Desert Architecture KSA Forum Returns to Riyadh in October

The 2nd Desert Architecture KSA Forum will take place in Riyadh on October 12th and 13th at the Radisson Blu Hotel & Convention Center, Riyadh Minhal.

The two-day programme will focus on how heritage, sustainability, technology and contemporary design can be combined to create buildings and cities better suited to desert conditions while retaining a recognisable Saudi architectural identity.

A central theme will be the Saudi Architectural Map, which brings together 19 regional styles shaped by different climates, landscapes, materials and cultural traditions.

Sessions will look at how traditional desert architecture can work alongside advanced engineering, new materials and technology to improve comfort, resilience and long-term urban performance.

The second day will widen the focus from individual buildings to entire cities, covering climate-responsive planning, policy, infrastructure and regenerative tourism.

The forum comes as Saudi Arabia continues to expand its construction and development pipeline. Organisers cite more than USD 1.3 trillion in active projects and over 5,200 developments in the pipeline, alongside hundreds of urban masterplans being revised in line with the Architectural Map.

Speakers will include representatives from Misk City, ROSHN Group, Red Sea Global, Diriyah Company, King Salman Park Foundation, the Royal Commission for AlUla and other Saudi development bodies, alongside international architecture practices including Foster + Partners, Herzog & de Meuron, Snøhetta and Zaha Hadid Architects.