IngentaConnect Makkah: Developing the Center of Islam District

Authors: Al-Hathloul S.¹; Aslam Mughal M.²; Correspondence

Source: Urban Design International, Volume 6, Number 1, 1 March 2001 , pp. 43-61(19)

Abstract:

Makkah attracts a large number of Muslims for pilgrimage throughout the year whose number reaches in millions during Hajj and Ramadan. They all want to pray in Al Haram (the Grand Mosque), which has the extended capacity of one million but still falls short during peak periods. The paper discusses the planning issues and the salient features of the urban design scheme prepared to address these issues with particular reference to increasing the prayer space. The resolution of traffic conflicts and facilitation of massive pedestrian movements to and from Al Haram have also been discussed. The paper assesses the provision of other services required for millions of pilgrims. It evaluates the implementation of the scheme undertaken by the public and the private sectors including the first redevelopment project completed to provide residential/commercial facilities in close proximity to Al Haram. The focus of evaluation remains on the achievement of the objectives of the scheme.

Keywords: Makkah, Saudi Arabia; public/private sector collaboration; urban design framework, mixed use buildings; pedestrian movement

Document Type: Original article

Affiliations: 1: Deputy Minister for Town Planning, Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs, PO Box 86217, Riyadh 11622, Saudi Arabia 2: Coordinator Urban and Regional Planning in United Nations Project for Saudi Arabia, PO Box 558, Riyadh 11421, Saudi Arabia

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