Journal of Architecture and Planning
type: channel
description: <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Tajawal; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 500; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: #ffffff; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; display: inline !important; float: none;">The Journal of Architecture and Planning (JAP) published by King Saud University, provide an opportunity for scholars to publish their original works based on distinguished scientific research in the fields of Architecture and Building Science, Landscape Architecture, Urban Design, Urban and Regional Planning and related subjects. The journal publishes articles that contribute original research in the specialized fields. The articles discuss, analyze and conclude valuable results undertaken by faculty members, practicing professionals and graduate students, either locally or globally. The journal has international acceptance, and is one of the oldest in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
publisher: King Saud University press
language: en
publication name: Journal of Architecture and Planning
issn: 1018-3604
items: Entrance to Heritage: Examining the Artistic, Symbolic, and Socio-Cultural Significance of the Najdi Door in Central Saudi Arabia.
items: Towards Environmentally Sustainable Educational Spaces in Semi-Desert Areas: Visions from Schools in New Cairo City
items: Utilizing User-Centered Design Approaches to Enhance the Design of Private Outdoor Living Spaces: Case Study of Taif City
items: Exploration of the Tangible and Intangible Aspects Affecting Students’ Learning in the Architectural Studios: A Case Study of Lahore, Pakistan.
items: From Vision to Viability: Tackling the Form-Value-Function Dilemma in Early Architectural Conceptualization
items: Evaluating Thermal Comfort and the Influence of Passive Design Strategies in Free-Running Local Dwellings of Wadi Hadramout, Yemen.
items: The Concept of Housing Quality Among Saudi Householdsin Single-Family Dwellings in Riyadh
items: Multi-Criteria analysis of wind power station distribution along the Red Sea Coast of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia using GIS (1985-2017)
items: Adopting Augmented Reality to Enhance Vernacular Building Preservation and Tourism: Case Study in Matbouli House Museum, Al-Balad
items: The Effect of Different Built Environments on Walking Behavior Among Women in Riyadh
items: Method for Determining Fire Risks at Urban and Building Scale onHospital Facades
items: Urban Transformation and its Impact on the Quality of Life in Riyadh: Reviewing the Progress Toward the Global City Rankings
items: Cultural Landscape Preservation in the Context of Urban Sustainability
items: Fusion and Transformation: The 1950s Architectural Metamorphosis of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
items: Navigating Safety and Urban Challenges: A Study of Children's Pedestrian Experiences in Jeddah's School Zones
items: The Impact of Urban Growth on Heat Island Changes in the City of Al-Khobar, Eastern Saudi Arabia From 2002 to 2022 Using Remote Sensing Images
items: The Impact of a Pedestrian-Oriented Environment on the Street Humanization in Riyadh City
items: Quality of Life Indicators from an Architectural Perspective: A Case Study in Medina
items: FLEXIBILITY CONCEPT in HOUSING DESIGN within the FRAMEWORK of SOCIO-CULTURAL VALUES: TAG VILLA PROJECT in SAUDI ARABIA
items: Greenery Impact on Physiological Equivalent Temperature for Pedestrians in Residential Zones in Hot and Arid Climates
items: The Role of Flexibility of Technological Selection in the Formal andSymbolic Reproduction of Arches
items: Unlocking Walkability in Car-Oriented Cities: Assessing Built Environment Features Affecting Walkability in Riyadh's Neighborhoods
items: The Challenges of Achieving WELL Standards in Residential Apartment Design and Enhancing the Concept of Quality of Life: An Analytical Study in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
items: IEQ Assessment of Inpatient Wards in a Public Hospital in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Entrance to Heritage: Examining the Artistic, Symbolic, and Socio-Cultural Significance of the Najdi Door in Central Saudi Arabia.
type: item
description: This study explores the artistry and cultural importance of Najdi doors in central Saudi Arabia, the Kingdom’s ‘heartland’, focusing on their symbolic, aesthetic, and communal values. By analyzing the symbolic connotations, materials used, and social meanings associated with these doors, the study aims to highlight their cultural significance. By delving into the door backgrounds, artistic designs, and social relevance, the study emphasizes their role as representations of the cultural identity and status of those living behind them, as well as stores of communal heritage. The multi-dimensional research methodology incorporates studies, visual analysis, interviews, and surveys to develop a thorough understanding of Najdi Doors' complexities and richness as an art form. This approach allows a deeper exploration of these doors' aesthetic and symbolic aspects. It provides insights into how the community perceives them and the motivations behind their creation. Through this methodology, the research connects the doors’ craftsmanship with their relevance in modern contexts by presenting a new perspective on this cultural heritage. The results show that Najdi doors express identity, tradition, and artistry, reflecting the region's heritage and people's bond with their surroundings. The designs used in these doors, along with their materials and symbolic meanings, significantly contribute to Saudi Arabia's cultural story by emphasizing the importance of preserving these elements as a crucial link to history. The study's findings indicate uses for modern architectural approaches and emphasize the importance of maintaining historical links between the past and present. This investigation adds value to discussions on traditional Saudi architecture and heritage while emphasizing how crucial preservation is to safeguard cultural identity during fast-paced modernization.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Najd
  topic: keywords
subject: getaway
  topic: keywords
subject: craft
  topic: keywords
subject: color
  topic: keywords
subject: proportion
  topic: keywords
subject: motifs
  topic: keywords
creator: Mohammed Alnaim
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 Journal of Architecture and Planning
date: 2025-11-20
publication date: 2025-11-20
doi: 10.33948/JAP-KSU-37-4-3

