The Role of Community Parks as a Medium for Cultural Expression with reference to Cairo-Egypt

The reciprocal influences between local cultures and the built environment have been extensively discussed in literature (e.g. Rapoport, 1977; Spencer, 2012). Urban parks too can play a major role as a medium for cultural expression (e.g. Heidt and Neef, 2008; Rapoport, 1976). This role has been lately compromised in Egypt under the pressures of negligence and urban encroachment.
However, recent state plans in new urban settlements seem to develop urban parks primarily on the bases of economical, utilitarian, and technical considerations, with little attention being paid to the cultural dimension.
The main objective of the present research is to develop an understanding to the role of community parks, towards the pursuit of a better medium for cultural expression, as applied to Cairo, Egypt.
Towards this objective, the study adopts a qualitative approach. First, an analytical investigation to the literature is carried out to develop a theoretical framework for the study. Afterwards, a qualitative analysis to the outcome of semi-structured interview surveys (19 participants) in selected community parks in Cairo takes place. This concludes to guidelines for improving the design of urban parks as a medium for cultural expression. ... mehrThis shall help designers, developers and decision makers take more informed decisions towards the development of the built environment in Egypt.