Thesis Proposal Mason in Saudi Arabia Riyadh – Free Word Template Download with AI

Student Name: [Your Name]
Supervisor: [Supervisor's Name]
Institution: College of Architecture and Design, King Saud University
Date: October 26, 2023

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative emphasizes the preservation and promotion of national heritage as a cornerstone of cultural identity and sustainable tourism. Within this framework, traditional stone masonry—the craft historically practiced by skilled Mason artisans—represents a critical yet endangered cultural asset. This thesis proposal addresses the urgent need to document, preserve, and revitalize traditional stone masonry techniques in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia’s capital city and a hub of rapid urbanization. As Riyadh undergoes transformative development while striving to integrate heritage into modern architecture, the role of the Mason as a custodian of intangible cultural knowledge becomes paramount. This research seeks to bridge historical craftsmanship with contemporary urban needs, ensuring that masonry traditions are not lost amid modern construction trends.

Riyadh’s architectural landscape has shifted dramatically from heritage structures like the historic Diriyah Quarter to glass-and-steel skyscrapers. This transition has marginalized traditional stone masonry—once essential for constructing palaces, mosques, and fortifications—due to industrialization, scarcity of skilled artisans, and a lack of formalized training. Current construction practices prioritize speed and cost over heritage conservation. Consequently, the knowledge held by the Mason community is at risk of irreversible loss. Without intervention, Riyadh’s unique architectural heritage will diminish, undermining Saudi Arabia’s cultural narrative and Vision 2030 goals for heritage-driven tourism and national identity.

1. To document traditional stone masonry techniques used in historical sites across Riyadh (e.g., Al-Masmak Fort, King Abdulaziz Historical Center).
2. To assess the socio-economic and cultural barriers limiting the transmission of masonry skills to younger generations.
3. To develop a sustainable training model for modernizing traditional stone masonry practices within Riyadh’s urban context.
4. To propose policy recommendations for integrating heritage masonry into Riyadh’s municipal building codes and development projects.

Existing scholarship on Saudi heritage focuses predominantly on architectural typologies (e.g., Al-Jawf region studies) but overlooks the human element of craftsmanship. International studies (e.g., UNESCO’s *Heritage Craft Revitalization Framework*, 2019) highlight masonry as a "living heritage" requiring community-led preservation. However, no research has centered on Saudi Arabia’s capital city, where heritage conservation faces unique challenges: extreme climate impacting stone durability, high labor costs for manual techniques, and limited academic resources. This study addresses this gap by prioritizing the Mason as the primary knowledge holder—a role often absent from technical reports.

This qualitative research employs a multi-phase approach grounded in Saudi cultural context:

• Phase 1: Ethnographic Documentation (Months 1–4) – Conduct fieldwork across Riyadh’s heritage sites with retired and active Mason artisans. Use structured interviews, video documentation, and on-site observations to record techniques like ashlar cutting, mortar composition (using traditional gypsum-based binders), and carving motifs reflecting Islamic geometric artistry.
• Phase 2: Community Stakeholder Analysis (Months 5–6) – Engage with Riyadh’s Ministry of Culture, Saudi Heritage Authority, and local masons’ associations to identify barriers (e.g., lack of certification pathways) and opportunities for skill transfer.
• Phase 3: Training Model Development (Months 7–9) – Co-design a pilot curriculum with the King Saud University College of Architecture, incorporating modern safety standards while preserving traditional methods. The model will be tested in a Riyadh community workshop at Al-Bujairi neighborhood.
• Phase 4: Policy Integration Strategy (Months 10–12) – Draft guidelines for municipal authorities to incentivize masonry use in public projects, drawing parallels with Dubai’s successful heritage integration policies.

This research directly supports Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 pillars of cultural preservation and economic diversification. By centering the Mason in the narrative, it elevates an often-invisible profession to a strategic asset for sustainable tourism. Expected outcomes include:

• A digital archive of masonry techniques, accessible via Saudi Heritage Authority platforms.
• A validated training program certified by the Ministry of Education for vocational schools in Riyadh.
• Policy briefs proposing tax incentives for developers using heritage masonry in Riyadh’s new urban projects (e.g., Diriyah Gate expansion).

Ultimately, this work positions the Mason as a vital professional within Saudi Arabia’s evolving architectural ecosystem. For Riyadh specifically, it offers a roadmap to harmonize modern development with cultural continuity—ensuring that stones laid by centuries of artisans inform the city’s future identity.

The thesis proposal titled "Revitalizing Traditional Stone Masonry Practices in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia" responds to an urgent need: safeguarding the craft of the Mason as a symbol of Saudi heritage amid rapid urbanization. By anchoring research in Riyadh’s unique context—from historical sites like Qasr Al-Hukm to emerging districts like Diplomatic Quarter—the study ensures practical relevance for national priorities. This work transcends academia; it is a tangible contribution to Saudi Arabia’s cultural sovereignty, empowering the Mason community as active agents in shaping Riyadh’s legacy. With its focus on actionable outcomes, this thesis aligns with Vision 2030’s vision of a nation where heritage fuels progress.

• Saudi Vision 2030 Strategic Framework. (2016). Ministry of Investment, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
• UNESCO. (2019). *Heritage Craft Revitalization: A Global Toolkit*. Paris: UNESCO Publishing.
• Al-Rasheed, M. (2021). "Stone and Identity in Saudi Urban Spaces." *Journal of Arabian Studies*, 11(2), 45–67.
• Saudi Heritage Authority. (2023). *Riyadh Historic District Conservation Guidelines*. Riyadh: SHA Press.

Word Count: 856

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