ABSTRACT
Coral stone is one of the main building materials of the west coast of the Arabian Peninsula, and exposed coral is very vulnerable to environmental influences. The walls of Old Jeddah buildings consist of plastered coral stone blocks from the nearby lagoon or quarries, reinforced by horizontal wooden beams. The building material was carried up in baskets or hauled up with ropes. In terms of building geometry and settlement structures, courtyards and tight building-positioning are advantageous for cities in desert areas. In Jeddah, the south-facing facades receive the highest irradiation values, but can be effectively shaded by cantilevers, overhangs and deep window soffits. Historic Jeddah, the Gate to Makkah, was added to the List of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in June 2014. To keep the historic World Heritage area alive, coordinated efforts are needed, mainly at local initiative level, although outsiders and foreign experts can bring in sustainable input.
