New assessment tool to evaluate Khartoum parks

Abstract

The result of this study is the outcome of the exploration of a tool to assess parks in Khartoum town in Sudan. Different tools were used to formulate the new tool. The purpose of this assessment tool is to evaluate parks that can help both the manager and the user. Knowing the location, considering literature and through the survey of parks in Khartoum, the tool is prepared. It is based on two main items, accessibility, and physical components. The accessibility includes welcoming, physical access, location with respect to street and parking, whereas the physical components are comprised of shelter and shade, landscape, green space and lawn, services and facilities, paths, water feature, and playground. As well as those, two minor variables were also measured: aesthetic and quality and personal security. After the tool was prepared, the evaluation of the open space characteristics was done by seven architects in selected six parks, either knew or had designed the spaces. The evaluation concluded that open spaces in Khartoum town lack proper facilities and appropriate features, and that makes their evaluation low.