Applying Urban Livability indicators in gated communities

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Helwan University, Egypt

2 PhD, Helwan University

Abstract

The main goal of cities is creating a context for people to engage with each other. As the Public realm forms a vital conduit for the exchange of ideas, friendships, skills, and even material goods. Public spaces are the basis and content for the public life of cities; thus, the livability of spaces is crucial for boosting and promoting the social life of cities and improving its quality of life. Today's cities are struggling to cope with the changes that are depleting urban life. Streets are overcrowded with vehicles, scarifying pedestrians on streets and open areas that are gradually being replaced by parking lots. In general, urban open space is becoming increasingly disconnected from sustainability, accessibility, and pedestrian friendliness, all of which are important criteria for making a city livable. However, the city's livability requirements are an essential aspect in inhabitants' general well-being, and they can be practiced and advanced where required. A modernized city should have qualities that improve the quality of life of its residents as much as feasible. This paper provides indicators that, in theory, improve the quality of life in a livable city. Two urban qualities sustainability and accessibility are described including pedestrian friendliness through layers of networks such as pedestrian routes, open spaces, facilities, and greenery. According to analysis of different precedents livability indicators extracted to be applied on a case study to arouse the livability and quality of urban life. Once the measures are devised, they are tested through a case study (compound El Yasmin in Zayed City, Giza, Egypt)