Saudi Arabia’s rapid modernization in the seven decades following the discovery of oil has dramatically reshaped its urban and rural landscapes. This transformation introduced reinforced concrete and modernist architectural approaches, replacing traditional mud, brick, and stone structures. These developments significantly impacted societal norms, shared values, and the physical environment.
An Archive for Modern Glass is part of a larger research project by Bricklab, Saudi Modern critically examines these interactions, exploring the ideological and physical consequences of modernization across the Kingdom. During the 1960s to the 1990s, modernist design flourished in Jeddah, with distinct patterns and textures appearing on its buildings. These architectural elements represent a pivotal period in Saudi Arabia’s urban development, encapsulating the nation’s first encounters with modernity. Bricklab’s ongoing initiative.
Commissioned as part of Arab Design Now and curated by Rana Beiruti, the exhibition celebrates local and regional designers who balance contemporary design practices with traditional methods rooted in heritage. The installation emphasizes environmental concerns and sustainable design while fostering dialogue about cultural identity in the modern age.
M7, Doha’s hub for innovation and design. This venue serves as a focal point for contemporary artistic expression in the region, making it an ideal platform to showcase works that bridge tradition and modernity. The Biennial highlights the dynamic interplay of design and cultural heritage in Arab contexts.
A striking illuminated column, standing 5 meters tall. The installation features reclaimed and bespoke glass panels supported by a satin-finished steel structure. This piece combines Bricklab’s research on Jeddah’s modernist architectural history with Italian glassmaker 6 Glass Studio’s expertise in Venetian glass production.
The installation reinterprets modernist motifs from Jeddah’s architecture between the 1960s and 1990s, blending historical references with contemporary craftsmanship. By incorporating digitally traced and recast patterns, it offers a unique fusion of industrial and artisanal techniques, reflecting regional heritage while addressing contemporary design concerns. The approach focuses on reviving modernist design traditions through rigorous research and reinterpretation.
The design process began with photographic surveys of Jeddah’s modernist buildings. Patterns and textures were digitally traced and remodeled before being cast onto glass panels using a variety of Venetian techniques. Collaborating with 6 Glass Studio in Italy to explore industrial glass panels historically used in Gulf architecture. This process combined industrial precision with the artisanal expertise of Italian master craftsmen, producing a harmonious blend of regional heritage and global design sensibilities.
Aligning with Arab Design Now’s broader themes of environmental responsibility and sustainable design by utilizing reclaimed materials and highlighting the ecological implications of design practices. Exploring how designers in the Arab world negotiate the intersection of tradition and modernity. An Archive for Modern Glass stands as a testament to this dynamic, embodying the balance between local heritage and global influences.
The illuminated glass panels evoke the patterns and textures of Jeddah’s modernist past, while its steel structure provides a contemporary frame. Bridging the past and present, offering a platform for reflecting on Saudi Arabia’s architectural evolution and its broader societal impacts. The project contributes to the ongoing conversation about the role of tradition in contemporary design, offering insights into how modernity can coexist with regional heritage. Through its innovative use of reclaimed materials and artisanal craftsmanship, the installation also underscores the importance of sustainability in design.
In this way, An Archive for Modern Glass exemplifies Bricklab’s mission to critically assess modernity’s impact on collective values while fostering a renewed appreciation for the architectural and cultural heritage of Saudi Arabia. By preserving and reinterpreting the architectural language of Jeddah’s modernist era, Bricklab engages in a critical dialogue about Saudi Arabia’s rapid urban transformation.
