excellence
· Support research and scholarly activities to serve both the private and public sectors
Workshop on the Principles of Proportions of Ornamental Islamic Architecture
Participation of the Professors of the Architecture Department and the students of the History of Islamic Architecture course in the events of a Workshop on the Principles of Ratio and Symmetry in Islamic Architecture: the College of Architecture and Planning - the Department of Architecture and Building Sciences participated in the training workshop, which was organized by Al-Turath Establishment as part of the cooperation with the Prince of Wales traditional Arts School. Its focus was primarily on ratio and symmetry of Islamic Architecture, which was held at King Abdul-Aziz Historic Center in Riyadh during the period between 15 - 27 Shawwal 1428 H., corresponding to October 27 - November 8, 2007 G.
The participants were:
- Professor Dr. Abdul-Aziz Bin Saad Al-Mogren, the Dean of the College.
- Dr. Osama Al-Johari, Chairman of Architecture and Building Sciences Department.
- Dr. Abdullah Al-Husayyen, Assistant Professor of Architecture and Building Science Department.
- Dr. Imad Otabashi –History of Islamic Architecture Instructor.
- The students of the History of Islamic Architecture course