When you think of Ramadan, you might picture lantern-lit nights, the aroma of dates, and long communal Iftars. For Saudi architect and designer Ahmed Ezzat, these familiar moments are more than nostalgic—they’re a lens through which he designs. Every ritual, every gathering, shapes the way people move, interact, and experience space, and that deeply informs how he approaches his projects.
Observing Life, Designing Spaces
For Ahmed, architecture begins with observation. He doesn’t just sketch buildings; he studies how communities live and how traditions shape behavior. Ramadan gatherings, he says, are “a significant part of the social fabric,” influencing how spaces are used, adapted, and experienced.
This focus on human behavior isn’t just theoretical. It shows up in how he thinks about light, movement, and flow—making spaces feel alive, responsive, and meaningful. Designing, in his words, is about “creating environments that respond to collective behaviors and cultural patterns.”
30 Minarets in Ramadan: A Visual Journey
Ahmed’s current project, 30 Minarets in Ramadan, is a love letter to Islamic architecture and the spiritual rhythm of the holy month. Through delicate sketches, he captures the unique character of each minaret — from the elegant curves of Riyad Alsaliheen Mosque to the towering presence of Al Saadoun Mosque and the intricate details of Sheikh Abdullah Fouad Mosque.
Each piece isn’t just a technical drawing; it’s a study of light, shadow, and the cultural context that shapes these sacred structures. The sketches balance precision with artistry, giving viewers a sense of walking through these spaces themselves.
Imagining a Ramadan Pavilion
If you asked Ahmed to design a space that truly captures Ramadan, it wouldn’t be a typical room with furniture and walls. Instead, he envisions a pavilion defined by light and shadow, a place where every transition between darkness and illumination feels like a small meditation.
The goal isn’t just visual beauty. It’s about creating a sense of calm and reflection, a spatial journey that mirrors the contemplative rhythm of the month. In Ahmed’s hands, architecture becomes a tool for emotional and spiritual experience—almost like walking through a story told in beams of light.
Creativity Through Collaboration
Experimentation and collaboration are central to Ahmed’s process. His recent work with Aljoud Brand and designer Shahad Alwazani brings this to life, merging Saudi architecture and Ramadan traditions into abaya design and illustration.
“While my approach leaned toward spatial abstraction, Shahad’s perspective added a nuanced understanding of abaya design,” Ahmed says. Together, their dialogue transformed the project into a layered visual expression, blending architectural storytelling with the delicacy of garment design.
For Ahmed, these multidisciplinary projects are thrilling because they allow ideas to move between disciplines, creating something that’s culturally resonant yet unexpected.
What’s Next
Looking ahead, Ahmed is all about curiosity and exploration. He’s passionate about designing new types of spaces, but equally excited by projects that translate architecture into art, fashion, or immersive experiences.
Ramadan, in his work, isn’t just a season on the calendar—it’s a source of inspiration, a reminder that culture, ritual, and creativity can coexist beautifully. Every shadow, every gathering, every reflective pause is a spark for design innovation.
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