Riyadh: transforming a desert city

by Elsheshtawy, Yasser

Type Book

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Title Statements

Full title :Riyadh : transforming a desert city / Yasser Elsheshtawy.

Summary

"Riyadh has set its sights on becoming a world city befitting the twenty-first century. To that end it has embarked on a massive construction drive evidenced in the proliferation of proposals for high-end districts, giga-developments and elaborate infrastructures. An urban vision seemingly dedicated to attracting global capital. Yet such a narrative can be misleading. A 'humanization programme', initiated during the tenure of its former mayor Abdulaziz bin Ayyaf, has complemented the city's rapid rise by providing spaces catering for the everyday needs of its inhabitants. Yasser Elsheshtawy, in this richly illustrated book, targets these people-centred settings. It is a compelling counter-narrative interweaving critical theoretical insights, personal observations, and serendipitous encounters. He deftly demonstrates how Riyadh thrives through the actions of its people. As the world moves towards an urban model that is resilient and humane, the humanizing efforts of an Arab city are worthy of our attention. Riyadh's premise is perhaps best captured in the cover image depicting the desert riverbed of Wadi Sulai, filled with rainwater, making its way towards the Saudi capital. Along its banks there will be dedicated public pathways and urban parks. It is a vision of an urbanity where both the spectacular and the everyday co-exist. A city that is not just dedicated to the few, but one that serves the many"--

Edition Statements

Publication Date:©2022

Publication Statements

Publisher(s):Routledge Taylor & Francis Group
Place of Publication:Abingdon, Oxon
Language:eng
Publication Date:©2022

The Physical Object

Description:1 online resource (xi, 307 pages) : : color illustrations.

Edition Identifiers

ISBN:9781003041405, 100304140X, 9781000460643, 1000460649, 9781000460636, 1000460630
oclc:on1246673714
LC Classification:HT384.S332
Dewey Decimal:307.7609538

1. Introduction : Discovering Riyadh -- 2. Mayors and the city -- 3. People-centred urbanism : Origins and developments -- 4. Scenes from Riyadh : Spaces of encounter and exchange -- 5. Riyadh's urban growth and development : A historical overview -- 6. A flâneur in Riyadh : The transformation of Tahlia Street -- 7. Riyadh drifting : Walking in the city -- 8. Green dreams : Reviving the gardens of Riyadh -- 9. Regulating informality : Spaces of everyday consumption in Riyadh -- 10. Conclusion : The future of Riyadh.

Subjects

ARCHITECTURE -- Landscape ARCHITECTURE -- Urban & Land Use Planni… City Planning City planning -- Saudi Arabia Politique urbaine -- Arabie saoudite Saudi Arabia -- Riyadh Urban policy Urban policy -- Saudi Arabia Urbanisation -- Arabie saoudite Urbanization Urbanization -- Saudi Arabia