Urban Centrality as a Catalyst for City Resilience and Sustainable Development

Emad Noaime (), Chaham Alalouch, Abdelhakim Mesloub, Haifa Hamdoun, Hela Gnaba and Mohammed Mashary Alnaim
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Emad Noaime: Department of Architectural Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Hail, Hail 2240, Saudi Arabia
Chaham Alalouch: Department of Civil and Architectural Engineering, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat 123, Oman
Abdelhakim Mesloub: Department of Architectural Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Hail, Hail 2240, Saudi Arabia
Haifa Hamdoun: Department of Interior Design Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Hail, Hail 2240, Saudi Arabia
Hela Gnaba: Department of Interior Design Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Hail, Hail 2240, Saudi Arabia
Mohammed Mashary Alnaim: Department of Architectural Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Hail, Hail 2240, Saudi Arabia

Land, 2025, vol. 14, issue 7, 1-35

Abstract: This study investigates the role of urban centrality in shaping urban form and function, with a specific focus on the city of Hail, Saudi Arabia as a representative case. Urban centrality—defined as the spatial and functional concentration of economic, social, and cultural activities—plays a critical role in determining the vibrancy, resilience, and adaptability of cities. Through a mixed-methods approach combining spatial analysis, field observations, and stakeholder insights, this research explores the dynamics of Hail’s central areas, examining how they navigate the tension between preserving historical identity and accommodating contemporary urban growth. The findings reveal that successful urban centrality requires a balanced integration of heritage conservation, economic diversification, and spatial accessibility, supported by inclusive governance and strategic infrastructure investments. The study highlights both the challenges and opportunities associated with the evolution of central urban spaces, particularly in medium-sized cities experiencing rapid socio-economic and spatial transformations, defined in this study as urban regions undergoing annual population growth rates exceeding 3% and substantial changes in land-use, infrastructure development, and governance structures within a decade. By providing actionable insights into the interplay between permanence and change, this research contributes to the broader discourse on urban resilience and sustainable development, offering practical guidance for planners and policymakers aiming to cultivate adaptive and inclusive urban environments capable of responding to future challenges.

Keywords: urban centrality; urban resilience; sustainable development; heritage preservation; spatial dynamics; medium-sized cities (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q15 Q2 Q24 Q28 Q5 R14 R52 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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