Towards Environmentally Sustainable Educational Spaces in Semi-Desert Areas: Visions from Schools in New Cairo City
type: item
description: The study examines the extent to which school building designs in Egypt, particularly in the semi-desert climate of New Cairo, align with environmental sustainability standards. In response to rapid population growth and rising demand for educational buildings, many school buildings continue to prioritize cost efficiency and basic functionality while overlooking essential sustainability considerations, such as energy performance, building orientation, and indoor environmental quality. Adopting a multi-method research approach. The initial analytical phase involved a review of both local standards, issued by the (GAEB) and the (CHPS), with a focus on core physical comfort factors: temperature, ventilation, and lighting. While other factors have been identified, but are considered less influential, outside the scope of the study, and more suitable for specialized studies. The pilot phase involved field documentation of selected school models, which, although not intended to be fully representative, serve to illustrate instances where environmental sustainability considerations were overlooked despite the availability of space. The comparative phase that utilized software tools to assess environmental performance, and then offered targeted passive design strategies to address identified gaps. Findings terms of energy efficiency, indoor comfort, and resource management. The study highlights the urgent need to embed environmental sustainability in national school design policies, emphasizing its role in reducing operational costs, enhancing occupant comfort, and improving educational outcomes. It offers original, context-specific insights and practical recommendations to support resilient, energy-efficient, and pedagogically effective educational environments in Egypt.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Environmental sustainability
  topic: keywords
subject: School building standards
  topic: keywords
subject: Energy efficiency
  topic: keywords
subject: Indoor environmental quality
  topic: keywords
subject: Physical comfort
  topic: keywords
creator: Sherif Ahmed
creator: Islam Hamed
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 Journal of Architecture and Planning
date: 2025-11-20
publication date: 2025-11-20
doi: 10.33948/JAP-KSU-37-4-2

Utilizing User-Centered Design Approaches to Enhance the Design of Private Outdoor Living Spaces: Case Study of Taif City
type: item
description: This study critically examines the application of user-centered design (UCD) as a methodological framework for enhancing the design of outdoor living spaces within residential buildings, with a particular emphasis on optimizing user quality and well-being. The study adopts a descriptive-analytical approach, outlining strategies for the effective implementation of the UCD Approach in the context of outdoor living spaces. This framework is employed to investigate the challenges associated with applying UCD in residential housing within the city of Taif, and proposes potential solutions, drawing upon established global standards. The objective is to develop context-specific, practical criteria that can be implemented within the local housing context of Taif. The study applies the UCD Approach to the design of outdoor living spaces, resulting in a model that guides designers in improving these spaces. This model aims to enhance the functionality of outdoor areas while more effectively meeting the diverse needs and preferences of residents. The research concludes with several key recommendations, notably the adoption of user-centered design as the foundational principle for the development of outdoor living spaces. This approach is essential not only for addressing human needs but also for fostering a deeper connection between residents and their natural environment.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: User-Centered Design
  topic: keywords
subject: Outdoor living space
  topic: keywords
subject: well-being
  topic: keywords
subject: Quality of life
  topic: keywords
subject: Human behavior
  topic: keywords
creator: Reem Alsabban
creator: Mona Alotaibi
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 Journal of Architecture and Planning
date: 2025-11-20
publication date: 2025-11-20
doi: 10.33948/JAP-KSU-37-4-4

Exploration of the Tangible and Intangible Aspects Affecting Students’ Learning in the Architectural Studios: A Case Study of Lahore, Pakistan.
type: item
description: With the continuous advancements in architecture, design education requires ongoing reforms to bridge the gap between academia and practice. In addition, artificial intelligence (AI) in architectural education transforms traditional teaching strategies by providing data-driven and immersive learning opportunities. This study intends to explore the teaching practices in Lahore's undergraduate architectural design studios and offers a framework for learning that incorporates the requirements of both learners and teachers. This study utilized a mixed-method approach to examine contemporary teaching practices and the challenges teachers and students encounter. The findings suggest that current pedagogical approaches lack a comprehensive understanding of the needs of both, making it challenging to create an optimal setting for learning. As a result of these findings, this study proposes a learning framework that includes tangible and intangible factors influencing the learning experience, such as the physical environment, teaching methodology, and learning techniques, to ensure their foundations are strong. The study's findings contribute to the existing knowledge on architectural pedagogy and provide practical recommendations for improving the undergraduate design studio experience for both students and teachers.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Architectural Education
  topic: keywords
subject: Design Studio Learning
  topic: keywords
subject: Architecture Pedagogy
  topic: keywords
subject: Teaching Methodologies
  topic: keywords
creator: Fatima-tu Zuhra
creator: Mamuna Iqbal
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 Journal of Architecture and Planning
date: 2025-08-20
publication date: 2025-08-20
doi: 10.33948/JAP-KSU-37-3-4

