Compact urban form, question or solution? Examining the compact city in the Middle Eastern context: challenges and opportunities

Abstract

The idea of ‘compact urban form’ has been examined mainly in the context of developed countries, but rarely has it been studied in the case of Middle Eastern cities. Due to the distinctive sociocultural background of the cities in this region, special consideration is urgent and necessary. This article investigates the main challenges presented by this idea, with a focus on Middle Eastern cities. It argues that because claims about the sustainability of the compact urban form in Middle Eastern cities have not been scientifically proven, its social acceptability remains questionable, the extent of its compactness is ambiguous, the tools to ensure the successful implementation of the compact pattern have not been defined and the size of the city has not been convincingly addressed.