Beyond function: Street Furniture as a Catalyst for Interaction in Public Spaces of Cairo

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Department of Architecture, Faculty of Engineering, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt

Abstract

As open spaces decline in megacities, maximizing the quality of users’ experience within the few remaining public amenities becomes crucial. This paper highlights how street furniture can be instrumental in improving the users’ experience of open spaces by fostering interaction. While existing research mostly focuses on street furniture design standards, materials and functionality, its role as a social catalyst is often underestimated. This study aims to bridge this gap. The study identifies two modes of interaction promoted by street furniture in open spaces; those are content interaction and social interaction. Then, an analytical framework that dissects "interaction" and "street furniture" into their constituent attributes is constructed, enabling the subsequent identification of potential correlations between the two. Consequently, the framework is utilized to develop an online survey measuring users’ preferences for different interactive street furniture features. The survey returned quantitative data that was statistically described in terms of mean and standard deviation, and percentages were used when appropriate. Qualitative on-site observations were conducted and integrated with quantitative data to establish guidelines for desired interactive experiences through street furniture. These guidelines advocate for designing holistic settings, account for differences in preferences based on gender and age, offering a spectrum of interaction levels, and legitimizing interactive experiences. By prioritizing users’ needs, this research seeks to revitalize Cairo's public spaces, fostering a more vibrant and inclusive social experience.

Keywords

Engineering Research Journal
Volume 183, Issue 4
December 2024
Pages 187-205

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