Place identity: The visual image of Saudi Arabian cities

The paper presents an analytical study of the major factors inherent to place identity which have a bearing on the development of visual images to Saudi Arabian cities. Climatic, social, topographic and economical aspects are important factors in the formulation of regionalism. The regional urban and architectural character was able to give an old but distinctive image of the Saudi Arabian cities. These factors are now weakened by two controversial trends in planning and design of place known as the traditionalism and modernism. Though conflicting but the adopted trend influences the place visual image. Usually the image starts from well established principles of urban and architectural design. The professionals use their skill in the incorporation of historical as well as new images of the physical place and structures to enhance their identifiability and recognition in the city. The image represents a cultural significance which tie it to culture. In the mean time, the forces exerted by the commercialism seem to dominate the image attachment to the contemporary cities.