Documentation and analysis of traditional domestic architecture in Saudi Arabia: The basis for this encompassing documentation and analysis will be the area of the historical district of Jeddah already briefly visited by the Austrian team of experts in February 2008. The work will be done in co operation of the King Abdul Aziz University and the Vienna University of Technology. The intense survey will deal with settlement- and city-structures as well as essential features of single urban and rural buildings which are: - Overall functions in relation to society and economy - Relations between interior and exterior spaces - Use, function and proportion of the rooms - Building material and technology in relation to the natural resources - Decoration and ornamentation within the cultural and historical context - Process of adaption to environmental (climatic) conditions The work is done in cooperation of the two universities. Emphasis is put on intercultural research teams under the students as well as the academic staff.
