The humanization of urban neighborhoods; the case of Al-Falah project in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

This study explores the recent efforts for humanizing urban neighborhoods, focusing on the case of Al-Falah neighborhood in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The city has rapidly expanded over the past few decades resulting in urban sprawl and standardized urban areas that lack identity and quality. Acknowledging the role of the neighborhoods in improving the quality of life, the city has recently embarked on an ambitious program for neighborhood humanization, "Ansana". The program focuses on improving the physical environment through the reconsideration of the human dimension in the design of urban spaces. Al-Falah neighborhood served as the pilot project for this initiative. This study aims to examine the impact of the humanization project on Al-Falah neighborhood from residents’ perspective. Six focus groups with locals were conducted, followed by interviews with experts. The findings reveal a significant improvement in walkability, sense of community, attachment to the place, and the overall neighborhood image, resulting in the transformation of Al-Falah from a typical residential area into a thriving neighborhood. However, the study highlights three critical considerations to avoid treating humanization as a replicable formula. The considerations are the value of adhering to high-quality, human-centered urban design; the need for context-sensitive planning; and the pivotal role of community participation. The study concludes that humanization should be understood as a dynamic, participatory process that requires tailored approaches to local context and community needs. The study findings emphasize the potential of humanization to create more sustainable, livable, and inclusive urban environments.