Impacts of Placemaking Principles on Pedestrians’ Experiences in Cairo | ||
| Journal of Urban Research | ||
| Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 05 October 2025 | ||
| Document Type: Original Article | ||
| DOI: 10.21608/jur.2025.408899.1199 | ||
| Authors | ||
| Aya Mohamed* 1; Abeer Elshater2; Mohamed El Fayoumi3; Ayman Assem4 | ||
| 1Department of Architecture, Faculty of Engineering, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt | ||
| 2Department of Urban Design and urban Planning, Faculty of Engineering, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt | ||
| 3Department of Urban Design and Urban Planning, Faculty of Engineering, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt. | ||
| 4Department of Architecture, Faculty of Engineering, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt. | ||
| Abstract | ||
| Streets are key public spaces that foster social interaction and, therefore, crucially shape pedestrians’ experiences. However, the invasion of highways and the dominance of vehicles—especially in Cairo—have made it increasingly difficult for pedestrians to enjoy both the walking and the socially engaging experiences. While some Cairene areas still promote basic walkability, many streets significantly lack the spatial and social qualities that support meaningful pedestrian use. Recent theories suggest that this can be addressed through the concept of placemaking. Placemaking is an urban design approach that enhances public spaces by making them more attractive, inclusive, and engaging. It strengthens the bond between people and place, turning streets into vibrant destinations. The objective of the study is to identify how placemaking principles, particularly those emphasizing the diversity of social activities, can shape pedestrian behavior and experience. This objective is achieved through an empirical analysis of the impact of placemaking principles on the pedestrian experience in Downtown Cairo. It focuses on three connected streets: Talaat Harb Street, Al-Alfi Passageway, and Al-Alfi Street. Pedestrian behavior and activity patterns were examined through non-participant observational activity mapping, guided by frameworks such as the Place Diagram, the Power of 10+, and Gehl’s categorization of human activities. The discussion of the findings highlights the importance of a human-centered approach that addresses daily social needs, showing that thoughtful spatial design can foster more vibrant, inclusive streets and significantly enhance the pedestrian experience. | ||
| Keywords | ||
| Placemaking; Walkability; Pedestrian Experience; Pedestrian Behavior; Downtown Cairo | ||
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