From Vision to Viability: Tackling the Form-Value-Function Dilemma in Early Architectural Conceptualization
type: item
description: This paper presents an organized methodology for concept development and testing that enhances the early stages of architectural conceptualization. Traditional challenges in the design process often stem from the difficulty of evaluating concepts early, leading to costly revisions. This research proposes a systematic approach integrating concept-based and evidence-based design methodologies to address these challenges. The developed framework emphasizes a comprehensive matrix of influencing factors, ensuring innovative yet viable design solutions that balance creativity with functionality and sustainability. This approach reduces design risks and enriches architectural education by merging conceptual creativity with evidence-based evaluation, fostering reflective and critical thinking. Furthermore, the methodology encourages architects and students to think inclusively and creatively while balancing functional and sustainable aspects. It also promotes awareness of how the concept will evolve at the early stages, highlighting potential challenges that might need to be solved, and helps to evaluate and balance the worth of those compromises. Empirical validation through real-world case studies and quantitative data demonstrates improved design outcomes and educational benefits.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Architectural Conceptualization
  topic: keywords
subject: Form vs Function
  topic: keywords
subject: Value in concept
  topic: keywords
subject: Reflective Practice
  topic: keywords
subject: Inclusive Design Thinking
  topic: keywords
creator: Mousa ALHaddad
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 Journal of Architecture and Planning
date: 2025-08-20
publication date: 2025-08-20
doi: 10.33948/JAP-KSU-37-3-5

Evaluating Thermal Comfort and the Influence of Passive Design Strategies in Free-Running Local Dwellings of Wadi Hadramout, Yemen.
type: item
description: In least developed countries such as Yemen, severe power shortages limit the use of air conditioning for maintaining indoor thermal comfort. In Hadramout province, located in the east of Yemen, climate-responsive adobe dwellings are gradually being replaced by modern buildings that disregard local climate conditions and rely entirely on mechanical ventilation to achieve thermal comfort, particularly during the summer. This paper compares the thermal performance of adobe, concrete, and stone dwellings in Wadi Hadramout during summer using on-site measurements and computer simulations. Additionally, the paper explores the potential impact of passive design strategies on improving indoor thermal comfort in the aforementioned houses. The results indicate that the internal operative temperature is lower and more stable throughout the day in the adobe house compared to the concrete and stone houses. Furthermore, it was found that certain passive design strategies significantly enhance the thermal performance of the tested houses.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Thermal Comfort
  topic: keywords
subject: Passive Design Strategies
  topic: keywords
subject: Simulation
  topic: keywords
subject: Local Houses
  topic: keywords
creator: Omar Al-hebshi
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 Journal of Architecture and Planning
date: 2025-11-20
publication date: 2025-11-20
doi: 10.33948/JAP-KSU-37-4-1

The Concept of Housing Quality Among Saudi Householdsin Single-Family Dwellings in Riyadh
type: item
description: Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 has launched several programs to achieve its strategic objectives, including the Quality-of-Life Program to enhance various aspects of well-being, including the built environment. The Housing Program was also introduced to meet the growing housing demand, increase homeownership among citizens, and ensure high-quality residential areas. This study explores the concept of housing quality from the perspective of Saudi households, a fundamental step in identifying the key factors and elements that contribute to achieving this quality. This understanding serves as a crucial foundation for developing criteria and guidelines for housing projects that align with Vision 2030’s goals. A field survey was conducted using a questionnaire targeting households in single-family dwellings in Riyadh. The questionnaire comprised five sections: housing characteristics, satisfaction levels, preferences, occupancy density, and demographic attributes. The results revealed that 73.1% of households are satisfied with their residential environment, with homeowners reporting higher satisfaction due to stability and larger spaces. The study also highlights households' design preferences for dwellings and residential areas. recommends establishing clear design criteria to enhance housing quality and support Vision 2030’s goal of providing suitable housing that meets the aspirations of Saudi society.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Housing quality
  topic: keywords
subject: single-family dwelling
  topic: keywords
subject: Saudi households
  topic: keywords
subject: Quality of Life Program
  topic: keywords
subject: Housing Program
  topic: keywords
subject: Vision 2030
  topic: keywords
creator: Nahar Bahij
creator: Ali Bahammam
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 Journal of Architecture and Planning
date: 2025-08-20
publication date: 2025-08-20
doi: 10.33948/JAP-KSU-37-3-1

Multi-Criteria analysis of wind power station distribution along the Red Sea Coast of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia using GIS (1985-2017)
type: item
description: The strategic placement of wind power stations is scientifically critical for exploiting their full capacity. This research aims to compare the spatial characteristics of wind speed across four city sites at the Red Sea coast in Saudi Arabia. These cities are Al-Wajh, Yanbu, Jeddah and Jazan, all of which have operational wind power stations that serve as our case study. Data from 1985 to 2017 were analysed, focusing on diurnal and seasonal mean values of average wind speed, maxi-mum wind speed and prevailing wind direction. These data were sourced from meteorological sta-tions located in the aforementioned cities. We employed geographical information systems tech-niques to evaluate and suggest optimal locations for potential wind power stations. These tools were integrated with statistical methods to analyse the climatic data, which further served the objectives of the study. The database for this study was built upon 14 layers, each layer determining which areas were suitable or unsuitable for wind power station placement. Amongst the examined cities, Jeddah had the largest suitable area, measuring approximately 13826.8 km2. Conversely, Jizan had the smallest suitable area, spanning just approximately 738.7 km2
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Wind power station
  topic: keywords
subject: Multi-criteria Decision
  topic: keywords
subject: GIS
  topic: keywords
subject: Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
  topic: keywords
subject: Red Sea
  topic: keywords
creator: Jehan Alkhelaif
creator: Abeer Salman
rights: Copyright (c) 2024 Journal of Architecture and Planning
date: 2024-12-01
publication date: 2024-12-01
doi: 10.33948/JAP-KSU-36-4-4

