A new sustainable city in the Egyptian western desert: Gardens’ City

Abstract

There are newly discovered areas in the Egyptian western desert, which were believed to be part of the Great Sand Sea. These areas are able to be developed. Water is available near ground surface in the area; the new Farafra Oasis lies in these areas. This paper discusses a general master plan of the Gardens' City, as a future city in new Farafra Oasis. The aim of the paper is to achieve sustainability in the city during the planning stage.The city is planned for 117,000 inhabitants, with a final target of settling 1 million inhabitants in the oasis. Palm, olive and wheat are economical bases in the oasis and limestone and shale/clay soil form local building materials there. The White Desert forms a beautiful touristic site near the oasis. The industrial economy is based mainly on agriculture in addition to other local resources.The city plan includes a field to generate renewable energy from the sun and wind, which are available on the site. Algae will be planted there to produce biofuel. The city will be sustainable from different sides, especially energy.