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Corresponding Author

N. Charkas, Marwa

Subject Area

Architectural Engineering

Article Type

Original Study

Abstract

Sustainability, by its definition, is an investment in the future. This interprets the importance of linking sustainability studies to children as they are 'the future'. Achieving and practicing sustainability is more than a rigid roadmap to be followed, it is rather beliefs and faiths that have to be deeply rooted and considered truthful. So, embedding environmentally conscious attitudes and right behaviors about nature and its norms is crucial to children. This paper investigates the potential that the green infrastructure could present to reconnect children to the natural environment in cities. It develops a model that correlates all the spatial aspects: Space definition and configurations; Activities practiced in space; Experiencing space; Safety and security and the three types of green urban infrastructure: linear elements, nodal points, and networks. This is presented within the outlines of planning and management aspects of the successful green infrastructure to move the child from just being “In Nature” to being “With Nature” to finally being “For Nature”. It examines the applicability of this model by analyzing Smouha -a new residential suburbia located in the southern part of Alexandria city- originally planned after the principles of the ‘Garden City’. In its final part the paper concludes that while local streets and parks present real potential for connecting children to nature, lack of connectivity on the design scale and applicability on the management scale limits children’s experiences to be developed in reaching the desired ‘with nature’ or ‘For Nature’ states

Keywords

Sustainability, children, Green infrastructure, nature, Smouha, alexandria

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