His Excellency Eng. Ahmed Abdul Aziz Al Khayyat, CEO of the Urban Planning and Development Authority, announced the launch of the guideline for reconstruction in urban heritage areas in coordination with the relevant authorities, in implementation of the high royal order of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the great king of the country, may God protect and preserve him, during a ceremony. Opening the second session of the sixth legislative term of the Shura and Representatives Councils, with the aim of preserving the historical and cultural identity of Bahrain’s buildings and cities, reviving Isa the Great Palace and developing Muharraq in a way that preserves its historical and cultural identity, and in implementation of the directives of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, may God preserve him. May God activate the executive plan to preserve the historical and cultural identity of Bahrain’s buildings and cities and launch the plan to develop the city of Muharraq.
The CEO of the Urban Planning and Development Authority indicated that the guide was developed according to a comprehensive strategy that preserves the historical and cultural identity of the cities of the Kingdom of Bahrain and reflects the richness of the ancient Bahraini civilization extending over generations, and in a way that achieves a balance between celebrating the local architectural heritage and innovation and modernity in design by employing design simulation methods. For the architectural elements that form the special identity of heritage buildings, in order to transfer the elements of the visual and cultural identity associated with Bahraini heritage to contemporary design and creative practices, which establish the development of historical cities while preserving the values, originality and principles of international design through contemporary, creative and simplified applications that enhance the cultural contribution.
He also explained that the guide is based on a number of foundations drawn from the urban history of the city of Muharraq, in order to preserve the fabric of the urban heritage, the historical context and identity in this ancient city, and to create visual harmony between heritage and modern buildings that are compatible and consistent in terms of dimensions, design style, and materials. And colors, in addition to creating a balance between innovation, creativity and modernity in design and celebration of local architectural heritage.
Al-Khayyat added that the guide includes design controls for reconstruction in archaeological and heritage areas, as a number of classifications have been developed for urban heritage areas and historical areas within Chapter Seven, concerned with historical areas, according to Resolution No. 93 of 2023 issuing regulatory requirements for reconstruction in various regions in the Kingdom of Bahrain. The guide also included controls. Design of building facades: Standards have been developed that regulate the design of building facades in the city of Muharraq, relating to architectural elements such as windows and doors, colors and materials used, in addition to commercial advertisements.
