AN ANALYSIS OF BAGHDAD’S MASTERPLANS BASED ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF GREEN AREAS
AN ANALYSIS OF BAGHDAD’S MASTERPLANS BASED ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF GREEN AREAS

Summary/Abstract: Motives: Baghdad is the capital city and an important political, administrative, social, cultural andeconomic centre of Iraq. Baghdad’s growth and development has been significantly influenced byefforts to accommodate various needs of its steadily growing population. Uncontrolled populationand urban growth have exerted negative effects in numerous dimensions, including environmentalsustainability because urban expansion occurred in green spaces within the city and the surroundingareas.Aim: The aim of this study was to examine the planning solutions in Baghdad’s green areas in thepast and at present, and to identify the key changes in the city’s green areas, including changes in theratio of green urban spaces to the total area of the city. Comprehensive urban development plansfor Baghdad were analysed; the main solutions addressing urban green spaces were discussed; theadvantages and disadvantages of previous and present urban development plans were examined,and the percentage of green urban spaces in Baghdad was investigated based on drafts of the city’scomprehensive development plans.Results: Baghdad’s Masterplan pays considerable attention to the development and preservationof urban green spaces which exert profound effects on the climate, the local environment, the city’saesthetic and recreational value, and its social and economic development. The previous and presentmasterplans share numerous priorities with the aim of improving the city’s environmental andecological health.

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