Exploring the sustainable contrast between age friendly public areas in Mediterranean cities: case studies

Fatiha Kouidmi delaa* & ali Kamal altawansy** * Universitat Jaume I. ** Universidad Damanhour Exploring the sustainable contrast between age friendly public areas in Mediterranean cities: case studies abstract This article aims to evaluate a site’s capacity to meet the needs of the elderly in urban planning and is intended to aid urban planners in the use of urban space. The general objective of the study is to identify the specific needs of the elderly in two samples in two countries, Egypt and Spain, and develop an accessibility plan to cater to their needs. The research was based on analysis of existing literature and archival materials, as well as in situ, through observation and photographic documentation, during the investigation in Spain and Egypt. The study employed a comparative methodology to compare public spaces in two areas of two countries, Egypt and Spain. The results showed that both samples have good urban planning and offer better access to public spaces. However, the social results in Castelló were higher than in Sheikh Zayed, as the number of the elderly in Sheikh Zayed is relatively small compared to Castelló. Overall, the study emphasises the need to ensure designs that are mindful of the elderly physical environment to ensure their safety and fulfilment of the SDGs. resumen Explorando el contraste sostenible entre las áreas públicas adaptadas a las personas mayores en las ciudades mediterráneas: estudios de caso.- Este artículo tiene como objetivo evaluar la capacidad de un sitio para satisfacer las necesidades de las personas mayores en la planificación urbana y pretende ayudar a los planificadores urbanos en el uso del espacio urbano. El objetivo general del estudio es identificar las necesidades específicas de las personas mayores en dos muestras de dos países, Egipto y España, y desarrollar un plan de accesibilidad para atender a sus necesidades. El estudio empleó una metodología comparativa de los espacios públicos en dos áreas de dos países, Egipto y España. Los resultados mostraron que ambas muestras cuentan con una buena planificación urbana y ofrecen un mejor acceso a los espacios públicos. Sin embargo, los resultados sociales en Castelló fueron superiores a los de Sheikh Zayed, ya que el número de personas mayores en Sheikh Zayed es relativamente pequeño en comparación con Castelló. En general, el estudio enfatiza la necesidad de garantizar diseños que tengan en cuenta el entorno físico de las personas mayores para garantizar su seguridad y el cumplimiento de los ODS. résumé Explorer le contraste durable entre les espaces publics adaptés aux personnes âgées dans les villes méditerranéennes : études de cas.- Cet article vise à évaluer la capacité d’un site à répondre aux besoins des personnes âgées en matière d’urbanisme et a pour vocation d’aider les urbanistes dans l’usage de l’espace urbain. L’objectif général de l’étude est d’identifier les besoins spécifiques des personnes âgées dans deux échantillons de deux pays, l’Égypte et l’Espagne, et d’élaborer un plan d’accessibilité pour répondre à leurs besoins. L’étude a utilisé une méthodologie comparative pour comparer les espaces publics dans deux régions de deux pays, l’Égypte et l’Espagne. Les résultats ont montré que les deux échantillons ont une bonne planification urbaine et offrent un meilleur accès aux espaces publics. Cependant, les résultats sociaux à Castelló étaient plus élevés qu’à Sheikh Zayed, car le nombre de personnes âgées à Sheikh Zayed est relativement faible par rapport à Castelló. Dans l’ensemble, l’étude souligne la nécessité de garantir des conceptions qui tiennent compte de l’environnement physique des personnes âgées afin de garantir leur sécurité et la réalisation des ODD. Keywords/Palabras clave/mots clé Comparative study, Mediterranean countries, open urban spaces, elderly urban needs. Estudio comparativo, países mediterráneos, espacios urbanos abiertos, necesidades urbanas para las personas mayores. Étude comparative, pays méditerranéens, espaces urbains ouverts, besoins urbains des personnes âgées. Volumen 2023-3. Año XLIII, pp. 293-310 I. INTRODUCTION To improve the urban and architectural development program, it is very important to study the environmental geographical part together with the social relationship (ZulFida et al., 2023). for it, it strives to produce knowledge and policies that empower local communities to leverage their resources and diversity to promote 294 ERÍA transportation, housing, and social services. It is the ability to make prudent choices in our everyday lives that fosters human growth and enhances the experience of ageing gracefully (Gilroy & schoField, 2015). Planning for the accessibility of older people in the urban space will require the consideration of a range of factors, including the physical and mental health of older people, their transportation needs, their ability to access and navigate the built environment, and their social and emotional needs. The accessibility measures are a useful tool for planners and policymakers in the social evaluation of urban structure (blacK & conroy, 1977). The first step to making a unified result that benefits all elderly people is to understand what