A framework to enhance urban biodiversity in Egypt, using Animal Aided design method (AAD)

El_Metwally, Lana Ihab; Dewidar, Khaled; Abdelkhalek, Eslam

doi:10.21608/msaeng.2023.309544

A framework to enhance urban biodiversity in Egypt, using Animal Aided design method (AAD)

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Architecture Department – Faculty of Engineering – The British University in Egypt

² Vice Dean of Faculty of Engineering – The British University in Egypt

³ Architecture. Engineering, The British University in Egypt, Cairo, Egypt

10.21608/msaeng.2023.309544

Abstract

Due to the anthropocentric belief that humans are superior to nature and all other beings, many environmental challenges have appeared. Thus, the world needs to be eco-centric and pay more attention to other beings to assure a better quality of life and enhance the ecosystem. A major environmental challenge is urbanization, it is one of the main causes that made the urban biodiversity in Egypt suffer significantly. As cities grew, natural habitats were lost or fragmented, which caused biodiversity to diminish. Due to current urban expansion, it often appears difficult to strike a balance between human interests and urban wildlife demands. One of the approaches that could be taken to solve this problem is the animal-aided design method (AAD). AAD combines a number of urban planning disciplines, such as architecture, traffic planning, general urban planning, nature preservation, and landscape architecture, into planning and design in order to integrate the needs of animals while maintaining the needs of humans. The research aims to develop a framework based on an in-depth theoretical analysis, case studies, observational studies, surveys and design strategies concerning this topic using the principles and methods of AAD design to integrate animals and their needs in the Egyptian urban landscape in order to enhance the urban biodiversity in the Egyptian context. Moreover, to investigate the possibility of cohabitation designs between humans and animals. In other words, taking into account the presence of animals in the planning process. This study has both scientific and ethical goals. The scientific goal is to emphasize the importance of integrating animals’ needs into the design process in order to enhance the ecological system. While the ethical goal is to provide alternative habitats and a better environment where all beings can live in, and that is through studying both human and animal needs. The final results show the framework that has been tested on three different species, developing various design strategies for laughing doves, and validated by experts in the field of animals and landscape. Following this framework could integrate different species’ needs within any chosen location.

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