Adopting Augmented Reality to Enhance Vernacular Building Preservation and Tourism: Case Study in Matbouli House Museum, Al-Balad
type: item
description: This paper investigates the use of Augmented Reality (AR) in a vernacular building, namely the Matbouli house. The paper studies the potential of vernacular buildings as a tourism source, with a particular focus on the role of AR in preserving historic buildings. A qualitative approach is utilized, which includes a literature review, the documentation of the built and cultural heritage of Matbouli house, and designing an AR app. The app highlights the house’s tangible and intangible cultural features. This study seeks to contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities associated with vernacular tourism and the integration of technology in preservation pursuits. The findings show that AR apps are becoming increasingly easy to develop and, although costly, they have the potential to reduce renovation costs in the future. Moreover, using AR applications is strongly preferred and tourists are enthusiastic about the engaging, inclusive and memorable experiences they offer. Additionally, AR technology presents a viable way to improve cultural tourism and preservation by bridging the gap between conventional heritage interpretations and modern tourist expectations. Stakeholders are recommended to leverage AR to generate creative and sustainable experiences that draw tourists, spur economic growth, and aid in preserving cultural heritage.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Vernacular architecture
  topic: keywords
subject: Historic Buildings
  topic: keywords
subject: Technology
  topic: keywords
subject: Augmented reality
  topic: keywords
subject: Albalad
  topic: keywords
subject: Culture
  topic: keywords
creator: Rafeef Al-Gurashi
creator: Alaa Shatwan
rights: Copyright (c) 2024 Journal of Architecture and Planning
date: 2024-12-01
publication date: 2024-12-01
doi: 10.33948/JAP-KSU-36-4-1

The Effect of Different Built Environments on Walking Behavior Among Women in Riyadh
type: item
description: This paper aims to comprehensively examine how the characteristics and perceptions of various built environments influence the walking experiences of women in open public spaces within Riyadh. The study identifies various urban walking settings and investigates the multifaceted barriers and motivations that impact women’s walking behavior in these environments. Employing a mixed-methods approach, this research integrates observational analyses conducted across four walking sites and semi-structured interviews with participants to gather rich qualitative data. The findings suggest that specific attributes influencing women’s walking experiences are closely related to the built environment, including factors such as ease of accessibility and the existence of essential amenities. Furthermore, the research highlights that those social and cultural factors, such as the presence of other women in these public spaces, significantly affect women’s willingness to engage in walking activities. Overall, the results highlight the considerable progress still needed to establish a pedestrian environment that is both comfortable and inclusive, ultimately contributing to the humanization of urban spaces in Riyadh. The study adds to the existing body of knowledge on urban walking behavior among women and emphasizes the importance of creating supportive environments that encourage active participation in public spaces.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Walking
  topic: keywords
subject: built environment
  topic: keywords
subject: Women Pedestrians
  topic: keywords
creator: Majd Alshimeimri
creator: Mohammad AlGhamdi
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 Journal of Architecture and Planning
date: 2025-08-20
publication date: 2025-08-20
doi: 10.33948/JAP-KSU-37-3-3

Method for Determining Fire Risks at Urban and Building Scale onHospital Facades
type: item
description: Facade fires pose risks to life and property safety for building users. This study aims to analyze the fire risks on hospital facades that pose a danger to the structure. Within the scope of the study, fire risk analyzes were carried out on the facades of four small-scale hospitals located in the Nilüfer district of Bursa, Turkey. In the study, a checklist was created within the scope of the (BYKHY) and an on-site current situation analysis and fire regulation compliance analysis were carried out. Based on this, fire risk analysis was carried out in the context of the facades of the buildings in question using the L-type Matrix Method, which is one of the quantitative methods. In the L-type matrix method, the probability of risks occurring and the severity of the consequences that may occur when they occur are graded between 1 and 5. Accordingly, 4 risk groups were identified as a result of the fire risk analysis conducted in the context of hospital facades with the L-type Matrix method. As a result of these headings, 11 possible risks were identified. The possible causes, degree and severity of these risks were studied. It is suggested that the main results be introduced.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Hospital
  topic: keywords
subject: Facade
  topic: keywords
subject: Fire Risk
  topic: keywords
subject: Fire safety performance
  topic: keywords
subject: L-type Matrix
  topic: keywords
creator: ZUHAL ŞİMŞEK
creator: Mahmoud Abdalla
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 Journal of Architecture and Planning
date: 2025-05-20
publication date: 2025-05-20
doi: 10.33948/JAP-KSU-37-2-3

