Buildings facades are considered the expression of architecture and of the extent to which the city
exhibits architectural harmony. These interfaces and the resulting visual unit will reflect the image
of the physical environment of the city. The key problem for research pertaining to many of the
buildings in Holy Makkah is due to their lack of architectural composition، and the lack of harmony
between the facades، resulting in visual clutter، and affecting the appearance of the city، and even
causing her to lose her urban and architectural qualities.
This research aims to study and analyze the facades of some buildings to highlight the visual clutter
and try to suggest appropriate solution that contribute the reduction of visual clutter.
The research is based on the descriptive/analytical method. It employs visual study of facades of
buildings in Makkah which were chosen from one of the main streets in Makkah، the Azizia Street
and a visual analysis of the buildings located on the north side of the street، specifically from Sidqi
road to King Khalid road. In addition، The researchers used questionnaires to explore the views of
architect regarding building facades.
The research found through the description and analysis the building facades that lack harmony،
resulting in a visual clutter. The researchers conclude that visual clutter is due to the lack of design
guidelines that، control and direct of the design process. Therefore، the most important
recommendations of the research is to establish guidelines for design of facades to limit visual
clutter. The researchers also emphasizes the need to educate owners and architects about the
improving the visual image of the city