2025
Studio Souq
Balad Studio Souq — Cultural Innovation for Historic Market Revitalization
PIF
Jeddah Albalad
Know More
This project is aimed to enhance the cultural, social, and commercial experience of Al-Balad through user-centered urban design and technology-enabled systems, improving navigation, interaction, operations, and heritage representation.
Preserve cultural authenticity while modernizing infrastructure
The Balad Studio Souq project creates a livable and memorable market experience, encouraging tourism, supporting local crafts, and positioning Al-Balad as a model for culturally sensitive urban innovation in Saudi Arabia.
Problem
Despite its cultural richness, Al-Balad faces significant challenges that diminish its potential as a vibrant, tourist-friendly destination:
Poor navigation and lack of organized wayfinding make it difficult for visitors to explore confidently.
Language barriers complicate communication between visitors and local vendors.
Limited access to functional tools like trolleys discourages larger purchases and burdens both visitors and workers.
A lack of support/rest infrastructure negatively affects workers’ well-being and customer service.
Outdated signage and uniforms fail to reflect the heritage and hospitality of the market.
These issues reduce visitor engagement, lower spending, and hinder the overall economic and cultural impact of the market
Solution
The project proposes a holistic set of interventions that enhance both user experience and operational performance, without compromising the cultural identity of Al-Balad:
1. Balad Guide App (3 Versions)
A digital platform for visitors, workers, and security officers that offers:
Real-time navigation, translation, event updates
Task and schedule management for workers
Safety and reporting system for security staff
2. Redesigned Fabric Trolley
A durable, multi-layer trolley with ergonomic features that:
Increases carrying capacity
Reduces worker strain
Enhances operational efficiency
3. Smart Visitor Trolley
A foldable, app-rented trolley with:
Laser-guided navigation
Anti-theft tracking
User-friendly screen interface
Encouragement of larger purchases
4. Interactive Information Displays
Touch-screen systems that:
Provide maps and workshop updates
Allow visitors to request assistance
Promote local businesses and events
5. Workers Rest Area
A culturally inspired facility offering:
Private rest sections
Shaded courtyards
Amenities that promote dignity, comfort, and productivity
6. Updated Uniforms
Modern, breathable attire that:
Honors traditional aesthetics
Supports physical movement and professional identity
7. Signage System
Inclusive bilingual signage with:
Universal icons
Neutral, heritage-inspired palette
Clear navigation support
Concept
The Balad Studio Souq project is an integrated design intervention aimed at revitalizing Jeddah’s historic Al-Balad market by merging cultural heritage with modern functionality. The project introduces smart systems, redesigned tools, and intuitive services that elevate the visitor experience while improving the daily operations of workers.
Through technology-enabled navigation, redesigned trolleys, interactive displays, updated signage, and culturally rooted uniforms, the project reimagines Al-Balad as a seamless, accessible, and culturally immersive marketplace.
More Works
2025
Studio Souq
Balad Studio Souq — Cultural Innovation for Historic Market Revitalization
PIF
Jeddah Albalad
Know More
This project is aimed to enhance the cultural, social, and commercial experience of Al-Balad through user-centered urban design and technology-enabled systems, improving navigation, interaction, operations, and heritage representation.
Preserve cultural authenticity while modernizing infrastructure
The Balad Studio Souq project creates a livable and memorable market experience, encouraging tourism, supporting local crafts, and positioning Al-Balad as a model for culturally sensitive urban innovation in Saudi Arabia.
Problem
Despite its cultural richness, Al-Balad faces significant challenges that diminish its potential as a vibrant, tourist-friendly destination:
Poor navigation and lack of organized wayfinding make it difficult for visitors to explore confidently.
Language barriers complicate communication between visitors and local vendors.
Limited access to functional tools like trolleys discourages larger purchases and burdens both visitors and workers.
A lack of support/rest infrastructure negatively affects workers’ well-being and customer service.
Outdated signage and uniforms fail to reflect the heritage and hospitality of the market.