Urban Transformation and its Impact on the Quality of Life in Riyadh: Reviewing the Progress Toward the Global City Rankings
type: item
description: Managing growth in Riyadh after the city's rapid expansion is a significant issue in its development that needs to be discussed. The study aims to assess the impact of the urban development of Riyadh on the quality of life. A cross-sectional study design was adopted to determine the impact on the quality of life in the four domains of physical health, environment, psychological health, and social relationships using the World Health Organization Quality of Life Brief Version (WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire). The study recruited 217 participants. However, data related to urban transformation in Riyadh has been qualitatively collected using secondary data. The study's findings revealed that urban transformation was significantly and positively correlated with the quality of life. The study reviews that the overall infrastructure under Vision 2030 is according to the global standards of development and recognition, which will increase the likelihood of Saudi cities to get global recognition.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Development
  topic: keywords
subject: Riyadh
  topic: keywords
subject: Saudi Arabia
  topic: keywords
subject: Urban Transformation
  topic: keywords
subject: Quality of Life
  topic: keywords
creator: Abdulaziz Aldusari
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 Journal of Architecture and Planning
date: 2025-08-20
publication date: 2025-08-20
doi: 10.33948/JAP-KSU-37-3-2

Cultural Landscape Preservation in the Context of Urban Sustainability
type: item
description: The study explores the intersection of cultural landscape Architecture preservation and urban sustainability, highlighting the significance of integrating cultural and natural dimensions within urban development frameworks. By surveying 200 members of the cultural landscape preservation associations, the research captures diverse perspectives on the importance, challenges, and alignment of preservation efforts with urban sustainability goals. Findings recognise the critical role of cultural landscapes in shaping urban identity and fostering community cohesion, yet also reveal challenges such as limited public awareness and conflicting development needs. The study emphasizes the need for cohesive frameworks, enhanced policy support, and strong stakeholder partnerships to advance preservation efforts. Future strategies should focus on public engagement through educational initiatives and collaborative projects, underscoring the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration. Ultimately, the research advocates for adaptable frameworks and empirical evaluations to effectively integrate cultural landscape Architecture preservation within urban sustainability, thereby enriching urban environments for future generations.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Cultural Landscapes
  topic: keywords
subject: Urban Sustainability
  topic: keywords
subject: Heritage Preservation
  topic: keywords
subject: Community Engagement
  topic: keywords
subject: Sustainable Development
  topic: keywords
subject: Interdisciplinary Approaches
  topic: keywords
creator: Sahl Waheeb
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 Journal of Architecture and Planning
date: 2025-05-20
publication date: 2025-05-20
doi: 10.33948/JAP-KSU-37-2-5

Fusion and Transformation: The 1950s Architectural Metamorphosis of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
type: item
description: This study explores the transformation of Riyadh’s architectural landscape in the 1950s, a pivotal decade for Saudi Arabia marked by rapid urbanization and cultural integration. As the nation's newfound oil wealth catalyzed its metamorphosis, Riyadh emerged as a canvas displaying a unique blend of traditional Islamic heritage and modernist architectural influences. The research focuses on analyzing key buildings' exterior façades and architectural configurations from this era, highlighting the integration of new construction materials and methods alongside traditional design elements. Through in-depth analysis of selected case studies, including prominent government buildings and residential structures, the study reveals a nuanced fusion of international modernist styles with local and Islamic architectural elements. This synthesis reflects the societal and cultural shifts occurring in Saudi Arabia during the 1950s, as the country grappled with its identity amidst global influences. The findings of this research contribute to understanding the complex interplay between tradition and modernity in Saudi Arabia’s architectural evolution. They illuminate how architectural trends of the 1950s in Riyadh were not merely aesthetic choices but were deeply intertwined with the socio-cultural and economic dynamics of the time. The study underscores the importance of contextualizing architectural developments within their broader historical and cultural settings and offers insights into the ongoing dialogue between past and future in Saudi Arabia's urban landscape.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Architecture
  topic: keywords
subject: Typology
  topic: keywords
subject: Geometry
  topic: keywords
subject: Modern
  topic: keywords
subject: Heritage
  topic: keywords
subject: Riyadh
  topic: keywords
subject: Saudi Arabia
  topic: keywords
creator: Naif Alghamdi
creator: Mohammed Alnaim
creator: Abdulaziz Alzahrani
creator: Fahad Alotaibi
creator: Faisal Alosaimi
creator: Ali Ajlan
creator: Muhannad Alkudaywi
rights: Copyright (c) 2024 Journal of Architecture and Planning
date: 2024-12-01
publication date: 2024-12-01
doi: 10.33948/JAP-KSU-36-4-5

Navigating Safety and Urban Challenges: A Study of Children's Pedestrian Experiences in Jeddah's School Zones
type: item
description: This study examines the factors influencing children's walkability in the automobile-centric city of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, highlighting the urgent need for pedestrian-friendly infrastructures around school zones. Our objectives were threefold: to conduct an exhaustive literature review identifying critical walkability factors; to administer a survey throughout Jeddah's school complexes; and to assess children's walkability via street audits, GIS analysis, and pedestrian flow dynamics evaluation. Our findings underscore the imperative for enhancements in school zones, particularly in the areas of crossing facilities, street signage, and speed control measures. We advocate for the augmentation of shaded green spaces within an 800-meter radius of schools to foster a cooler, more inviting walking environment for children. The study also points to the significance of parking space design in managing vehicle overflow effectively and suggests prioritizing uninterrupted sidewalks and minimized intersections to elevate pedestrian safety. Conclusively, our research offers essential insights for urban planners and policymakers, who are aiming to create a safer, more walkable environment for children in cities heavily dependent on automobiles, like Jeddah.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: School-Zone
  topic: keywords
subject: Children walkability
  topic: keywords
subject: auto-dependency and urban design
  topic: keywords
subject: GIS analysis
  topic: keywords
subject: Pedestrian safety
  topic: keywords
creator: TAISIR ALJUMAILI
creator: Jamil Hijazi
creator: Rahif Maddah
creator: Mostafa Sabbagh
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 Journal of Architecture and Planning
date: 2025-05-20
publication date: 2025-05-20
doi: 10.33948/JAP-KSU-37-2-4

