Humanization of Street Median Islands: Utilizing Pedestrian Quality Needs Indicators for Saudi Urban Transformation

Abstract

Saudi Arabia has developed initiatives to transform wide street median islands into vibrant linear gardens that enhance city aesthetics, pedestrian safety, and social cohesion. Despite the significance of these spaces, urban designers often focus on physical aspects (Pedestrian Quality Needs) while ignoring social ones (Users’ Needs) which lead to the deterioration of these spaces, weakening their capability to create a positive user experience. This research aims to bridge the gap between the two aspects and highlight the potential of transforming street median islands into friendly linear spaces. The researcher conducts structured experts’ questionnaires to analyze the pedestrians’ needs and measure the impact of PQN attitudes on them to indicate the most effective indicator needed for each need. Additionally, a quantitative technique using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences was employed to verify and weigh the importance of the PQN indicators that contribute to developing the suggested integrated framework. This framework is developed to be used for evaluating and improving the performance of these spaces. The study findings emphasize the importance of considering PQN and their impact on creating livable street median islands. Moreover, the results highlight the most effective design considerations to ensure the success of these spaces in generating social sustainability.