THE RISE OF ROOFTOP GARDENS IN INFORMALLY DEVELOPED AREAS IN EGYPT: EXPLORING THE ABILITIES AND BOUNDARIES

THE RISE OF ROOFTOP GARDENS IN THE RISE OF ROOFTOP GARDENS IN INFORMALLY DEVELOPED AREAS IN EGYPT: INFORMALLY DEVELOPED AREAS IN EGYPT: EXPLORING THE ABILITIES AND BOUNDARIESEXPLORING THE ABILITIES AND BOUNDARIES

Dr. Iman O. GawadDr. Iman O. GawadArchitecture Department, Faculty of Architecture Department, Faculty of Fine Arts, Helwan University Cairo, Fine Arts, Helwan University Cairo, EgyptEgypt

TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. INTRODUCTIONProblem – Hypothesis - Definition – Types

II. PROSPECTS AND BENEFITS OF ROOFTOP GARDENINGEnvironmental, social and economic benefits of rooftop gardens III. WORLDWIDE EXPERIENCES ON GREEN ROOF

IV. ROOFTOP GARDENS IN HOT ARID CLIMATE

V. ROOFTOP GARDENS POTENTIALS IN EGYPT1. Hydroponic Farming History in EgyptHistory in Egypt2. Organisations working in Cairo district 3. Boundaries to rooftop gardens implementation in Egypt

VI. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

I. INTRODUCTION

HypothesisHypothesisInformal settlements could be improved and hence the quality of life of majority of its residents through the development of the rooftop farming strategy

ProblemProblem8 million Egyptians live in informal settlements in Cairo with several problems. After decades of attempts by the government and many national development agencies, the problems remain as massive as ever. Recently, a number of NGOs started to lift people above the poverty line through an income generated by the sale of rooftop gardening products.

I. INTRODUCTION

DefinitionsDefinitions•Greenroofs•Eco-roofs•Nature Roofs•Roof Greening Systems “Are living, vegetative roofing alternatives designed in contrast to the many standard non-porous roof choices”.“The green spaces in the intermediate floors of high-rise buildings (podium garden or elevated garden) or on the rooftops”.

TypesTypes Three types of green roofs are widely recognised depending on:•Substrate depths (<=>20 cm)•Irrigation and maintenance•Structural reinforcement of the roof

II. PROSPECTS AND BENEFITS OF ROOFTOP GARDENING

Environmental Sustainability Social Sustainability Economic Sustainability

Reduce food transportation

Reduce wastes by generating

less packaging

Recycle organic wastes by

composting

Mitigate urban heat island

Increase biodiversity

Improve air quality

Improve urban storm water

management

Sound insulation and noise

absorption

Active community

participation

Community green space and

gardens

Social inclusion: provide fresh

food to the poor

Education, awareness

Local employment

Amenity space for exercise

and recreation

Aesthetic value

Increase local food

production, sale and security

Sell organic vegetable and

food

Access to open space/views

increases property value

Reduce building cooling load

and energy costs

Increase availability of bio-

fuel

II. PROSPECTS AND BENEFITS OF ROOFTOP GARDENING

• Germany: is considered the birthplace of modern green roof systems (1960s) and is today known as the world 'frontrunner' in research and usage with green roofs there increasing 10–15 % each year.

• USA: In 2001, the Chicago City Hall adopted the first green roof in America. In 2006, over 280,000 m2 of green roofs have been built

• Japan’s green roof material providers and initiatives offer design instructions and knowledge for their clients

• large cities like Mexico City, Singapore and Rio de Janeiro have started green roof programs.

III. WORLDWIDE EXPERIENCES ON GREEN ROOF

The European standards established a minimum annual precipitation rate for a green roof of more than 450-650mm. BWh:BWh: this climate usually experiences less than 250 mm per year of precipitation

IV. ROOFTOP GARDENS IN HOT ARID CLIMATE

It is difficult to find any examples of successful green It is difficult to find any examples of successful green roofs in any Arab countriesroofs in any Arab countries

Most green roofs in hot arid climates need to be irrigated Only recycled water should be used. The condensation water from the air

conditioners can be used in certain building spaces (such as balconies or small rooftop areas) but still it's not enough.

V. ROOFTOP GARDENS POTENTIALS IN EGYPT

It is a classification of agriculture that uses nutrient-laden water rather than soil for plant sustenance

Does not require pesticides, require less water and space Reduction of habitat intrusions, fewer food miles, and fewer carbon

emissions

Drip-style Hydroponic System Flow-style Hydroponic System

The idea of urban rooftop HYDROPONIC FARMING can be the best alternative

In the early 1990s, it was introduced by a group of agriculture professors in Ain Shams University and was applied on a small scale

In 2001, it was officially adopted by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

In 2011, FAO in coordination with the Egyptian government launched the "Green Food from Green Roofs" project.

