Assessing biophilic criteria in urban neighborhoods of Saudi Arabia : a case study of the diplomatic quarter in Riyadh city

Abstract EN

One of the most important modern approaches used in urban development to achieve the principles and requirements of sustainability is the biophilic concept.

There is a high recognition of the social and environmental benefits of connecting people with nature.

Within the framework of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA)'s endeavor to successfully achieve the 2030 Vision and the element of sustainability in urban life in residential neighborhoods, this study aimed to study and evaluate the elements of achieving the biophilic approach.

Moreover, this study examines the biophilic design and planning criteria in the Diplomatic Quarter (DQ) in Riyadh City as a case study to determine to what extent the DQ achieves the selected biophilic approach criteria.

The DQ analysis indicates that the biophilic criteria are highly achieved, which is reflected in the high percentage of green areas and parks and the great connectivity with local nature.

Also, this study confirmed the importance of the biophilic concept in urban planning as a trending approach and paved the way to apply the biophilic approach in other urban communities and neighborhoods all over KSA.