Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Non-Visual Sensory Stimuli in the Design of Public Parks: A Case Study of Al-Azhar Park, Cairo, Egypt

Document Type : Research Studies

Authors

1 Lecturer at Department of Architectural Engineering, Shoubra Faculty of Engineering, Benha University

2 Teaching Assistant at Department of Architectural Engineering, Shoubra Faculty of Engineering, Benha University

Abstract

This paper discusses the non-visual design features of public parks which are received by non-visual senses, i.e., hearing, touch, smell and taste. Giving the priority to the sense of sight and neglecting the other senses in the design of such places prevents the users from the full perception and enjoyment of them. This issue becomes more problematic in the case of visually impaired users. The aim of research is to formulate a methodology to detect and evaluate non-visual sensory stimuli in public parks. This methodology includes four evaluation criteria: The first assesses the degree of diversity of non-visual sensory stimuli in each part of the park; the second determines the degree of differentiation in sensory identity between these parts; the third specifies the role of sensory stimuli in facilitating the movement of users and the fourth indicates the level of suitability of such stimuli. A survey was conducted to estimate the relative weight of each criterion, Then, the methodology was applied to the case of Al-Azhar Park in Cairo to evaluate the efficacy of its non-visual features. Some advantages and disadvantages were detected. The most effective part of the park on the level of its non-visual sensory stimuli was the main central walking axis, while the least effective parts were the western slopes then the northern and southern mounds which lack the sufficient variety of non-visual features. A practical experiment was conducted with the help of volunteers to verify the concluded results and check the applicability of the proposed methodology

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