hajj research
center
Type
Educational
Location
Jeddah, KSA
Year
1975
Status
Executed
Scope
Architecture, Interior, Landscape
"Where Prayer Space Anchors Innovation and Forms the Core of the Multidisciplinary Research Center"
The Hajj Research Center, established by Dr. Sami Angawi at King Abdulaziz University in Jeddah, exemplifies a harmonious blend of Hejazi architectural heritage and modern functionality. Designed in collaboration with an international firm, the center features internal terraced levels and a central multifunctional praying space, creating a conducive environment for interdisciplinary research. The center's layout facilitates collaboration among researchers from various disciplines, addressing the multifaceted challenges of the Hajj pilgrimage. With its thoughtfully designed spaces, the center supports comprehensive research efforts while honoring the cultural and architectural heritage of the Hejaz region.
"Established in 1975"
The Hajj Research Center was established in 1975 at King Abdul Aziz University in Jeddah, and transferred in 1983 to Umm al-Qura University in Makkah. This Center is considered the technical consulting body for all Saudi Government official authorities associated with pilgrimage, Makkah, Madinah and the Holy Sites.
The Center was supervised by a Ministerial Supreme Committee headed by HRH the Minister of the Interior and includes HE the Minister of Hajj and HE the Minister of Higher Education as members. The Center includes research sections for Cultural Studies, Environmental Studies, Urban and Architectural Studies, and Information and Computer.
Because of the inter-related nature characterizing the Hajj problems, the Center adopts the holistic inter-disciplinary approach in carrying out its research projects. For each project a team of scientists of different disciplines is formed and they work together in each project thus covering its various dimensions.
For a period of time the number of full-time staff members working at the Center reached a peak of 150 persons in addition to part-time personnel recruited during the Hajj season from the university staff and others. Students assisted in the research studies by collecting observations and conducting interviews with the pilgrims under the supervision of the research staff.
During the Hajj seasons, up to 500 students were working simultaneously at the Center.
"Research Projects"
Some important research projects carried out at the Hajj Research Center (under the supervision of Dr. Sami Angawi) include:
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'Housing and Architectural Studies'
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'Transportation and Movement Studies'
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'Traffic Studies'
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'Sacrificial Meat Project'
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'Planning Studies'
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'Environmental Studies'
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'Surverys'.
