EXPLORING BIOPHILIC WALKABLE BRIDGES AS A PARADIGM FOR SUSTAINABLE CITIES

Abstract

The Egyptian cities' urban renewal movement has succeeded in enhancing the planning of road and vehicle bridge networks. Bridges are frequently recognized as a symbol of a city's economic potential and prosperity, but the disappearance of green features is considered one of the negatives, particularly after the construction of many bridges and the consequent difficulties faced by pedestrians. Because the visual quality of bridge experiences might influence on urban sustainability, biophilic urbanism that has arisen to incorporate nature more purposefully into cities. Adding visual value (using bridge sidewalks) and creating more enjoyable spaces can solve many urban space informality issues while preserving the city's visual and aesthetic elements. As a result, the research aims to develop a green approach for building walkable green bridges over these car bridges to connect the vertical and horizontal green elements together, revitalizing the city's green image. From this point of view, this paper focuses on two main issues: first, the theoretical approach, which will focus on the biophilic urban design and the benefits of integration with the urban design of streets based on environmental, social, and economic functions. Secondly: the evaluation and analysis of the area in Egypt (Nasr City) to reduce the impact of climate change by applying a balance between green and built spaces to upgrade urban streets. Based on the theoretical and applied approaches, the research proposes a green framework for the design of green biophilic pedestrian bridges to be a link between vertical and horizontal green elements to achieve sustainability.