Multifunctional Landscape Design An Analytical Framework for Urban Waterfronts in Cairo

Abstract

The traditional approach of landscape architecture has always focused on the aesthetic and visual aspects of landscapes while giving less attention to other aspects. This view has limited the benefits that can be driven from designed landscapes, despite carrying wide potentials for humans; socially, environmentally and economically. Thus, many researchers and practitioners are currently challenging this view in order to develop a more holistic and multifunctional approach for landscape architecture. In this sense, this research aims at defining a more holistic approach to public designed landscapes based on meeting human needs, taking into consideration environmental, sociocultural, and economic aspects. In addition to identifying general aspects related to public landscapes, the research focused on public waterfronts as a significant landscape type. In order to achieve the thesis aim, a multi-layered methodology was applied as follows: first, a comparative analysis study was conducted of relevant literature in order to propose a conceptual framework of multifunctional designed landscapes. A conceptual framework, based on Max-Neef’s matrix of human needs, was defined combining fundamental human needs and needs satisfiers from the perspective of landscapes. Secondly, waterfront landscapes and relevant practices on the international level were investigated using observation, questionnaires and semi-structured interviews as tools for data collection. The latter investigation