The impact of landform on urban identity: the case of Makkah, Saudi Arabia

The aim of this study is to investigate the changes on urban identity due to the transformation on landform configuration. It discusses the aspects of urban identity from the perspective of systemic approach and then the impact of landform on these aspects is determined. The research is performed in light of recent urban development that takes place in the centre of Makkah (also known as Mecca) in Saudi Arabia. This area is undergoing developments that affect its landform configuration. The analysis is a mixed method that depends on the space syntax theory and a descriptive study. A comparative analysis is conducted between the city's Al-Shamiya 2004 district and Al-Shamiya 2020 project to examine the changes on its identity. This comparative analysis is based on the space syntax theory which is applied using a three-dimensional modelling software. The results show that the highland strengthens the place identity arising from cultural representation and supports the features of Islamic urban identity and weakens the degree of city legibility.