Najdi Architecture: The minifesto
Du Gaury / 1935
From: Ar-Riyadh Fe Ououn Al-Rahalah

Historically there has not been much in the written framework for the development of the vernacular fabric of the Najd region; the process of control has gradually evolved from the implicit, partial, and vague form to a more institutionalized, explicit, and specific form, with the defined sets of regulations modern times. Broadly speaking, vernacular Najdi architecture can be divided into three primary geographic areas: the southern area (‘Arid, al-Yamamah, al-Hawta and al-Aflãj), the central area (Sudayr), and a northern area (Qassim). These primary regions have similar architectural traditions in their civic buildings but identifiable regional variations in residential design. The materiality of the vernacular structures reflects the natural environment and available resources for building: stone for foundations, adobe walls, palm for shading, and the most scarce resource, wood, as the outward expression of personality in the form of highly decorated door.