New Vision for Market Square In An-namas: Urban Design for Enhancement of Town Identity and Cultural Heritage

Abstract

Since it was felt that the present An-namas public market does not reflect either the identity or the cultural heritage of the city of An-namas, the researcher decided to take the issue as a case study. The aim of the present research is to work towards the revival and revitalization of the An-namas market in the context of the contemporary life needs. There have been some research studies done on this issue in south-western towns of Saudi Arabia; however, it is felt that these studies have not adequately dealt with urban design, place identity and cultural heritage. The objective of the present study is to examine precisely to those aspects of a public market. To achieve this objective, the following tools have been used: survey, critical analysis and site analysis. The final proposed design is the end product of the present research.