The Impact of Urban Growth on Heat Island Changes in the City of Al-Khobar, Eastern Saudi Arabia From 2002 to 2022 Using Remote Sensing Images
type: item
description: The research focuses on knowing the relationship between urban growth and its impact on the surface temperature of the land, as rapid urban growth results in the emergence of several challenges. Therefore, the study aims to extract the area of ​​urban growth and the surface temperature for the years 2002 - 2013 and 2022 in the city of Khobar and, after that, monitor the relationship between them. The study followed the spatial and quantitative analysis approach, relying on the Landsat 8-5 satellite images and the Sentinel-2. The methodology includes applying the Normalized Differences Built Index (NDBI), also applying the steps to extract the surface temperature of the land and then using the Pearson correlation coefficient to find the relationship between the area of ​​urban expansion in square kilometers and the average surface temperature. The results showed that the ​​built-up areas have been extended from 2002 to 2022 outside the city center, until the vacant lands in the southwestern part of the city receded. The average temperatures for the study years were extracted. It was found that the relationship between the area of ​​urban expansion in square kilometers and the average temperature is a strong inverse relationship of 0.977 - which is a statistically significant value of 0.01, referring that urban expansion in some areas has a positive effect, as the larger the area of the urban regions, the lower the temperature.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: urban growth
  topic: keywords
subject: land surface temperature (LST)
  topic: keywords
subject: Normalized Differences
  topic: keywords
subject: Built-up Index (NDBI)
  topic: keywords
subject: Remote Sensing
  topic: keywords
subject: Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
  topic: keywords
subject: Correlation coefficient
  topic: keywords
subject: Al-Khobar city
  topic: keywords
creator: Razan Al moaqal
creator: Sulafa Hag Elsafi
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 Journal of Architecture and Planning - King Saud University
date: 2025-02-20
publication date: 2025-02-20
doi: 10.33948/JAP-KSU-37-1-2

The Impact of a Pedestrian-Oriented Environment on the Street Humanization in Riyadh City
type: item
description: Urban design elements associated with streets are integral to the concept of humanization, primarily due to their direct role in facilitating and promoting walking behaviours within neighbourhoods. Walkability serves as a key indicator of streets' effectiveness in meeting human needs. This study investigates the influence of urban elements that encourage walking on the degree of humanization in residential neighbourhoods in Riyadh. Adopting a descriptive-analytical approach, the study examines and analyses residential neighbourhood layouts through Geographic Information System (GIS) software, focusing on block lengths and intersection densities as objective physical indicators of humanization. A standardized urban unit, comprising (Mafruka and the streets connected to it), was defined across neighbourhoods to facilitate comparative analysis regarding the availability and quality of street design elements. Additionally, residents’ satisfaction and perceptions regarding walking as a mode of active transportation were surveyed, with subjective emotional indicators gathered through a structured questionnaire. The study sample consisted of a random selection of 400 residents across the five sectors of Riyadh. Findings from the study highlight the need for a comprehensive development plan aimed at encouraging and enhancing pedestrian activity to reinforce the human-centred dimension within Riyadh's residential neighbourhoods.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: walkability
  topic: keywords
subject: humanizing streets
  topic: keywords
subject: residential neighbourhoods
  topic: keywords
subject: Riyadh
  topic: keywords
subject: urban design
  topic: keywords
creator: Muroj Alghafari
creator: Tahar Ledraa
creator: Ghazi Alabasi
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 Journal of Architecture and Planning - King Saud University
date: 2025-02-20
publication date: 2025-02-20
doi: 10.33948/JAP-KSU-37-1-1

Quality of Life Indicators from an Architectural Perspective: A Case Study in Medina
type: item
description: In pursuit of enhancing quality of life within societies, nations focus on the significance of residential life as a primary influencer of human well-being. Numerous organizations and research initiatives have developed methodologies to assess quality of life within urban environments, resulting in adaptable mechanisms suitable for diverse community data. This research explores the feasibility of harnessing these tools to assess the quality of life influenced by residences from an architectural perspective. The city of Medina was chosen as the spatial scope for the sample selection, resulting in 379 responses. This study revealed that the primary factor for comparison between residences was the type of dwelling, with the majority being apartments and villas. The mechanism demonstrated that residents of villas expressed higher satisfaction across all the assessment criteria. The study also revealed that among the nine aspects of improving housing selected by the respondents, the top three included the presence of a private outdoor area, increased natural lighting, and providing larger space. Based on these findings, this study recommends adopting a mechanism to analyze housing quality within a specific spatial context to study the current housing situation, set goals for designers, and provide recommendations for quality-of-life improvement.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Quality of life indicators
  topic: keywords
subject: Residential Spaces
  topic: keywords
subject: Enhancing Architectural Design
  topic: keywords
subject: Housing Satisfaction
  topic: keywords
subject: Medina
  topic: keywords
creator: Raif Malek
creator: Hosam Qadri
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 Journal of Architecture and Planning
date: 2025-05-20
publication date: 2025-05-20
doi: 10.33948/JAP-KSU-37-2-2