accessibility means in each country. It is recommended to use the WHO framework for age-friendly cities/communities to revitalise town centres in the post-Covid-19 world. This approach will take a comprehensive view that acknowledges the importance of place for healthy living, community engagement, social participation, and allowing older individuals to “age in place” (PhilliPs et al., 2021). Different countries may have different definitions of accessibility, as well as different standards and regulations. For example, some countries may have stricter rules regarding wheelchair access, while others may have more lenient rules. Ensuring enabling environments for ageing populations is a critical issue around the world (o’brien, 2014). It is important to understand these differences to come up with a unified result that is beneficial to all elderly people. The rapid ageing of the population is a growing trend globally, with developing countries experiencing FiG. 1. Population ageing: global ageing growth ratio (left); societies will be older (right). Source: United Nations, global ageing growth ratio [consulted: 10/03/2023]. the overall well-being and quality of life of all residents (santos et al., 2022). As the number of older people increases, the need for effective health care and social services for this population will also increase. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has identified older adults as a priority population for health care and has called for increased investments in health care for older adults (WHO, 2016). Population ageing and urbanisation are two global trends that together comprise major forces shaping the 21st century. At the same time as cities are growing, their share of residents aged 60 years, and more is increasing (WHO, 2007). In the United States, the Health and Human Services Administration (HHS) has developed a national plan for health care for older adults. The HHS plan calls for increased investments in health care for older adults, including improvements in primary care, prevention, and chronic disease management (WHO, 2018). Demographic growth and modernity in the urban landscape, emphasise the need to develop architectural and urban standards for sustainable urbanisation (abbas & hussein, 2023). The implications of this demographic change are far-reaching and will require planning for the accessibility and inclusion of older people in the urban space (JarZebsKi et al., 2021). It is important to determine the overall well-being of individuals and communities, and it is suggested that this understanding should be considered when designing communities and allocating resources to create more prosperous and healthy places for current and future generations (scott, 2021). The ageing of the population will have a profound impact on many aspects of society, including healthcare, EXPLORINg THE SUSTAINAbLE CONTRAST bETWEEN AgE FRIENDLy PUbLIC AREAS IN MEDITERRANEAN CITIES: CASE… 295 this change more rapidly than developed countries (OMS 2011). The population of people over 60 years old will increase significantly by 2050. Longer life expectancy is a global phenomenon affecting both developed and developing countries. This study is expected to continue in the future, with no indication of reversing (ParKinson et al., 2013). People aged 65 years or older worldwide are expected to double over the next three decades, reaching 1.6 billion in 2050, when older people will account for more than 16 % of the global population (UN, 2023) (Fig. 1). II. SPECIFIC THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK: SUSTAINABLE NORMS AND LAWS OF THE ACCESSIBILITY OF ELDERLY IN AN URBAN ENVIRONMENT IN TWO COUNTRIES, SPAIN AND EGYPT Once the differences between countries are understood, the next step is to identify the specific needs of elderly people in each country. This can include things like physical access, safety, and transportation. Understanding the needs of the elderly people in each country will help to develop an accessibility plan that is tailored to the needs of each country. These means are included in SDgs “Sustainable Development goals”: • Nº 3. Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages. • Nº 11. Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. Egypt issued the Housing and building National Research Centre (HbRC) of Egyptian code no. (601) for outdoor spaces and building design for handicaps in 2003, and Law Nº. 10 of (2018) Promulgating the Law on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The code requires many design considerations for these outdoor spaces, circulation paths, dimensions, travelling distance, spans, finishing materials, seating areas, handrails, sheds, etc., to suit this segment needs, including the elderly (HbRC, 2017), (Fig. 2). by incorporating sustainability practices into their urban development, cities strive to ensure that their growth is environmentally friendly and socially responsible. They actively seek ways to apply principles outlined in agreements, manuals, and norms that promote sustainability. Cities that embrace sustainability consider various aspects of urban life, such as transportation, waste management, and green spaces. They aim to minimise their ecological footprint while maximising social, economic, and environmental benefits