a href="/myfiles/Images/2015/02/23/ki02_big.jpg" title="Dar Al-Hekma and SCTA officials after signing the memorandum of understanding at the launch of "Reinventing the Vernacular" project at Al-Okas village in Asir. — Courtesy photo" Dar Al-Hekma and SCTA officials after signing the memorandum of understanding at the launch of "Reinventing the Vernacular" project at Al-Okas village in Asir. — Courtesy photo
Saudi Gazette report
JEDDAH — Dar Al-Hekma University signed an agreement with the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA) to give a modern touch to a historical village in Asir Province without compromising its identity and architecture on Wednesday. The first part of this agreement, signed at the Al-Okas village, was the “Reinventing the Vernacular” project that aimed to position Asir as a signature region for progressive preservation. Dar Al-Hekma President Suhair Hassan Al-Qurashi said: “Dar Al-Hekma University stands with its students at Asir recalling the past unique architectural designs and discovering the region's amazing aspects that go beyond the words of Arab admirers and stop at the descriptions of Western architects and designers who saw Asir as a beautiful painting that represents norms and traditions of the past through its generous popular and architectural heritage.” Anna Klingmann, chair of the university's architecture department and the project's leader, said: “‘Reinventing the Vernacular' is a visionary research project that focused on demonstrating how local tradition and history can be woven into the global context of new media science, art, and technology. “It builds on the rich and ancient traditions and heritage of the Asir region.” Al-Okas Village is a historical site 50 km outside the city center of Abha. The event had site-specific art installations throughout the village featuring the work of artists from all over the world.
