Evolution of Thought: 

In the popular belief systems of human civilizational history, humans have tried to utilize natural resources for their survival in unique ways and the earliest record of human survival has been with their interaction with the mountains. They have used its grandeur and protective features for their settlement historically. The mountains have symbolized the many notions of humanity in order to progress, and derive the many ways of living. This established relationship continues to prosper even in contemporary times as it paves the way for environmental rejuvenation and developing green settlements. 

The Spiritual Significance of the Mountains: 

In Islamic Civilizational History, Mountains have played a prominent role in the expansion of Islamic Ideology and its practices. As the first humans, Adam and Eve were embraced by the mountains, peace be upon them. The ranges of ‘Al Safa’ ‘Al Marwah’ and ‘Arafat’ in the holy city of Makkah have contributed to defining the character of the city, and its development in the mountain regions. The human’s relationship with Mountains has witnessed some of the most prominent spiritual narratives over time, Jabal – Al – Judi – the mountain range where ‘Noah’s Ark’ peace be upon him, docked after the flood. Prophet of God ‘Ibrahim’ – the most prominent religious persona between Safa and Marwah The mountain ranges of the Holy City of Makkah were comprehensively related to the life of the most Beloved Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him. 

The Symbolism of the Mountain in Saudi Arabian History: 

His Highness, Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman, may the lord protect him, spoke about the passion of the Saudis from the Tuwaiq Mountain Range. It emphasized the role played by Mountains in the lives of Saudi people. The mountains like the people determine hierarchy, order, elevation, and the many stages to progress in order to reach the peak. The many mountains in the Kingdom have witnessed the great records mentioned by adventurers and travelers and continue to occupy a space in its modern-day development. Over time, it has seen conflicts, community engagement, acts of heroism, and trade. The role played by mountains in the life of Saudi Spiritual and Cultural Progress has very firmly shaped its way of life. 

The Historical Context of Abu Makhrog Mountain and the Design Intent: 

The Abu Makhrog Mountain represents a great degree of civilizational legacy for the Kingdom. The mountain range oversaw much-flourishing trade and has been an abode for travelers as recorded historically. The mountain has served travelers from Hajar Al Yamamah to Basra as mentioned by the highly regarded historians Jubair Al Andalusi and Ibn Battuta. In modern history, it further achieved a symbolic identity through the crowning of the founder and patron of Saudi Arabia His Highness ‘King Abdul Aziz’ May the lord have mercy on him. It was in this range that the King spent most of his time envisioning the development trajectory of this promised land and its scientific and social development. The unification of the Kingdom further escalated its social stature as the residents of the city of Riyadh used it for research, study, and camping as it was the oldest spot in the city for recreational purposes. Therefore, Our efforts to use this strategic mountain and revive its identity in the Modern day and age would add value to its identity and also instill a sense of responsibility among the citizenry to preserve and celebrate their heritage which has witnessed some of the most iconic periods in the evolution of the Modern Kingdom. 

Reviving the Identity and the Path Ahead: 

The Kingdom’s Vision 2030, not only embarks on social and economic changes in the society but also carefully looks at its timeline for development by identifying the many traditions and heritage symbols that have gone underserved over time. It makes it evident that preserving these national monuments that have been a part of the distinguished history of the land is of foremost importance. The pathway is in line with making Kingdom among the top 5 tourist destinations in the world. 

Design Philosophy:

Our intention of designing and reviving the identity of this Mountain stemmed from the maximum usage of its spaces, strategically using the variation in heights and angles while planning this socially significant place.

We started our design with the basic yet important question: How can a man benefit from the many natural resources gifted by the creator, the lord? How can he reestablish his relationship with nature which is fading with time with the arrival of modern and contemporary architecture with many artificial characteristics? These questions were a central part of our design thinking as we moved forward with our approach to defining the relationship between humans and nature and how can they be more linked to each other, in this process we also considered the many characteristics of an Arab person who has been sharp in his critical thinking evident throughout the course of History. Our philosophy soon gained a pragmatic path, by developing precise divisions that take ecological aspects into account by adding green cover and designing the parking in an innovative way that helps purify the air released by the car exhaust and cool the atmosphere. Also, reuse some of the existing sites based on the innovative values of man, clearly parallel to man’s journey on a mountain. The prime objective of this project was to make it economically feasible and sustainable. By developing the many paths of revenue generation that are successful in engaging the community and also making the site programming – self-sustainable.

Economic Aspects of the Project: 

We were keen to take care of the economic aspects in designing this engineering project, by applying the principle of sustainability, which is one of the pillars of the project. The commercial (economic) aspect of the project was divided and built into three phases to achieve its desired goal of supporting the project financially, making a qualitative leap in raising the requirements of citizens in the tourism and entertainment sector, and continuing performance to achieve many social, economic and investment targets in accordance with the outputs of the Kingdom's Vision 2030.