Enhancing Livability in Informal Areas: A Participatory Approach to Improve Urban Microclimate in Outdoor Spaces

Abstract

Urban informalities have shown global unprecedented growth rates in the past 50 years, currently housing around two thirds of Cairenes. As outdoor activities are fundamental to urban life, improving environmental performance of this urban product is essential. This paper investigates microclimate in Cairo’s informal areas and how to improve it through low-tech interventions. It aims to identify relevant heat stress counterstrategies, and how they can be promoted among and accepted by residents. Building on previous work regarding an Outdoor Spaces Environmental Performance Assessment OSEPA tool, the researchers identified needed intervention areas within Imbaba informal district. Through an extensive participatory process, the team developed tailored solutions that help improve the urban microclimate using low tech and low-cost interventions. The field work identified vital prerequisites and revealed the necessity of engaging various stakeholders to ensure ownership and applicability. The analysis concludes with an Outdoor Spaces Environmental Performance Improvement OSEPI model for developing solutions to improve urban microclimate within spaces of informal areas and a toolbox for relevant interventions. This serves both as an input in informal areas upgrading projects and designing low to middle-income neighbourhoods. Thus, ensuring environmental justice and counteracting current practices that predominantly ignore environmental issues especially increased heat stress.