Preserving Ghasiba's Heritage Site in Riyadh Through Digital Tools and Modern Technologies

The Ghasiba Heritage Site in Riyadh is a significant historical landmark reflecting the region's rich cultural heritage. With rapid urban development in Riyadh, the site faces preservation challenges amidst modernity, threatening its historical and architectural significance. This paper aims to explore strategies for preserving the Ghasiba Heritage Site, with a particular focus on the iconic tower. It investigates the delicate balance between conserving the site's cultural heritage and promoting its future development in a way that respects its historical value. A multifaceted approach is employed, combining site analysis, stakeholder interviews, and digital tools for creating visual representations of the site, including 3D modeling and virtual reconstruction of the proposed tower. Digital software visualizes potential interventions and simulates the integration of contemporary structures while preserving the site's traditional aesthetics. Data is gathered through historical documentation and consultations with heritage conservation experts. The study applies preservation principles and urban planning strategies to propose a sustainable framework for the site's revitalization. The study highlights key threats to the Ghasiba Heritage Site, including urban encroachment and lack of public awareness. The proposed preservation solutions focus on the adaptive reuse of the Ghasiba Tower, integrating modern design that respects traditional aesthetics and community engagement in heritage conservation efforts. Preserving Ghasiba's heritage site, especially the tower, requires a comprehensive approach incorporating historical, architectural, and social considerations. The proposed strategies emphasize sustainable development that balances heritage conservation with the dynamic growth of Riyadh, ensuring that the past remains an integral part of the city's future.