Towards the Integration of Living Plants in Urban Design for Desert Regions 1213 (A Dynamic Shading Unit Inspired by Plant Movements)

With the rapid urban expansion of new cities in hot desert climates, the challenge of designing open urban spaces and public squares becomes evident, particularly in providing thermal comfort. These spaces are exposed to intense sunlight and temperatures exceeding 40°C for extended periods, limiting their usability and increasing reliance on traditional, non sustainable shading methods. Addressing this issue, the research explores the potential of bio-dynamic shading units that utilize plants with self-moving responses such as nyctinastic and heliotropic movements as sustainable alternatives that adapt automatically to climatic changes without mechanical systems or energy consumption. The study assumes that integrating plants with adaptive movement into lightweight architectural structures can enhance thermal regulation, reduce solar exposure, and improve thermal and visual comfort in public spaces. The New Administrative Capital in Egypt serves as a case study, representing a new generation of cities in arid environments. A comparative analytical method was employed, involving a systematic review of biological and environmental studies on plant movement, and the development of a multi-criteria evaluation matrix. Five plant species were assessed based on movement type and range, shading efficiency, climate suitability, and architectural integration. Results identified Albizia julibrissin as the most suitable candidate, providing a high level of shading during peak sun hours, based on literature expectations, while offering design flexibility and visual integration. The study recommends implementing bio-shading units using Albizia julibrissin within urban strategies and green infrastructure plans in the New Administrative Capital, with potential applications in similar desert cities regionally and globally.