These issues reduce visitor engagement, lower spending, and hinder the overall economic and cultural impact of the market
Solution
The project proposes a holistic set of interventions that enhance both user experience and operational performance, without compromising the cultural identity of Al-Balad:
1. Balad Guide App (3 Versions)
A digital platform for visitors, workers, and security officers that offers:
Real-time navigation, translation, event updates
Task and schedule management for workers
Safety and reporting system for security staff
2. Redesigned Fabric Trolley
A durable, multi-layer trolley with ergonomic features that:
Increases carrying capacity
Reduces worker strain
Enhances operational efficiency
3. Smart Visitor Trolley
A foldable, app-rented trolley with:
Laser-guided navigation
Anti-theft tracking
User-friendly screen interface
Encouragement of larger purchases
4. Interactive Information Displays
Touch-screen systems that:
Provide maps and workshop updates
Allow visitors to request assistance
Promote local businesses and events
5. Workers Rest Area
A culturally inspired facility offering:
Private rest sections
Shaded courtyards
Amenities that promote dignity, comfort, and productivity
6. Updated Uniforms
Modern, breathable attire that:
Honors traditional aesthetics
Supports physical movement and professional identity
7. Signage System
Inclusive bilingual signage with:
Universal icons
Neutral, heritage-inspired palette
Clear navigation support
Concept
The Balad Studio Souq project is an integrated design intervention aimed at revitalizing Jeddah’s historic Al-Balad market by merging cultural heritage with modern functionality. The project introduces smart systems, redesigned tools, and intuitive services that elevate the visitor experience while improving the daily operations of workers.
Through technology-enabled navigation, redesigned trolleys, interactive displays, updated signage, and culturally rooted uniforms, the project reimagines Al-Balad as a seamless, accessible, and culturally immersive marketplace.
More Works
2025
Studio Souq
Balad Studio Souq — Cultural Innovation for Historic Market Revitalization
PIF
Jeddah Albalad
Know More
This project is aimed to enhance the cultural, social, and commercial experience of Al-Balad through user-centered urban design and technology-enabled systems, improving navigation, interaction, operations, and heritage representation.
Preserve cultural authenticity while modernizing infrastructure
The Balad Studio Souq project creates a livable and memorable market experience, encouraging tourism, supporting local crafts, and positioning Al-Balad as a model for culturally sensitive urban innovation in Saudi Arabia.
Problem
Despite its cultural richness, Al-Balad faces significant challenges that diminish its potential as a vibrant, tourist-friendly destination:
Poor navigation and lack of organized wayfinding make it difficult for visitors to explore confidently.
Language barriers complicate communication between visitors and local vendors.
Limited access to functional tools like trolleys discourages larger purchases and burdens both visitors and workers.
A lack of support/rest infrastructure negatively affects workers’ well-being and customer service.
Outdated signage and uniforms fail to reflect the heritage and hospitality of the market.
These issues reduce visitor engagement, lower spending, and hinder the overall economic and cultural impact of the market
Solution
The project proposes a holistic set of interventions that enhance both user experience and operational performance, without compromising the cultural identity of Al-Balad:
1. Balad Guide App (3 Versions)
A digital platform for visitors, workers, and security officers that offers:
Real-time navigation, translation, event updates
Task and schedule management for workers
Safety and reporting system for security staff
2. Redesigned Fabric Trolley
A durable, multi-layer trolley with ergonomic features that:
Increases carrying capacity
Reduces worker strain
Enhances operational efficiency
3. Smart Visitor Trolley
A foldable, app-rented trolley with:
Laser-guided navigation
Anti-theft tracking
User-friendly screen interface
Encouragement of larger purchases
4. Interactive Information Displays
Touch-screen systems that:
Provide maps and workshop updates
Allow visitors to request assistance
Promote local businesses and events
5. Workers Rest Area
A culturally inspired facility offering:
Private rest sections
Shaded courtyards
Amenities that promote dignity, comfort, and productivity
6. Updated Uniforms
Modern, breathable attire that:
Honors traditional aesthetics
Supports physical movement and professional identity
7. Signage System
Inclusive bilingual signage with:
Universal icons
Neutral, heritage-inspired palette
Clear navigation support
Concept
The Balad Studio Souq project is an integrated design intervention aimed at revitalizing Jeddah’s historic Al-Balad market by merging cultural heritage with modern functionality. The project introduces smart systems, redesigned tools, and intuitive services that elevate the visitor experience while improving the daily operations of workers.
Through technology-enabled navigation, redesigned trolleys, interactive displays, updated signage, and culturally rooted uniforms, the project reimagines Al-Balad as a seamless, accessible, and culturally immersive marketplace.
More Works