for their residents. Urban planners and policymakers work closely with experts and stakeholders to develop strategies that align with sustainable development goals. They may follow manuals and guidelines that provide recommendations and best practices for creating sustainable communities. These manuals often cover sustainable infrastructure, green building designs, water, waste reduction, and public transportation improvements. Cities also comply with norms and regulations imposed by governing bodies and local authorities to ensure sustainability. These norms may include building codes, emissions standards, waste management regulations, and environmental impact assessments (dávalos-Pita, 2022). As for Spain, there are numerous standards and draft standards related to accessibility requirements in many areas: from universal accessibility and design for all, to its application in building and urban planning, smart cities, etc. The analysis of these standards is useful to analyse the minimum requirements that built spaces must meet, to meet adequate accessibility conditions. Therefore, there are many standards to transform the public environment into an accessible environment such as UNE and ISO standards: UNE 41500-2001 IN Accessibility in building and urban planning, UNE 41510 Accessibility in urban planning, UNE 41524 Accessibility in the building, UNE-ISO 21542 Accessibility of the built environment. (Kouidmi, 2022). The latest law on accessibility in Spain is Law 6/2022, of 31st of March, modifying the Consolidated Text of the general Law on the rights of people with disabilities and their social inclusion, approved by Royal Legislative Decree 1/2013, of November 29, to establish and regulate accessibility. The law aims to establish and regulate cognitive accessibility and its conditions of requirement and application. Additional provisions are mentioned, such as carrying out specific studies on cognitive accessibility and creating a regulation of basic conditions of cognitive accessibility1. To achieve an accessible urban environment, a concrete urban planning plan should be followed. Urbanism allows designing the essential elements of territorial planning in a neighbourhood, considering the universal accessibility that should be integrated into the public 1 <https://www.boe.es/buscar/act.php?id=BOE-A-2022-5140>. 296 ERÍA space. The fundamental characteristic of this type of space is that it is used by people, from which derives the need to address a very diverse problem in it depending on the different types of limitations or disabilities that hinder the mobility of users. It is very important to relate accessibility to other matters of interest to promote full inclusion, such as personal autonomy, the SDgs to obtain a sustainable environment (shan et al., 2020). The following (Fig. 3) show the Urbanised public spaces in Spain, the accessibility in the public urban environment with the urban regulations. There are previous studies treating this subject adopted many visions such as enhancing pedestrian accessibility and the environmental quality of age-friendly cities in Spain by reducing noise and/or air pollution through the installation of urban elements (ramps, escalators, elevators, vegetation, etc.), (delGado-enales et al., 2023). Some research used investigative and analytical methods (ravi et al., 2021). Some of it uses observations and interviews and the involvement of multi-stakeholders from local government, non-profits and businesses to improve the quality of life for the elderly (thanG et al., 2023). Some of them addressed the reasons that encourage the elderly to go out to public spaces in the open air, especially in crowded cities such as Hong Kong and how to achieve thermal comfort for them (PenG & mainG, 2021). And understand the effects of public open space on elderly mental health and functional ability (liu et al., 2023). To make urban residential areas more elderly-friendly, it is important to consider the emotional needs of the elderly in the planning process. This includes providing a safe environment to promote physical activity and improving access to social support networks. It is also important to consider the psychological and social needs of the elderly, such as providing opportunities for social interaction, FiG. 2. Outdoor spaces feature standards at Egyptian handicap code, from left to right and from up to down: pass minimum width, one and two-way pass (two first images); entrance approach detail and plinth detail; walk height clearance; entrance approach detail; prominent and outdoor walk obstacles; parking minimum width; handrail detail; bathrooms, with door that opens inwards and outwards in the last image. All dimensions are expressed in meters. Source: Housing and building national Research Center of Egyptian code number 601 for outdoor spaces and building design for handicaps, 2017. EXPLORINg THE SUSTAINAbLE CONTRAST bETWEEN AgE FRIENDLy PUbLIC AREAS IN MEDITERRANEAN CITIES: CASE… 297 a sense of belonging, and activities that stimulate their cognitive abilities, these findings provide valuable information for creating more age-friendly societies and age-friendly urban transformations (lu et al., 2023). In addition, providing access to services and resources that meet the needs of the elderly can help to