Records and illustrates the distinct architectural traditions of various regions in Saudi Arabia. Includes a detailed analysis of building materials, construction, and decorative motifs.

Includes bibliographical references (p. [217]-222) and index.

Records a unique architectural tradition encompassing the greatest variety of styles in the Arabian peninsula. With the full flow of the oil economy came a wholesale rebuilding and expansion of Saudi Arabia's towns and cities. King defines and illustrates a vernacular tradition for each region.
"The Traditional Architecture of Saudi Arabia" by Geoffrey King is a pivotal work that documents and analyzes the diverse vernacular architectural traditions of the Arabian Peninsula, specifically within the regions of Saudi Arabia. Published in 1998, the book is a critical response to the rapid modernization and widespread demolition of historic buildings that followed the oil boom, a phenomenon that threatened to erase centuries of architectural heritage.

King's work is celebrated for its comprehensive approach, which categorizes and illustrates the unique building traditions of each major region of Saudi Arabia: the Western (Hijaz), Central (Najd), Eastern, and Southern (Asir) regions. It meticulously details the distinct building materials, construction techniques, and architectural styles that evolved in response to local climates, available resources, and cultural needs. For example, it highlights the use of coral stone in the coastal Hijaz region, mud-brick in the arid Najd, and stone rubble in the mountainous Asir. The book is heavily illustrated with photographs and detailed line drawings, providing a visual record of structures that are no longer standing. By defining and documenting these regional styles, King's work serves as a vital historical record and a call for the preservation of a unique architectural tradition.