الفهرس 
Human Needs and Public Designed LandscapesOnly 14 pages are availabe for public view
 |  | from | 224 |  |  |
| | | from | 224 | | |
Abstract
The traditional approach of landscape architecture has always focused on the aesthetic and visual aspects of landscapes while giving less attention to other aspects. This view has limited the benefits that can be driven from designed landscapes, despite carrying wide potentials for humans; socially, environmentally and economically. Thus, many researchers and practitioners are currently challenging this view in order to develop a more holistic and multifunctional approach for landscape architecture. In this sense, this research aims at defining a more holistic approach to public designed landscapes based on meeting human needs, taking into consideration environmental, sociocultural, and economic aspects. In addition to identifying general aspects related to public landscapes, the research focused on public waterfronts as a significant landscape type. In order to achieve the thesis aim, a multi-layered methodology was applied as follows: first, a comparative analysis study was conducted of relevant literature in order to propose a conceptual framework of multifunctional designed landscapes. A conceptual framework, based on Max-Neef’s matrix of human needs, was defined combining fundamental human needs and needs satisfiers from the perspective of landscapes. Secondly, waterfront landscapes and relevant practices on the international level were investigated using observation, questionnaires and semi-structured interviews as tools for data collection. The latter investigation enhanced the preliminary framework proposed in the first part. Finally, the conceptual framework was used again for the exploration of two local case studies in Cairo in order to investigate both potentials and problems. The research concluded that designed landscapes can be better approached from the side of human needs. Similarly, the waterfront of Cairo requires to be approached through the same integrative approach which allows for a better utilization of the waterfront and solves many of its problems.
Keywords: Fundamental Human Needs FHNs – Landscape Experience – Public Spaces – Multifunctionality - Ecosystem Services – Landscape Design – Waterfronts – Nile River