Project: Jeddah Planning Framework

Urban Consultant: Space Syntax Ltd.
Year: 2006-2007
Location: Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

(Liesbet Thewissen as project consultant, 2006-...)

One of the key aims of the proposal was to rebalance the growth of the city to the north by strengthening the city centre and its immediate surroundings. This was achieved by proposing new developments on the old airport site, the central waterfront area and in the unplanned areas surrounding the city centre.

Space syntax analysis techniques were used first as a diagnostic tool to understand how the history and evolution of the city’s structure has led to patterns of density, land use and socio-economic settlement. The spatial causes of what are seen as barriers to social cohesion were identified and a priority list of objectives for the masterplan that was drawn up.