Humanizing Urban Edges for City Imageability: Evidence from Al‑Khobar City of Saudi Arabia

Abstract

look, walk, and perceive cities. This research question is: how natural and artificial boundaries of Al-Khobar city affect imageability, identity, and what kinds of human-based interventions can improve struggling boundaries? The study will assist in the development of people-centered edge analysis and the suggestion of the urban edge creation at Al-Khobar that increases legibility. In order to meet the objective, the study will involve a three-phase mixed-method research process and will involve a combination of nine semi-structured professional interviews, a questionnaire survey of twenty-three users, and the systematic edge inventory/ mapping. Results suggest that the eastern and southern waterfronts are legible and lively natural edges, whereas the western corridor may be interpreted as a restrictive edge and of low permeability for pedestrians. Professionals agreed upon a set of positive attractions and negative attractions, and the user too discovered that nature was the most trustworthy measure of an advantage, and indications of the anthropogenic world to be drawn to and memorize cities. The paper postulates the existence of such a parallel amenity that comprises a green buffer, edge-specific wayfinding, and humanization of the western side that does not lead to operational degradation. The contribution is a humanistic approach to the edge model of the Gulf cities in which imageability is related to inclusive and resilient public-realm design.