Academic architect Omair Al-Bishi captures the essence of Saudi Arabia's architectural heritage through the lens of his evocative photography. With a particular focus on the Eastern Province, his photography chronicles the evolution of Khobar, transforming its corners and buildings into timeless works of art. Through the interplay of light and shadow, his images evoke a sense of nostalgia, capturing the essence of a bygone era.
Omair is a lecturer at the College of Architecture and Planning at Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University. He has a keen interest in visual arts, digital modeling, and product design. Omair believes that art is an essential aspect of an architect's life, and he traces his passion for art back to his early childhood. He says, "I grew up in a family that values various forms of art, from crafting traditional products to Arabic calligraphy and fine arts. My grandmother, may she rest in peace, was skilled in leather crafts and various palm frond products. Observing her had a subconscious impact on me, leading me to enter the field of architecture and bolstering my interest in the various arts related to this discipline."
Omair's lens captures the essence of the Eastern Province's traditional and historic homes, focusing on their ornate doors and facades. His photographs not only showcase the architectural beauty but also narrate the captivating stories of Khobar and Dammam's golden era. These cities, shaped by unique histories and American-inspired urban planning, reveal their distinctive charm through their design details.
Fueled by his passion for architecture and preserving history, Omair launched "Bab Teeb". This project focuses on crafting miniature 3D-printed models of doors and facades, capturing the essence of Saudi homes from the 1970s and 1980s. The meticulous detail of these models has resonated with a wide audience on social media.
In this exclusive interview with Ithraeyat Magazine, we delve into the world of the talented Omair and his forays into photography.
captured by Omair Al-bishi
captured by Omair Al-bishi
Doors, in their many forms, have always fascinated me as windows into history and culture. It is said that door handles are a way of shaking hands with the building, as the door is the first element that the user interacts with, and it is what welcomes people to the building. My particular interest in the mid-century iron doors of our region stems from a desire to shed light on an often-overlooked chapter of architectural innovation.
These doors are not just functional objects; they are symbols of a bygone era, each with a unique story to tell. Growing up in Abqaiq, surrounded by these beautiful structures, I developed a deep appreciation for their craftsmanship and the cultural context in which they were created. It's worth noting that buildings from this period have been classified under the Modern Heritage Programme by UNESCO (which focuses on 19th and 20th century buildings), which has only strengthened my resolve to document and celebrate these doors as the treasures they are. They are tangible links to our past, and their preservation is essential for understanding the evolution of our architectural landscape.
Architecture was my gateway to photography. During my studies, I befriended several photography enthusiasts and was fascinated by their fieldwork results. I learned technical and visual skills from them to improve my photography. This interest grew into a university photography club, which held several exhibitions and honed our skills over time.
Architectural education emphasized analytical concepts and theories of building and form like symmetry, repetition, rhythm, harmony, and contrast. Understanding these principles greatly influenced my photo composition. Additionally, focusing on architectural perspective and shadows in projects was reflected in my choice of angles and lighting in photography.
Northern Khobar stands out as my favourite spot for architectural and street photography, as it’s renowned for its abundance of modernist architectural marvels. The winding streets, filled with diverse small shops, create a vibrant atmosphere perfect for endless exploration. Moreover, the traces of the passage of time in the area’s buildings add a unique character that photographers find irresistible.
I always strive to capture in my photographs an aesthetic aspect of the subject that others may not find aesthetically pleasing in real life; things often passed by without much notice. This endeavour is about highlighting the architectural elements of that unique era and preserving what remains, as they are now an integral part of our architectural heritage.
captured by Omair Al-bishi
captured by Omair Al-bishi
"Bab Teeb" is a venture centered on crafting artistic souvenir gifts rooted in the essence of a location, showcasing architectural elements from the modern heritage era. The inspiration came from capturing images of buildings from that period, which elicited strong emotional responses on social media. By merging my passions for architectural photography and digital modeling, the concept of "Bab Teeb" came to fruition. It entails translating these architectural images into tangible products inspired by elements that resonate with the local community's collective memory.
A sample of sculptures from "Bab Teeb", courtesy of Omair Al-Bishi.
A sample of sculptures from "Bab Teeb", courtesy of Omair Al-Bishi.
A sample of sculptures from "Bab Teeb", courtesy of Omair Al-Bishi.
My ambitions involve actively preserving our architectural heritage and infusing our distinct Saudi identity and rich culture into our designs, spanning from buildings to industrial products, across various scales.
