Yamasaki’s Dhahran Civil Air Terminal and the Shaping of Saudi Modernity

Abstract

It is very common to see modern architecture in a petroleumeconomy examined as a logical consequence of surplus in a state income. Taking Yamasaki’s Dhahran Civil Air Terminal as a case study, this essay aims to show the limitation of examining architecture from this perspective. This essay argues that we are only able to understand modern architecture in a petroleum-led context like that of Saudi Arabia, by considering the multifaceted cultural influences of petroleum. The essay also explains the adverse effects of this economy on modern architecture.