improve their quality of life, it is essential to create a pleasant and stimulating environment for the elderly. This could include planting trees, creating green spaces and gardens, or providing access to recreational activities2. Furthermore, providing adequate lighting, good air quality, and other amenities can help reduce social isolation and 2 Ayuntamiento de Castellón de la Plana: Ciudades amigables con las personas mayores, <https://extranet.who.int/agefriendlyworld/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/ Ciudad_Amigable_Mayores_Diagnosis.pdf>. improve the quality of life for the elderly. Such environmental improvements can be beneficial for all city dwellers, including the elderly, and can help to create an environment that fosters a sense of belonging and well-being (ZhonG et al., 2021). III. PURPOSE AND METHODOLOGY The research methodology adopted in the study is based on a comparative approach, whereby public spaces in two regions of two different countries, Egypt and Spain, are evaluated and compared. The hypothesis of this article is that there are similarities and differences in the availability of public spaces for older adults in the two samples for Egypt and Spain. FiG. 3. Accessibility in public urban environment in Spain in accordance with urban regulations: accessible outdoor walk (left); dimensional criteria (top right); elements of urban furniture and accessible ramp slopes, (bottom right). Sources: Agenda Urbana, 2021; Fundación ONCE, 2011 (<https://www.google.com/search?q=MANUAL+DE+AccESIBILIDAD+PARA+TECNICOS+MUNICIPALES&rlz=1C5CHFA_enES689ES689 &oq=MANUAL+DE+AccESIBILIDAD+PARA+TECNICOS+MUNICIPALES&aqs=chrome.0.69i59j0i22i30.964j0j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=U TF-8>, page 221); Ayuntamiento de Madrid, 2022, page 72; and Junta de Extremadura, 2022, pages 24 and 25. 298 ERÍA The dimensions of this study focus on three parts. Firstly, the urban dimension provided an in-situ evaluation of urban spaces adapted for older people in public areas (the samples from Spain and Egypt). Secondly, the social dimension that indicates the percentage of the elderly in the two samples. And, finally, the environmental dimension where meteorological data is used to know the climatological part in the two samples. In addition, different evaluation indicators are compared, such as environmental considerations, health, accessibility, privacy, security, acoustic insulation, sports, social activities, maintenance, and furniture, among others. The goal is to achieve optimal evaluation criteria for these public spaces and ensure designs that consider the physical environment of older people to ensure their safety and meet the Sustainable Development goals (SDgs). The study aims to provide a comprehensive and comparative analysis of the public spaces in both regions, to identify the similarities and differences between them. The research methodology consists of two complex main steps: 1. Selection of the study areas, collection and analysis of data and Identification of the main features and characteristics of the public spaces in the study areas. 2. Comparative analysis of the public spaces and results of comparisons in the study areas. The study areas selected for the research are two samples in Egypt and Spain that are representative of the different types of public spaces in each country. The selected samples are: — Open urban spaces in “Residential complex” at Castelló de la Plana in Spain. — Open urban spaces in “garden Housing” at Sheikh Zayed city in Egypt. The data collection and analysis process consisted of several steps, including the collection of secondary data from various sources and the analysis of primary data on-site. The identification of the main features and characteristics of the public spaces in the study areas involved the analysis of various factors, such as the size and location of the public spaces, the types of activities that take place in them, and the level of accessibility Fig. 4. The outline of study. Authors’ own creation. EXPLORINg THE SUSTAINAbLE CONTRAST bETWEEN AgE FRIENDLy PUbLIC AREAS IN MEDITERRANEAN CITIES: CASE… 299 and connectivity of the public spaces to the surrounding areas. The methodology should be applied to compare the study areas based on the collected data. The results should be analysed to identify the similarities and differences between the study areas. Finally, the results should be written up in a manner that is easy to understand and interpret. The outline of this study is shown in the following figure (Fig. 4). IV. SELECTION AND COMPARISON CRITERIA There are three dimensions (Frame III and Frame IV), and each dimension is composed of indicators. Chosen criteria based on the need to create a safe, comfortable, and sustainable living environment for all residents. The urban pattern was chosen to ensure that the urban area is laid out in a way that is efficient for movement, provides access to green areas, and is aesthetically pleasing. The green areas provide a place for recreation and relaxation, as well as a habitat for wildlife to thrive. Accessibility for people with disabilities was chosen to make sure that those with disabilities have access to all areas of the city. Noise insulation was chosen to minimise the noise pollution in the city and make