Smart Growth Potentials in the Greater Cairo Region

Abstract

The study explains Smart Growth and Urban Sprawl. Urban Sprawl definitions, characteristics and negative consequences are discussed. Smart Growth is presented as an alternative to Urban Sprawl to battle its negative consequences. Smart Growth definitions, principles and characteristics are discussed. Smart Growth’s positive consequences are explained; either economic, environmental or social. Techniques of Smart Growth implementation and assessment are presented. Two implementation techniques are discussed; Smart Growth Manual and Smart Growth implementation toolkit. Two assessment techniques are discussed; checklists and urban form assessments. Implementation and assessment techniques are applied to the Greater Cairo Region to determine its Smart Growth potentials. It is shown that the current urban form has medium to high Smart Growth potentials while the urban development strategy has low to medium potential. It is also shown that the primary action needed is building Smart Growth awareness on all levels. Eventually an action sequence is proposed for Smart Growth implementation in the Greater Cairo Region.

Key words: Smart Growth, Greater Cairo Region, Urban Sprawl