Study of Some Environmental, Cultural and Universal design factor in Iraq’s public parks: A Comparative Study of Erbil, Baghdad, and Basra

• Niga Omar Abdullah 1, Nawshan Qasim khudadad 2, Falah Hama Faraj Ali 3

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This study examines the influence of some environmental, cultural and universal design factors on the design and use of public parks in three major Iraqi cities: Erbil, Baghdad, and Basra. A mixed-method approach was adopted using Three way to data collection questionnaire, Telephone interviews, and site documents. A total of 177 respondents participated in the questionnaire. Data were analyzed by SPSS and using frequencies, percentages, chi-square tests, and thematic analysis of open-ended responses. Generally, findings indicate that public parks in Iraq are primarily used for family gatherings (42.4%) and relaxation (39.4%), together accounting for 81.8% of the reported purposes of visits. Afternoon visits were the most common (52.5%), highlighting the importance of thermal comfort and shade in park design. Overall, 57.1% of respondents agreed that summer shade was adequate, Plant suitability received a relatively positive assessment, with 68.9% agreeing that plant species were appropriate for local climatic and soil conditions. Cultural identity was also identified as important areas requiring further development, especially by Kurds in northern of Iraq they wanted and recommended to more focus on developing the cultural aspect in their park. The comparison among the three study sites revealed clear differences. Erbil generally recorded the most positive perceptions, while Basra showed the greatest challenges related to thermal stress, vegetation. Baghdad generally occupied an intermediate position but performed relatively well regarding open cultural and social spaces. Environmentally, Erbil performs best overall, with the highest agreement for sufficient summer shade (61.54%) and plant suitability (73.08%). Baghdad demonstrates relatively good environmental performance, particularly in plant suitability (69.05%). In contrast, Basra records the lowest agreement for both indicators, especially plant suitability (51.28%), reflecting potential challenges associated with its hotter climate.  Also, Erbil has the strongest perception of cultural representation (53.85%), while Basra has weaker, Baghdad scores relatively well in terms of social and cultural spaces (59.52%) and Perceptions of accessibility in Erbil are significantly better (69.23%) compare to Baghdad and Basra. In terms of universal design with 69.23% of respondents believing that paths accommodate all users, including older persons and people with disabilities, Erbil exhibits the highest level of pathway accessibility. 42.86% of respondents in Baghdad agreed, while 47.62% thought accessibility was just partially adequate. With only 30.77% agreement and 53.85% claiming partial accessibility, Basra performed the worst.

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