Investigating the importance of public participation in urban planning to improve the economic status of commercial streets: Abdullah Al-Lawzi Street as a case study, Amman, Jordan

Abstract

Urban streets play a central role in shaping daily economic activity, yet limited research has examined how public participation and institutional practices influence the performance of commercial streets in Middle Eastern cities. This study investigates the relationship between public participation, urban design quality, and economic vitality on Abdullah Al-Lawzi Street in Amman, Jordan. Using a mixed-methods approach that combines field observation, a structured questionnaire, and an institutional interview, the analysis integrates quantitative patterns with qualitative insights interpreted through the Gioia methodology. The findings show that weak public participation—characterized by limited communication channels and minimal stakeholder involvement—contributes to design decisions that fail to meet the needs of shop owners and street users. These participation gaps, coupled with poor walkability, unsafe crossings, restricted parking, and a lack of urban amenities, reduce customer access and negatively affect commercial performance. The study demonstrates that physical interventions alone cannot revitalize commercial streets unless they are informed by meaningful engagement with local stakeholders.Strengthening participatory governance, enhancing pedestrian infrastructure, and improving the public realm are essential for achieving sustainable economic improvement. These insights offer a practical framework for planners in Amman and other cities with similar urban and institutional conditions.