In a time where modern edifices of stark impressions seem to define our landscape, one has to wonder about
the stories behind these conceptual structures. From the bizarre to the mundane, modern architecture in Saudi
Arabia, and indeed the GCC, appears to be on a constant quest to redefine its identity. Yet, how far do our creative forces have to go in order to find a sound concept for a building structure? The answer may not require more than a consideration of what is truly authentic. Let us study the mind behind one of Jeddah’s most recognizable and appreciated landmarks: Tujjar Jeddah.
The word “tujjar” in Arabic translates and appreciated landmarks:
Tujjar Jeddah.to “merchants”. The importance ofnaming the complex as such stretchesback to the historical fact that Jeddahis a city of merchants. Sameer Bajunaid,the creative mind behind thisimpressively blissful and attractivelocation states, “Back in the day, merchantswere eminent and their homeswere identified by them. The conceptof saying this is the house of so-andso,is a value we are bringing back totraders in Jeddah- through an office concept.”
The objective behind creating such a strong link to tradition for Tujjar Jeddah isto preserve architectural designs and traditionsof the Old City of Jeddah, while simultaneouslyrepresenting the city’s tradersin a modern, technologically advanced, ina warm business environment.
Beyond the title and history, Sameer points out another main motivator to creatingthis milestone complex that joins bothcommercial and residential settings withinone, is pride in neighborly values. Sameercomments, “The concept of having a neighborhas sadly been lost.” He emphasizes theimportance of creating a place that is reminiscentof traditional and historical Jeddahliving. “In the old days, people lived in thesame area they worked and their homeswere connected to their neighbors,” headds. That form of intimacy not only keptpeople connected on an emotionally communallevel, but also in a progressive businesslevel coupled with ethical businesspractices.
“The concept of saying this is the house of so-and-so, is the value we are bringing back to traders in Jeddah in anoffice concept.”
Tujjar Jeddah picks up where historic building structures of the city left off. Still standing today, the ancient houses of Jeddah resembleeach other where architectural design, external outlook, internaldivisions and constructional components are concerned. The internalceilings of the houses are highly elevated, and the shapes of the roomsare similar. Internally, houses are also structured in a similar fashionwhere the master rooms are found on the upper floor and the sittingroom on the ground floor usually on one side of the lobby or hall.Floors tend to range from between two to four.
Of course, what would a community complex be without a community center? The Mosque at Tujjar Jeddah is a simple, yet elegantstructure with a traditional gold pear shape dome.
“The mosque remains the center point in our lives, where we gather. That is a vital part of society, the force it carries is important to us as creationsof the Almighty. This also provides us with an opportunity to knowour neighbors better,” adds Bajunaid. Also like the communities ofJeddah’s past, Tujjar Jeddah joins all buildings together into a singlestretch or block, with easily accessible facilities that keep the communityclose and secure.Like the distinctive monuments within the city’s lineage, Jeddah folk have added Tujjar Jeddah to the list of the locations that define thecity.
Bajunaid expresses pride in this outcome, as this take on his location was a desire sought after during the projects inception. He states,“Jeddah’s significance is in its notable landmarks. A true landmarkof Jeddah is one that people canidentify and use as a reference todescribe a location within the citylike Bab Shareef in downtownBalad.” Tujjar Jeddah has nowjoined the ranks of such ancestralgreats.
Sameer Bajunaid wraps up his discussion on the rationalbehind creating this masterfullandmark by emphasizin on thestory that it holds along with theintegrity and belief that governsit. He emphasizes on the impactof projects like Tujjar Jeddah onthe city by affirming “a buildingis not only a structure; it is a landmarkthat must have integrity.
Its integrity is based on a belief. Thepeople of Jeddah used to live likethis along time ago, and we nowhave to rebuild the foundation ofthis city’s admirable past throughsuch projects.”
“Jeddah’s significance is in its notable landmarks. A true landmark of Jeddah is one that people can identify and use as a reference todescribe a location within the city like Bab Shareef in down town Balad.”