Heliopolis’ activities under flyovers: Qualitative data analysis of citizens’ interests

Year 2022, Volume: 8 Issue: 1, 25 - 50, 08.08.2022

Soha Abubakr , Abeer Elshater , Mohamed A. El Fayoumi

Abstract

The literature documents several urban agendas concerning urban sprawl, traffic transit sequences, and flyover bridges. Changes in development patterns in Egypt result in many lost spaces beneath flyover bridges, affecting the urban fabric. Despite these vacant spaces under the flyovers, the current Egyptian policies have transformed them into urban public areas. This paper analysed the development scheme of some regions under newly constructed bridges in Cairo. This paper reviews activities and landscape architecture under the flyovers and identifies their impact on the urban commons. The goal was to explore diverse and conflicting experiences based on age and types of neighbourhoods to determine the possibility of activities useful for the community and enhancing their quality of life. This research uses quantitative methods using maps and surveys of respondents who have experienced the current conditions under flyovers. The findings revealed how the development plans had shifted in relation to Heliopolis's worth. In constructing the bridges amidst the city's fabric, the findings highlighted the importance of linking the neighbourhood’s characteristics of urban configuration, landscape architecture, and socioeconomic parameters.

Keywords

Residential Neighbourhood, Aesthetic Quality, Urban Public Space, Cognition Process

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