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A Dialectical Synthesis of Fused Grid Theory and Fractal Islamic Urbanism: Addressing the Deficiencies of Street Grid and Hierarchy Systems in Riyadh City

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  • Majdi Alkhresheh

    (Department of Architecture, College of Engineering, Al Yamamah University, King Fahd Branch Rd, Al Qirawan, Riyadh 13541, Saudi Arabia)

Abstract

The traditional Arab-Islamic urban fabric of Riyadh, with its emphasis on privacy, social cohesion, and environmental adaptation, was radically disrupted when the 1970s Doxiadis master plan was implemented, transforming the city into a car-dependent gridiron design. The shift led to ever-spreading sprawl, reduced pedestrian-friendliness, and eroded local identity. Using Hegelian dialectics methodology, this paper proposes integration of fused grid theory and urban Islamic fractals geometry in the urban fabric of the city. Specifically for Riyadh, the proposed changes encourage urban quadrant nesting, change of block scale and layout, fractal landscape integration, and multi-modal permeability. These adaptations are intended to increase connectivity, reduce crash rates, minimize impacts on the environment, enhance walkability, and elevate overall quality of life.

Suggested Citation

  • Majdi Alkhresheh, 2025. "A Dialectical Synthesis of Fused Grid Theory and Fractal Islamic Urbanism: Addressing the Deficiencies of Street Grid and Hierarchy Systems in Riyadh City," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(19), pages 1-17, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:19:p:8549-:d:1756573
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. repec:osf:socarx:93h82_v1 is not listed on IDEAS
    2. Boeing, Geoff, 2017. "Methods and Measures for Analyzing Complex Street Networks and Urban Form," SocArXiv 93h82, Center for Open Science.
    3. Majd Homoud & Ola M. Jarrar, 2024. "Walkability in Riyadh: A Comprehensive Assessment and Implications for Sustainable Community—Al-Falah Case Study," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(18), pages 1-27, September.
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