The Diriyah Electricity Company, owned by the Saudi Public Investment Fund, announced the opening of two advanced power transmission stations in the Diriyah region, with a capacity of 1,707 and 200 megavolt amperes, at a total cost of 682 million riyals ($181.6 million).
The company said in an official statement: “The two stations will contribute to accelerating the growth and development of assets in Diriyah and Wadi Safar, and are the first stations of the urban development project that feature a design inspired by the Najdi architectural style.”
The opening of the two stations is among a number of assets that the Diriyah Electricity Company is working to establish in the urban development area.
Diriyah is also one of the five major projects of the Public Investment Fund, and by 2030 its population will reach about 100,000 people, and it will provide 178,000 job opportunities, and it will host 50 million visits annually, and contribute about 70 billion riyals to the Kingdom’s gross domestic product.
Najdi architectural style
This style appeared in desert areas with a dry and hot climate, and the building consisted of simple elements from the surrounding environment such as (clay, veins).
Over time, this style developed and became used in residential buildings with modern construction and building methods.
The desert environment surrounding Najd was a major factor in the development of traditional architecture; houses were built to provide protection from strong sand winds and dust storms, and were designed to be closed to the outside and open to the inside; which helped reduce the effects of external climatic factors.
These innovative engineering features reflect a deep understanding of the nature of the environment and how to adapt to it effectively.
Over time, Najdi architecture evolved to combine the traditional Nabataean style with modern architectural designs; creating a wonderful balance between authenticity and innovation.
Perhaps the use of modern materials and advanced construction techniques has become skillfully and professionally integrated with traditional elements, such as arches and plaster decorations, to reflect the spirit of Najdi architecture in a new form.
In modern Najdi architecture, we find an innovative use of contemporary building materials, such as glass and steel, alongside traditional materials such as clay and plaster. This combination enhances the aesthetics of buildings and increases their functional efficiency.
