Integrating Historic Areas with the Urban Fabric for Sustainable Development: The Case of Diriyah, Saudi Arabia

Authors

  • Mohammed Fareed Sherzad Department of Architecture, College of Architecture, Art and Design, Ajman University, P.O.Box 346, Ajman, United Arab Emirates Author
  • Shahad Abdulabbas Hammoodi Department of Urban Design, College of Architectural Engineering, University of Technology, Baghdad 10066, Iraq Author
  • Wahda Shuker Al-Hinkawi Department of Urban Design, College of Architectural Engineering, University of Technology, Baghdad 10066, Iraq Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.70917/fce-2025-043

Keywords:

cultural heritage , heritage and historical centers, sustainable development, integration; diriyah

Abstract

This research investigates the integration of heritage centers into the urban fabric to achieve sustainable development, with Diriyah in Saudi Arabia as a case study. The study emphasizes the dual objective of conserving cultural identity while promoting socio-economic vitality. The novelty of the research lies in combining Space Syntax analysis with a comprehensive literature review, offering a framework that links spatial configuration with heritage conservation. The methodology compares pre- and post-development scenarios of Diriyah, where global integration values increased by 27% and local connectivity improved by 19%, reflecting enhanced accessibility and potential social interaction. These findings provide evidence-based insights into how heritage preservation can be aligned with contemporary urban planning strategies, contributing to a broader model for sustainable revitalization in historic cities.

Author Biographies

  • Mohammed Fareed Sherzad, Department of Architecture, College of Architecture, Art and Design, Ajman University, P.O.Box 346, Ajman, United Arab Emirates

    Associate Professor, College of Architecture, Art and Design, Ajman University.

  • Shahad Abdulabbas Hammoodi, Department of Urban Design, College of Architectural Engineering, University of Technology, Baghdad 10066, Iraq

    Architect, Researcher, Department, Architectural Engineering, University of Technology, Baghdad.

  • Wahda Shuker Al-Hinkawi, Department of Urban Design, College of Architectural Engineering, University of Technology, Baghdad 10066, Iraq

    Professor of Architecture, Department of Architectural Engineering, University of Technology, Baghdad.

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2026-02-28 — Updated on 2026-10-29

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Integrating Historic Areas with the Urban Fabric for Sustainable Development: The Case of Diriyah, Saudi Arabia. (2026). Future Cities and Environment, 11. https://doi.org/10.70917/fce-2025-043 (Original work published 2026)