Objectives
In August 2018, CRAterre was contacted by the French Agency for the development of AlUla (AFALULA) to participate in the reflection initiated by the Saudis and French parts on the future of the city of AlUla.
This Saudi city of 40,000 inhabitants, rich of an exceptional cultural heritage is subject of an ambitious and innovative national project, turned towards a cultural and an eco-responsible development of the city. This project includes urban and territorial development objectives based on the use of local resources (heritage, building materials, local Saudi companies) and on the enhancement of the strong tourism potential of the whole area.
CRAterre responded to this invitation by implementing a first series of activities with AFALULA
Results
Data collection and analysis
- 48 documents and 391 pictures related to Old town and Summer Farms collected
- First synthesis of the most relevant information produced and disseminated
- Final synthesis produced
Building inventory
- 5 inventories campaigns implemented with HCC
- 335 houses and 100 tayaras inventoried by CRAterre
Values and cultural significance assessment
- 2 Architectural and urban studies campaigns implemented
- 1 archaeological studies campaign implemented (Building archaeology and limited trenches by EVEHA International)
- 1 detailed scientific project for the anthropological studies proposed
- First synthesis of the most relevant information produced and disseminated
- Final synthesis produced
Earth resources and conservation materials
- Site organization layout provided to HCC for the worksite area
- Site laboratory set up in the Old Town
- Field tests equipment provided
- 24 potential soil quarries identified
- 6 sample walls built in Old Town displaying various techniques and finishes options
- Soil testing and brick samples implemented
- 3 Quarry selected
- Quoting needs achieved
- Complementary tests implemented
- Testing protocol on conservation materials achieved
- Final reporting produced
Drainage
- 2 reactive condition survey following heavy rains implemented in 2019 and 2020
Conservation guidelines
- Table on content fined tuned and approved
- Sharing of responsibilities between CRAterre and HCC determined and agreed by both parties
- Documentation of the conservation work in progress in the pilot project with HCC
- Design and graphic charter approved
- 3 draft versions circulated. 67% of the document done.
- List of missing texts and images sent to HCC, AFALULA and RCU
Training workshops
- Design of workshops for AlUla communities achieved
- 14 local monitors trained
- First practical training workshops implemented in the Old Town (April 2021)
- Second practical training workshops implemented in Mabiti (December 2021)
- 250 attendees from the local community directly sensitized
Partners
AFALULA, Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU), Heritage Conservation Consulting (HCC), Eveha International, Archaïos, AE&CC-ENSAG