Different NGOs, public institutions and private civil initiatives

In 2013, the Desert Development Center supported by the U.S. Forest Service established the (AUC)’s extensive green roof


1. Hydroponic Farming History in Egypt

2. Organisations working in Cairo’s informal 2. Organisations working in Cairo’s informal areasareas


1. ‘SHADUF’ in Dar-Elsalam and Elbasatin2. UN for Women project at Ezbet Elhagana 3. ‘IBN KASSİR’, in Al-Zawya Al-Hamra 4. ‘NAWAYA’ in Saqqara5. ‘Slow Food’ Egypt project

‘‘Schaduf’ is the most effective :Schaduf’ is the most effective :Trained more than 80 farmers at three training centresAround 40 rooftop gardens are constructed and running Most residents earn between EGP600 ($86) and EGP1,000 ($143) a month; from a 45 sq. m rooftop farm that requires less than 30 minutes of labour a day Financing, training and creating market connectionsHelp residents secure loans for construction, seeds and fertilizers

3. Boundaries to rooftop gardens implementation in Egypt


A) Lack of authoritative standard•Egypt does not have a scientific guideline, specific planning, building policies or national standard •Building Regulations don’t have a direct reference to the standards of roof construction and other related restrictions •Till now, NGOs use it as a perception of social development strategy

Germany has a law (1989) that requires the design of green roof in new buildings

In Berlin, 30% of all new building constructions were approved greening

The German FFL guidelines is the most influential document worldwide for green roof design

The city of Toronto oblige all new buildings to be constructed with roof gardens compromising 20-50% of roof space, similar to the Tokyo Green Plan passed in 2001


B) Design and construction barriersLow quality waterproofing systems in buildings and the lack of reliability of roof membranesThe choice of the most appropriate irrigation system and the importance of automated monitoring to provide for rooftop farms that do not require regular personal maintenanceThe relationship between areas of vegetation and other structures or uses on the roof



Mechanical ventilation equipment. The roof of the American University in New Cairo

The weight of concrete ‘beds’ constructed to support cultivated foam sheets on potentially ‘weak’ roofs

Satellite Dishes’ shade. 'Shaduf' project in less-privileged areas of Maadi

RC columns intended for future vertical expansion. 'Shaduf' project in Dar-Elsalam

D) Narrow plant selectionNot all ground plants suit the living condition of rooftops. The high elevation of rooftops indicates the degree of wind speed and moisture evaporation which are normally faster than on the ground. The need for a comprehensive understanding of species appropriate to the egyptian climate (lettuce, parsley, dill, coriander, spinach).


C) Lack of awarenessClaims that it is beneficial in the public buildings only.A lack of acknowledge about the implementation technologiesUnaware of environmental issues involved. Will lead to water leakage and overloaded problems in their houses. In some more fortunate parts of Cairo, residents see rooftop farming as a lower class activity.


Challenges Opportunities or RecommendationsLack of an Egyptian authoritative standards or

industry guidelines

Production of guidelines for Egyptian roof farming. Interpretation of guidelines applicable to countries with similar

climates.

Lack of established local rooftop gardens industry

New Egyptian companies can be established. International companies can expand market opportunities.

Little scientific data available to evaluate applicability to local climatic conditions

New fields of collaborative research for scientists, potentially attractive to industry.

Application of research findings of similar climatic zones.

Green roofs have minimal inclusion in Egyptian's building green pyramid rating

schemes and other planning policies

Developing of a city or state specific policies and incentives to increase uptake.

Few existing projects to inspire developers of green roofs.

Opportunity to establish 'best practice' from the beginning of the egyptian industry.

Projects have increased profile and publicity. Projects can attract government support.

Limited number of plants species Egyptian flora is drought adapted and some species should be

suitable for green roofs. Development of local nursery opportunities in new plant products.

Lack of knowledge and connections among rooftop farming developers

Encourages collaboration between industry, the government, NGOs and researchers.

New business opportunities identified and exploited.

VI. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION

[email protected]

Attia, S., (2014), “Green Roof Potential in Arab Cities”, Ecomena

Malina, C., 2011, "Up on the roof: implementing local government policies to promote and achieve the environmental, social, and economic benefits of green roof technology“

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urban-agriculture/1537/ http://web.mit.edu/12.000/www/

m2015/2015/hydro_agriculture.html

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