FLEXIBILITY CONCEPT in HOUSING DESIGN within the FRAMEWORK of SOCIO-CULTURAL VALUES: TAG VILLA PROJECT in SAUDI ARABIA
type: item
description: The housing in Saudi Arabia lost flexibility concept that had existed in vernacular Saudi housing together with the introduction of foreign building types. In this context, several projects were executed in Saudi Arabia afterwards that aimed to provide flexible design in Saudi housing. A recent project; TAG Villa (2022) is one of these contemporary projects where flexible design is aimed to be provided considering socio-cultural structure of Saudi Arabian society. In this study, the flexible design practices implemented in TAG Villa and their realization levels according to Raeyd M. Al-Dakheel's flexibility classification that he determined considering the socio-cultural values of Saudi Arabia, are examined. The main aim of this study is to express at what rate the flexible sides of traditional Saudi housing design are adaptable to contemporary housing design and evaluate the instructive aspects of the socio-cultural values of Saudi Arabian society for achieving flexible design. Accordingly, the architectural drawings of TAG Villa are analyzed and an interview with the architect of TAG Villa project is conducted. The findings of the study express that the methods implemented in this project for achieving flexibility have many instructive sides for other studies aiming to achieve flexibility considering socio-cultural values.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Adaptability
  topic: keywords
subject: Flexible housing
  topic: keywords
subject: Types of Flexibility
  topic: keywords
subject: Socio-cultural values
  topic: keywords
subject: Open floor plan
  topic: keywords
subject: TAG Villa project
  topic: keywords
creator: MARAM ALMOURAD
rights: Copyright (c) 2024 Journal of Architecture and Planning
date: 2024-12-01
publication date: 2024-12-01
doi: 10.33948/JAP-KSU-36-4-2

Greenery Impact on Physiological Equivalent Temperature for Pedestrians in Residential Zones in Hot and Arid Climates
type: item
description: The study of street geometry has gained significant attention in recent years, with researchers investigating the effects of design factors on pedestrian thermal comfort in hot and arid climates. This research investigates how introducing vegetation to pedestrian path design influences thermal comfort on a street section in residential neighborhoods in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The case studies explore location-specific investigations to understand pedestrian path design scenarios with variations of vegetation and their placement while focusing on their impact on outdoor thermal comfort, furthermore, using Envi-met 5.6.1 to analyze and compare existing case studies and offer optimized outdoor samples supporting thermal conditions. By examining the influence of vegetation on outdoor thermal comfort, identifying environmental parameters that affect thermal comfort, and comparing their impact on physiological equivalent temperature (PET) recommendations to improve pedestrians' physical health and impact their well-being. This study emphasizes the significance of vegetation in shaping pedestrians' outdoor thermal comfort in hot and arid climates, with design factors such as type, height, width, and distance. Understanding these factors and their crucial roles in determining thermal conditions and their immediate impact on pedestrian thermal comfort can inform urban design strategies aimed at enhancing pedestrian comfort and promoting sustainable and livable urban environments.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Outdoor Thermal Comfort
  topic: keywords
subject: Physiological Equivalent Temperature
  topic: keywords
subject: Pedestrian Path - Vegetation
  topic: keywords
subject: Simulation
  topic: keywords
subject: Solar Radiation
  topic: keywords
subject: Urban Heat Island
  topic: keywords
subject: Residential Neighborhood
  topic: keywords
creator: JAMIL BINABID
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 Journal of Architecture and Planning - King Saud University
date: 2025-02-20
publication date: 2025-02-20
starting page: 55
ending page: 77
doi: 10.33948/JAP-KSU-37-1-3

The Role of Flexibility of Technological Selection in the Formal andSymbolic Reproduction of Arches
type: item
description: The research focuses on the significance of a technological selection strategy in generating either an updated traditional form or a new contemporary form that reflects the specific characteristics of the present. The research selects the element of the arch and the resulting morphological generations based on the designer’s formal intellectual processes and technology, thereby generating diversity rather than formal copying. The research problem identified is the scarcity of studies examining the role of technological selection types in generating multiple modules of the arch element, reflecting its contemporary specificity and supporting its enduring symbolic and formal permanence. “As the research assumes, there is flexibility in structured technological selection to generate elements with symbolic, expressive, and formally defined dimensions. The methodology involved the adoption of facades for 6 diverse buildings in terms of arches and function. A questionnaire and a descriptive formal scale were conducted. The research found that structured technological selection is a balanced strategy that supports the generation of formal variations derived from the origin of the symbolic element more than the free selection that is not based on fixed foundations. The value of the research is evident in the flexibility of the formal options resulting from technology and the designer’s creativity in reusing heritage elements in new and updated forms that support their symbolic values.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: technological selection
  topic: keywords
subject: arches models
  topic: keywords
subject: structured selection
  topic: keywords
subject: equivalent selection
  topic: keywords
subject: free selection
  topic: keywords
subject: reproduction
  topic: keywords
creator: Riyam Fenjan
creator: Armin Khosrof
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 Journal of Architecture and Planning - King Saud University
date: 2025-02-20
publication date: 2025-02-20
doi: 10.33948/JAP-KSU-37-1-4

