"فنون العمارة" تطلق مبادرة "التحول الحضري"

"فنون العمارة" Launches "Urban Transformation" Initiative

The Architecture and Design Authority has launched the "Urban Transformation" initiative, aiming to guide the process of transforming and activating public spaces in the Kingdom. The initiative seeks to create more inclusive and multi-use public spaces to enhance social interaction and shape Saudi cities. This move is part of the Authority's efforts to develop the sector and create vibrant environments that strengthen social bonds within the community. The initiative is driven by the Authority's belief in the importance of stimulating social interaction across all cities in the Kingdom.

Objectives and Focus Areas

The initiative aims to lead urban transformation, improve design excellence, and raise awareness of its importance. It also encourages partnerships and bridges gaps in the urban transformation system to enhance the quality of public spaces. Furthermore, it seeks to disseminate knowledge, build capacity and expertise in the urban transformation process, while ensuring continuous development. The initiative also aims to support the long-term ambitions of stakeholders.

The initiative focuses on six types of public spaces:

• Public spaces and squares
• Indoor public spaces
• Streets and pedestrian walkways
• Sports facilities
• Open natural spaces, parks, and gardens

The initiative targets various entities, including:

• Municipalities and directorates
• Development authorities
• Consultancy firms
• Real estate developers
• Non-profit organizations
• Architecture and design students

Key Outputs and Resources

The initiative's outputs include a comprehensive urban transformation guide for planning and implementing projects aimed at creating more inclusive and multi-use social spaces. The guide ensures consistency, efficiency, and knowledge of best practices for entities involved in transforming public spaces. The initiative also includes a report for evaluating urban projects and standard studies that provide an overview of the initiative, the urban transformation system, and its elements. Additionally, the initiative offers a study of current local and international initiatives and guides. It highlights a framework that incorporates 18 criteria designed to measure the success of the urban transformation process, which is based on the King Salman Urban Charter.

The Authority has made the urban transformation guide available for free to all interested parties. It invites the sector community to visit the initiative's official page to learn more and access the guide.