Creating a Lovable and Livable Public Place: A Method for Augmenting Contemporary Behaviour Settings in “World Heritage List” Historic Jeddah (Albalad), Saudi Arabia

Historic Jeddah (AlBalad) can be revitalized to become a vibrant part of contemporary urban life by integrating modern amenities and services while preserving its historic fabric. A study led by the Department of Landscape Architecture at King Abdulaziz University demonstrated that adaptive reuse of lower-category buildings and open spaces—previously overlooked in local preservation classifications—can sustain social and cultural activity, enhancing longevity and sustainability. The research involved gathering public input on desired contemporary functions and matching them to pre-categorized historic sites, revealing strong community interest in rediscovering AlBalad. This approach offers a scalable model for balancing heritage conservation with modern urban needs, particularly relevant to Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 initiatives.

ALGILANI, A. A. (2020). CREATING A LOVABLE AND LIVABLE PUBLIC PLACE: A METHOD FOR AUGMENTING CONTEMPORARY BEHAVIOUR SETTINGS IN “WORLD HERITAGE LIST” HISTORIC JEDDAH (ALBALAD), SAUDI ARABIA. Islamic Heritage Architecture and Art III, 1, 89–98. https://doi.org/10.2495/iha200081