Towards Great Streets: Sustainable Design Solutions

Abstract

Streetscape design is not only about an attractive visual image in the city, or an interesting walking trip while feeling shaded, secured, and comfort. Streetscape design plays a vital role in connecting and accessing communities’ resources. When designed as sustainable; streets help to develop communities in terms of environmental, social, and economic aspects. In addition, sustainable streets protect and enhance the city ’s character and aesthetics. This research aims to highlight the importance of sustainability approach when designing a street whether it is a new street or a transformation of an existing one in order to be great. This paper is based on exploring the relationship between the basic principles of streetscape design and the sustainability framework comprising of its regular aspects: environmental, social, and economic. The paper highlights the intersection between the two main factors: 1. Streetscape design, 2. Sustainability framework. The research proposes a matrix through its application on an international case study to reach the final matrix. The final proposed matrix will be applied on Al-Alfy’ street in Cairo as a local case study. As conclusion the paper provides a checklist that may help developing sustainable design solutions for designing great streets.