Abstract
Riyadh, one of the fastest growing cities in Saudi Arabia, has witnessed periods of urban decline due to a shortage of urban spaces. The government's response has been to create more urban spaces within established neighborhoods, including 100 municipal plazas, to encourage social interaction among residents. This paper evaluates the reinvention of urban spaces in Riyadh. Following case-study research methods, residents of three neighborhoods were surveyed about the quality of urban space in their communities and the effect of new municipal plazas on social relationships. The research also investigated whether the design and amenities of these new spaces have succeeded in drawing visitors and engaging different age groups. The results indicate that the quality of urban spaces is important to residents and the effect of urban spaces on social relationships has been significant, leading to the recommendation that the government should do more to improve accessibility to new municipal plazas. Safe sidewalks, diverse commercial activities, and quality amenities are key components of an active social life in Riyadh's urban spaces.