INFLUENCE OF THE SPATIAL ENVIRONMENT ON DESIGNING URBAN VEGETATIVE LANDSCAPES ON THE RIVERBANKS IN AL-KADHIMIYA CITY

Abstract

The urban uses of rivers have become common in cities, This has led to the emergence of diverse groups of open spaces along the riverbanks to interact with the river's environmental and natural system in various ways. However, the riverbanks in the city of Baghdad have not received sufficient attention for activating their riverbanks in terms of botanical design, given the scarcity of specialized local studies in this field. This study aimed to evaluate the riverbank in the Al-Kadhimiya area of Baghdad and conduct a comprehensive analysis of the site. This analysis includes examining the natural environment, functional analysis utilizing adjacent areas, vehicular and cultural values. The study aimed to understand the impact of these factors on the design of the urban vegetated landscape. Based on indicators identified from previous studies, indicators and values for each element were determined and applied to the current situation to assess the environmental context of the river edge in Al-Kadhimiya. The objective was to develop a theoretical framework that can be applied to the case study, allowing for the identification and addressing of shortcomings while recognizing and supporting strengths. The most important findings of The research is that using locally adapted plant species enhances environmental and cultural values while improving the functional and aesthetic values of the river edge. Additionally, selecting suitable plant species for specific locations increases visual openness, especially when integrated with perpendicular roads to the river edge and adjacent areas.