Fai Alkhawaji
Saudi Cultural Heritage
Prompt: Students were asked to design a 3D object that represents their identity or connection to a community. The project encouraged us to think about how we belong, what symbols or ideas represent us, and how to show that through shape and design. We used research and sketches to guide our process and created a final object that tells a personal story in a visual way.
This project reflects my cultural identity and connection to my Saudi roots. The assignment asked us to explore community and belonging through a 3D object, and I chose to recreate a traditional Saudi interior using patterns, colors, and forms that represent home and heritage. My goal was to show how the environment I grew up in shaped who I am, and how a sense of belonging is found in the details around us. I was inspired by traditional Saudi patterns, especially the “Najdi pattern,” known for its geometric forms and vibrant colors. I used linear materials and hand-painted elements to create a miniature interior that feels familiar and welcoming. This work was informed by research, including observing family homes, looking at historical architecture, and studying the meanings of colors in Saudi art. Every detail, from the red cushions to the wall patterns, was chosen to reflect the cultural and emotional significance of my heritage.