Unlocking Walkability in Car-Oriented Cities: Assessing Built Environment Features Affecting Walkability in Riyadh's Neighborhoods
type: item
description: Enhancing walkability in urban settings, particularly in regions characterized by hot, arid climates and car-oriented development patterns, is increasingly recognized as a pivotal factor in elevating the quality of urban environments. Despite historical underemphasis in urban planning discourse, the imperative of pedestrian-friendly spaces is garnering heightened attention due to its intrinsic link to urban sustainability. This manuscript endeavors to synthesize existing literature on walkability within urban contexts, explicitly focusing on extrapolating these insights to the urban context of Riyadh's residential neighborhoods, Saudi Arabia, a domain where previous studies underscored deficiencies in pedestrian infrastructure and a prevalent dependence on automobiles for travel behavior. This study aims to highlight the efficacy of the Humanization of Cities Initiative, a strategic directive outlined within the framework of Saudi Vision 2030, by defining the urban features that determine walkability and pedestrian behaviors in residential neighborhoods. The study highlights the enhancements to walkability within the Al-Falah district, selected as the pilot community for this initiative. Through a comprehensive analysis, including the outcomes of the Humanization of Cities Initiative and insights gleaned from previous studies, this research seeks to develop a robust conceptual model for advancing walkability standards and propose recommendations to improve pedestrian friendliness within Riyadh's urban context.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Car-Oriented Cities
  topic: keywords
subject: Built Environment Features
  topic: keywords
subject: Walkability
  topic: keywords
subject: Factors
  topic: keywords
subject: Humanization of Cities initiative
  topic: keywords
creator: Mayas Nadim Ahmad Taha
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 Journal of Architecture and Planning - King Saud University
date: 2025-02-20
publication date: 2025-02-20
doi: 10.33948/JAP-KSU-37-1-5

The Challenges of Achieving WELL Standards in Residential Apartment Design and Enhancing the Concept of Quality of Life: An Analytical Study in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
type: item
description: This study focuses on the quality of life and well-being in the design of residential apartments, highlighting the WELL standards, the first building standards in the world centered on human health and well-being. Residential apartments in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia face numerous challenges in meeting these standards. The study explore local practices and challenges associated with applying the concept of well-being in residential apartment design considering WELL standards to improve the quality of life. A descriptive analytical approach involving semi-structured interviews with 18 interior designers and architects. Results showed that participants had a background and interest in well-being in residential environments, although most had limited capacity for application. Participants agreed on several criteria when selecting materials, emphasizing water, natural and artificial lighting, thermal comfort, and acoustics. However, results indicated variability in practices related to good ventilation, along with obstacles preventing the application of well-being concepts according to WELL standards. The study includes recommendations for different groups and serves as an important reference for the concept and applications of well-being in residential apartment design according to WELL standards, enhancing quality of life in housing specifically.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Well-being
  topic: keywords
subject: Quality of life (QoL)
  topic: keywords
subject: Design criteria
  topic: keywords
subject: Apartments
  topic: keywords
subject: WELL standard
  topic: keywords
creator: Maram Alsolami
creator: Donia Bettaieb
creator: Raif Malek
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 Journal of Architecture and Planning
date: 2025-05-20
publication date: 2025-05-20
doi: 10.33948/JAP-KSU-37-2-1

IEQ Assessment of Inpatient Wards in a Public Hospital in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
type: item
description: Indoor environmental quality (IEQ) is more crucial in hospitals than other building types due to its effects on the recovery of patients. In Saudi Arabia, there is a lack of hospital design guidelines that prioritize IEQ, making it difficult to design spaces that provide adequate levels of comfort. In this study, objective and subjective assessments utilizing field measurements and focus groups, respectively, were conducted on inpatient wards in a public hospital in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, to develop IEQ-focused design guidelines that provide users with more comfort and satisfaction. The objective assessment targeted the four main parameters of IEQ: Thermal, Acoustical, and Visual Comfort, and Indoor Air Quality. The subjective assessment targeted the same four parameters by gauging the satisfaction level of three hospital user groups: patients, visitors, in addition to nurses and resident doctors as one group. A correlated analysis between both assessments revealed that Thermal Comfort and Indoor Air Quality were closest to acceptability, whereas Visual and Acoustic Comfort were less satisfactory. Design guidelines catered to the assessed hospital building were then developed based on the IEQ-related design issues concluded from the analysis.
subject: Articles
  topic: section
subject: Indoor Environmental Quality
  topic: keywords
subject: Thermal Comfort
  topic: keywords
subject: Acoustic Comfort
  topic: keywords
subject: Visual Comfort
  topic: keywords
subject: Indoor Air Quality
  topic: keywords
subject: Inpatient Wards
  topic: keywords
creator: Hussain Al-Mansouri
creator: Jamil Hijazi
rights: Copyright (c) 2024 Journal of Architecture and Planning
date: 2024-12-01
publication date: 2024-12-01
doi: 10.33948/JAP-KSU-36-4-3