VERTICAL GARDEN AS A SUSTAINBLE URBAN PRESPECTIVE IN CAIRO

Abstract

Egypt is experiencing a rapid economic growth, developments in urban areas in addition to shrinking in green area and that leads to the occurrence of environmental problems such as drought, pollutants and the phenomenon of heat island in the urban areas. This paper therefore focuses on the benefits and techniques of the vertical gardens as a solution of environmental problems in Cairo as the vertical gardens may contribute in significant environmental, social and economic benefits in the urban environment with high population density. Moreover, the paper highlights on the examples of architectural buildings integrated with vertical gardens as new urban perspectives to face climate change and the energy crisis. The paper aims to provide a checklist for vertical gardens design as an evidence of future efforts to implement the strategy of the vertical greening garden in Cairo. Moreover, this paper discusses the prior knowledge of the residents towards the phenomena of the green wall and the factors which affected its implementation. Finally, the paper is concluding with a checklist of design considerations for vertical garden and several recommendations for using vertical garden technique as an alternative innovative technology to sustainable urban development which fits the urban structure in Cairo.