Everyday life matters

Madinah is a unique city with many wonderful everyday places to celebrate

And its citizens are the experts.

Who are the citizens?

City decision makers can learn from the citizens’ thoughts

But why is it important to learn from the citizens?

By blending qualitative data insights with practical design strategies, it's possible to create spaces that are both sustainable, inclusive, and deeply rooted in the lived experiences of residents and visitors alike.

Qualitative data about people’s lives can help create better design

Qualitative data can identify diverse needs, such as shaded seating for elderly individuals or accessible pathways for people with disabilities. Also, the sharing of daily experiences from locals about for instance gathering spots can inspire multi-purpose designs that serve both residents and tourists.

Qualitative data
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Inclusion drives innovation

Understanding how people use spaces for social or cultural events can guide the creation of innovative venues that are adaptable to various uses. Identifying spaces or practices of cultural importance ensures designs reflect and respect a unique local identity, fostering a sense of belonging and pride.

Inclusion drives innovation
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Building trust

By incorporating firsthand stories, opinions, and experiences, urban decision-makers demonstrate that they value and respect the voices of Citizens. Also, personal stories and testimonials help decision-makers connect emotionally with the people they serve. Engaging people in the data collection process further encourages a sense of ownership and participation.

Building trust
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So how do we access these thoughts?

Citizen engagement illustration

Through citizen engagement
we can shift from thinking about...

About 70 % of the Saudi population is under the age of 35, making it a youthful nation. Coupled with Saudi being one of the worlds most digitally connected nations, there is a great potential in using digital platforms for citizen engagement.

There were 36.84 million internet users in Saudi Arabia at the start of 2024

→ source: datareportal.com

99%

internet penetration

In 2024, we have conceptualised two different ways of doing digitally-driven citizen engagement in Madinah.

Wide Engagement

Celebrate
Madinah

Deep Engagement

Eye Level
City

What did we learn so far?

In a nation with high mobile phone usage, WhatsApp groups and similar can be a support for spreading the word

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Involving community leaders and respected local figures will help build credibility

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Partnering with schools or community organizations might help teach the importance of participation and build trust

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We see potential in tailoring strategies to cultural and specific needs to strengthen the motivation to participate

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Highlighting stories or providing regular updates on how the feedback is being used might help motivate

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This page was created by Gehl as a deliverable to the Celebrate Madinah project.

If you have any questions or comments, or want to discuss any of the topics presented, reach out to liselott@gehlpeople.com


You can find the Celebrate Madinah platform through this link: celebratemadinah.com