TOWARDS A MORE APPROPRIATE& WATER EFFICIENT STREETSCAPE DESIGN.

This paper discusses the possibility to develop a group of parameters that would help reach an appropriate and water efficient streetscape. The research relies on the principles of Xeriscape as an approach to develop water efficient streetscape guidelines. It also investigates the application of these principles:appropriate planning and design, efficient turf, soil analysis and improvement, adequate plant selection and zoning, efficient system of irrigation and appropriate maintenance; in relation to the requirements of proper streetscape design. A framework for application is reached based on these theoretical backgrounds. The study then evaluates the validity of this framework by applying it to two case studies in the Cairene context in Egypt which is characterized by a hot arid climate. The outcome of the research gives indicators to the percentage of water efficiency achieved by applying this proposed framework for streetscape design