Claim Missing Document
Check
Articles

Found 4 Documents
Search

Unearthing Al-Dirah's authentic charm: a case study for city branding in Riyadh Rahmayati, Yenny; Alshammari , Haya; Alomar , Razan; Almarshad , Taif; Alzahrani , Najla; Alqubaily, Amjad
The Journal of City: Branding and Authenticity Vol. 1 No. 1: (July) 2023
Publisher : Institute for Advanced Science Social, and Sustainable Future

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.61511/jcbau.v1i1.2023.124

Abstract

Al-Dirah, an old neighborhood in Riyadh, is an excellent illustration of Saudi tradition and history. It was built in 1824 and is widely known for its rich heritage and historical traits, with historic landmarks such as Al Masmak Fort, Al-Dirah Souk, Al-Mu'eiqilia Market, and Deera Square. It also had the major royal castle in Saudi Arabia's second state. It was a thriving economic neighborhood from the past until the present times. With all these values, Al-Dirah has the potential to represent the branding of Riyadh as the capital city. However, this district is facing challenges such as traffic, overpopulation, collapsing buildings, and maintenance issues which might impact the image of the neighborhood. This study aims to investigate the values and potentials of the Al-Dirah neighborhood as well as recent urban problems from the perspectives of residents and non-residents. It argues that having significant potential ranging from cultural, historical, and economic is not enough for developing the branding for the city without considering the perceptions of the residents. Their perceptions are important to create an image that can be potential for the city branding. Therefore, their role needs to be recognized. A mixed method both qualitative and quantitative approach was utilized for this study through online structured and open-ended questionnaires, supported by direct observations on the site. The findings reveal that although old neighborhoods are often associated with urban problems and poorly built environments, however, from residents’ perspectives, it has the potential for city branding, especially if it is supported by their cultural, historical, and economic values. While most of the studies related to city branding focus on the policies perspective from the top-down, this study gives another perspective which is from the community or bottom-up. This study supports the Saudi Vision 2030 goals to achieve a sustainable living environment, boost the economy through tourism, and strengthen national identity at the same time. This study enriches references about city branding for practitioners and policymakers.
Enhancing city authenticity through humanitarian architecture: A synergy of design and identity, case study, Al-Diriyah, Saudi Arabia Rahmayati, Yenny; AlGhunaim, Jory
The Journal of City: Branding and Authenticity Vol. 1 No. 2: (January) 2024
Publisher : Institute for Advanced Science Social, and Sustainable Future

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.61511/jcbau.v1i2.2024.411

Abstract

Architecture acts as a facade to the world, in which one can understand the insides of the people, religion, culture, and much more about a city. Using humanitarian architecture as a guide for reconstructing, as well as the long-term impacts of the urban planning of a city in terms of sustainability and authenticity, this study answers the questions of how the City's character and identity can be maintained while providing quick assistance via humanitarian architecture. What are the challenges that prevent humanitarian architecture from enhancing cities' authenticity, and how can we overcome them? By examining Al-Diriyah project, this study aims to look into the complex relationship of humanitarian architecture with the branding and authenticity of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia from the perspective of residents and non-residents. A blended qualitative and quantitive approach was applied as a comprehensive methodology to achieve the objectives. This study will help the application of humanitarian architecture for rebuilding countries in the East, highlighting authenticity and maintaining its cultural significance.
City’s Authenticity: Examining Community Participation in Rebuilding Buraydah Historical Gates, Al-Qassim, Saudi Arabia Rahmayati, Yenny; Alsaid, Renad
The Journal of City: Branding and Authenticity Vol. 2 No. 1: (July) 2024
Publisher : Institute for Advanced Science Social, and Sustainable Future

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.61511/jcbau.v2i1.2024.966

Abstract

The historical gates of Buraydah are an important heritage site in Al-Qassim, Saudi Arabia. The Gates were built between 1850 and 1901 to protect the city but were demolished later, leaving almost no records or plans behind. The Prince of Al-Qassim has taken on the project to rebuild the Gates to teach future generations about their culture and heritage. The participation of the community becomes essential in this case. This study examines the role of the local community in the rebuilding process by questioning the extent of community participation to ensure the city's authenticity and how to enhance its involvement in the process. To achieve this objective, the study employed a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods for primary data collecting through online surveys. It was supported by a literature study as supplementary data especially to trace the history of the Gates. The aim is to provide a complete picture of the Buraydah Gates, including its history, how they were built and demolished, and their significance to the community in the present times. This project is not like most other rebuilding projects we see today. It is not a case of looking at old plans and drawings and recreating them. It argues that community participation through scouring for rare photographs of the original gate and drawing plans based on the perception of the elderly recalling the design is the most effective approach to ensure the city’s authenticity. In addition, this project stands out because it is based on what the community remembers and feels about the gates. However, many aspects of this site are undocumented, and it is imperative to record and make notes of the progression in order to serve our future generations this study enriches that documentation.
Measuring the success of urban renewal through residents’ lived experiences: A participatory assessment of community well-being, economic opportunity, and historical identity Rahmayati, Yenny; Alkharashi , Norah
The Journal of City: Branding and Authenticity Vol. 3 No. 1: (July) 2025
Publisher : Institute for Advanced Science Social, and Sustainable Future

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.61511/jcbau.v3i1.2025.1950

Abstract

Background: Medina Al-Munawara, Saudi Arabia is one of the oldest holy cities for Muslims prominent for its historical significance as the site of the twelfth Islamic battle. The city had faced challenges of poor building quality and urban planning, prompting Governor Prince Faisal bin Salman to initiate a transformative project to enhance living conditions. Focusing on Hamra’a Al-Assad neighborhood, this research examines the urban improvement project under that initiative. Unlike most common urban improvement research that mostly focuses on design aspects, this study uniquely prioritizes residents' perceptions to comprehensively assess the success of the project. Methods: A quantitative research approach, employing a semi-structured online questionnaire with both closed and open-ended questions, delves into aspects such as daily life impact, community empowerment, economic opportunities, historical awareness, and overall satisfaction. Targeting Hamra’a Al-Assad residents, the primary users of the neighborhood, the study surpassed expectations with 102 collected responses, facilitated by collaboration with local authorities for widespread outreach. The collected data undergoes careful analysis using patterns and connections, empowering residents and providing valuable insights for decision-making in current and future urban redevelopment projects in Medina Al-Munawara. Findings: The study showed that 38.5% of residents felt safer and 50% noted increased property values, but only 28.4% saw better economic opportunities, 35.5% felt stronger community ties, 45% perceived a positive cultural impact, and just 28.4% participated in planning, revealing key gaps in engagement and inclusivity. Conclusion: This research emphasizes residents' perspectives and informs practical decisions that prioritize community well-being and inclusiveness in urban redevelopment. Novelty/Originality of this article: The novelty of this research lies in its emphasis on a resident-centric framework for evaluating urban redevelopment in a culturally and historically significant city, addressing a critical gap in the existing literature that often overlooks the socio-cultural dimensions of urban renewal in Islamic contexts.