Saudi Cultural Missions Theses & Dissertations
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Item Embargo From Oil to Identity: Place branding for urban transformation in a top-down society (A case study of Saudi Arabia)(Erasmus University Rotterdam, 2024-12-11) Alsayel, Abdulrhman; Edelenbos, Jurian; De Jong, Martin; Fransen, JanThis dissertation investigates the transformation of Saudi Arabian cities under the ambitious Vision 2030 framework, focusing on the role of place branding within a centralized governance system. The research seeks to understand how cultural, institutional, and governance factors influence the effectiveness of place branding strategies in Saudi Arabia, offering a departure from Western-centric models that emphasize participatory and bottom-up approaches. By using Riyadh as a principal case study, the thesis sheds light on the implications of top-down city branding on urban development, cultural preservation, and social inclusivity. The research is structured into four interconnected papers. The first paper explores the tension between economic growth and social inclusivity through a comparative analysis involving Dubai, Amsterdam, and Toronto. The findings reveal that while creative city branding can drive innovation and attract investment, it often neglects inclusivity, leading to social exclusion. The second paper examines how various multi-level governance models impact the success of place branding in Saudi Arabia, demonstrating that cities directly aligned with central government resources tend to achieve more effective branding, though this can exacerbate regional disparities. The third paper delves into the cultural and institutional factors affecting place branding, emphasizing that while central government involvement can streamline efforts, it may limit local stakeholder engagement. The final paper focuses on the rebranding of Riyadh, drawing comparisons with global cities like Barcelona and Tokyo to reveal both the opportunities and social challenges associated with rapid urban transformation, such as gentrification and cultural homogenization. This thesis concludes that while centralized governance can expedite urban development and enhance city branding, maintaining cultural integrity and fostering social equity are essential to sustainable growth. The research advocates for future studies to employ mixed-method approaches for broader applicability and to explore comparative case studies in other centralized systems, such as China and the UAE, to enrich the understanding of place branding in non-Western contexts.22 0Item Restricted Why Use Innovative Engineering Systems to Reimagine, and Revive the Ancient Islamic Craft Intarsia?(The University of the Arts London, 2024-06-20) Alamoudi, Ghada; Wright, ElizabethThis review explores the "innovative engineering systems" encompassing a range of modern technologies and techniques applied to the traditional craft of Intarsia woodworking. This includes advancements in joinery methods, and fabrication processes that enhance the craft's efficiency, flexibility, and structural integrity. The term "revival" refers to the process of breathing new life into a craft that may have faced decline or stagnation, while "re-imagination" involves exploring new creative possibilities and applications for the craft within contemporary contexts. By employing innovative engineering systems, the review seeks to preserve the cultural heritage embodied in Intarsia while also adapting it to meet the demands and challenges of the modern world.18 0