The Center for Dialogue Promotion in Janikowo, Poland, opened its doors for a unique cultural encounter: an immersive workshop and training session on Arab culture and the urban heritage of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
As part of this event, I had the honor of leading a training session that delved into the reality, history, and identity of Saudi cities and architecture. The session offered insights into how the Kingdom’s urban environment has evolved—rooted in centuries-old traditions, yet embracing visionary development and modern transformation. More than just a presentation, this event was an invitation to dialogue. The discussion explored how urban development in Saudi Arabia is not merely a technical or aesthetic process but a deeply cultural one, where communities actively shape and express their identity through the built environment. From the narrow alleys of historical towns to the futuristic skyline of Riyadh, the Kingdom tells a powerful story of resilience, innovation, and cultural continuity.
Engaging the Next Generation: A Children’s Architecture Workshop
The event also featured a hands-on workshop for children, designed to spark creativity and cultural curiosity. Young participants, together with their families, were invited to freely draw their own building designs and create decorative patterns inspired by both traditional and modern Saudi architecture. Using visual references and storytelling, the children explored iconic elements such as mashrabiya screens, geometric motifs, and desert-inspired forms—translating complex cultural ideas into playful, imaginative creations. This intergenerational component added depth to the event’s mission: promoting cultural dialogue not only through facts and figures, but through lived experience, imagination, and creative expression.
Building Bridges Through Dialogue
This experience reaffirmed the importance of cultural exchange, especially in a world where architecture serves as both a mirror of society and a bridge between communities. The Center for Dialogue Promotion has created a valuable space for intercultural understanding, and I am deeply grateful to have contributed by sharing stories of Saudi heritage, development, and the enduring relationship between people and place.
Such initiatives remind us that while our landscapes and traditions may differ, the human desire to connect, build, and belong is universal.
OPERATED BY BRAINY MEDIA AGENCY | +961 76132354
Copyright © 2025. All rights reserved.
OPERATED BY BRAINY MEDIA AGENCY | +961 76132354
Copyright © 2025. All rights reserved.
