Architecture does more than creating the physical environment in which people live. Architecture is beyond the building materials, it is also an extension of a community's culture. For, architecture stands as a representation of how a society views itself and the world. Therefore, restoration and repurposing is an act of preserving one's heritage while offering valuable contributions to present and future generations. Beit Al-Manoufy takes the reader on an instructive journey to explore the role of architecture in preserving a country's heritage and culture, through a specific exam_x0002_ple: the Beit Al-Manoufy guest house. Located in Al-Balad, Jeddah's historic down_x0002_town recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014, Beit Al-Manoufy is an example of the local Hijazi architecture: the old guest house, that consists of two attached buildings each divided into two floors, is built with wood and coral stone. The elaborate patterned wooden window frames, painted with a light turquoise color, maximize natural light and air flow. The door of the house, with its carved wood, stands in great splendor and beauty.

To preserve this iconic heritage building while promoting culture and art, Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Culture undertook the renova_x0002_tion and repurposing of Beit Al-Manoufy to give this old house a cultural vocation: the Ministry commissioned Saudi and international heritage architects and exhibition designers (Urban Phenomena, Christophe Martin Architects, La Meduse) to trans_x0002_form the abandoned house into a permanent museum and music center. The building hosts the Tariq Abdulhakim Center that pays tribute to this preeminent musician in Saudi Arabia's history and national musical identity. The Center includes a museum showcasing a selection of the late artist's works and personal belongings, and a music archive center preserving written and audio recordings of Saudi and Arab music.