it more pleasant to live in. Accessible pavements and ramps provide safe pathways for people to move around the city, while pavement maintenance ensures that the pathways are kept in good condition. Cleanliness was chosen to ensure that the city is kept clean and free of pollutants, while urban equipment was chosen to provide amenities such as benches, streetlights, and playgrounds. Heat, relative humidity, and solar radiation were chosen to assess the climate in the city and ensure that it is comfortable for all residents. Health was chosen to ensure that the city provides adequate resources to promote health and wellness among its inhabitants. Finally, ageing rates, housing levels, and targeted social activities were chosen to assess the overall quality of life in the city and help ensure that it is a place where people can thrive. A. urbanism: we chose these criteria because they are all essential aspects of the urban environment that need to be considered when creating a liveable city. The urban pattern, green areas, and noise insulation are important for creating a pleasant environment, while accessibility for people with disabilities, accessible pavements, and accessible ramps ensure that all members of society can easily navigate the city. Cleanliness and urban equipment provide an opportunity to make the city more attractive and enjoyable. Health is an important factor in determining how sustainable and liveable the city is (Frame III). b. social: we chose these criteria because they are all related to the social aspects of the city. Ageing rates and housing levels provide insight into the demographics of the city, while targeted social activities can help bring people together and create a sense of community (Frame III). FiG. 5. Castellón de la Plana city aerial view (left) and chosen Location (right), Spain. Source: Visor de Espacios Urbanos Sensibles (VEUS, visor cartográfico del distrito 7 de la ciudad de Castellón de la Plana, <https://calab.es/observatorio-del-habitat/veus/> [consulted: 15/05/2023]. 300 ERÍA C. environmental: we chose these criteria because they all have an impact on the health and well-being of the city’s inhabitants. Heat, relative humidity, and solar radiation all affect the temperature and comfort of the city (Frame IV). 1. Spain model The study case, “Residential complex” at the 7th District in Castelló de la Plana, Valencian Community in Spain (Fig. 5). • Collection and analysis of data. This case study is on the outskirts of Castelló de la Plana. It is characterised by low building density and high infrastructure. It is a residential complex on an area of about (14.83) acres at the north axis of the city (Fig. 6); consisting of (37) buildings; (2) primary schools; (1) church; (26) villas and (6) apartment with a footprint (21.10 %), and more than 78 % open areas (Frame I). A) In situ study of accessibility in the urban space of district 7 in Spain “residencial complex” In terms of accessibility, the study found that the district has accessibility in parks, sidewalks, and ramps, among others, and has many green spaces, which can facilitate access to them for people with reduced mobility. In addition, the district’s road network is characterised by a high number of parking spaces, which helps reduce parking obstacles, which can limit the mobility of people with reduced mobility. To see the reality of accessibility in this area, a set of photos has been prepared that show the installation of ramps, green spaces, cleanliness, as well as the most accessible pedestrian routes, as shown in the following (Fig. 7). FiG. 6. Residential complex aerial view, Castelló de la Plana, Spain. Source: VEUS2 [consulted :15/05/2023]. Frame i. Residential complex Uses Area (Acres) % Total Lot Size Area 14.83 100 % Footprint Area 3.13 21.10 Internal Pedestrian Sidewalk 1.60 10.78 gardens 5 33,71 External Pedestrian Sidewalk 2.50 16.85 Parking Area (200 places) 2.60 17.53 Source: Viewer of Sensitive Urban Spaces of the Valencian Community (VEUS), <https://visor.gva.es/visor/index.html?idioma=es&capasids= VEUS;4,3,2,1,0> [consulted: 15/05/2023]. EXPLORINg THE SUSTAINAbLE CONTRAST bETWEEN AgE FRIENDLy PUbLIC AREAS IN MEDITERRANEAN CITIES: CASE… 301 FiG. 7. Open urban spaces: outdoor activities, features, and furniture. From left to right and from up to down: playing sports and walking (two first images); wooden sofa; sitting and meeting; streetlights columns (two images); cleanliness; accessibility; accessible pavements; parking area; accessible ramps (two images) and greens areas in three last images. Authors’ photographs. 2. egyptian model The study case “garden Housing” at Sheikh Zayed town, is in the area outside of the giza governorate in Egypt. Sheikh Zayed City is located within the geographical scope of the 6th of October area has many green spaces and accessibility in most of them (Fig. 8). • Collection and analysis of data. It is a luxury housing project on an area of about (21) acres at the central 308 ERÍA from one another and disseminate best practices in designing public spaces that support elderly populations. by doing so, these countries can create more age-friendly and inclusive environments that better cater to the needs of this significant segment of society. 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