Tourism & Hospitality | Tuesday 10 February, 2015 7:35 am |

The Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA) and Dar Al-Hekma College are launching an architectural and heritage project in Abha on Feb. 18 to highlight the rich history of the region.
The event is entitled “Asir: Robe of Urbanization” and will be held in Akkas village over four days. Asir Gov. Prince Faisal bin Khaled and President of the SCTA Prince Sultan bin Salman are patrons of the event.

The project is the brainchild of Anna Klingmann, head of the architecture faculty at Dar Al-Hekma, and faculty member Lubna Yassin. Participants include local and international artists, architects, designers and scientists.

Discussions will take place on the urban heritage of Asir and developing methods to construct buildings that will blend local and modern styles.
Muhammad Al-Umrah, director general of the SCTA in the region, said the event would include a light and picture show on the facades and walls of traditional buildings.
He said Akkas village was chosen to host the event because it is at high altitude, has beautiful scenery and is close to Abha city. There would be similar events held in other cities.

Documentary films, books and articles would be generated from the event, he said.
The organizers also plan to have an exhibition by French photographer Terry Moje at the French Consulate in Jeddah and discussions on the urban future of Asir. A documentary film on the activities of Asir villages will also be launched at the German Consulate.
Saad Thaqfan, director of studies and planning at the SCTA in Asir, said local participants include Ahmed Abu Dahman, Ahmed Mater and Abdullah Thabit. The events include a display of local designs and handicrafts, he said.