Urban Transformation in the City of Riyadh: A Study of Plural Urban Identity

Abstract

Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, has been witnessing rapid urban transformation processes during the 20th century, which have had various kinds of impact on the evolution of its urban identity. This paper therefore attempts to investigate how the new urban concepts, which were introduced by modernization and globalization, caused a conflict of identities and how this has resulted in dividing Riyadh into opposing urban entities. The main challenge in establishing a cohesive urban identity in Riyadh is based on the long-term conflict between traditional forms of urbanism and modern ways of urban development. The paper thus investigates the urban transformation of Riyadh from the beginning of the twentieth century until the present day. The main objective of this historic analysis is to capture the various ways inhabitants have perceived surrounding urban environments and how this has been influencing urban planning activities. The applied methodologies include the evaluation of historic documents, such as official reports and plans.

Citation

Al Naim, M.A. (2013), "Urban Transformation in the City of Riyadh: A Study of Plural Urban Identity", Open House International, Vol. 38 No. 4, pp. 70-79. https://doi.org/10.1108/OHI-04-2013-B0008