Date of Graduation

5-2015

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts in Geography (MA)

Degree Level

Graduate

Department

Geosciences

Advisor/Mentor

Thomas R. Paradise

Committee Member

Fiona M. Davidson

Second Committee Member

Mohamed Aly

Third Committee Member

Carl Smith

Fourth Committee Member

Ralph K. Davis

Keywords

Social sciences, GIS, Green belt, Green space, Kuwait, Public parks, Urban morphology

Abstract

This research assessed green space morphology in Kuwait City, explaining its evolution from 1982 to 2014, through the use of geo-informatics, including remote sensing, geographic information systems (GIS), and cartography. This research examined archival and contemporary satellite images that show the distribution, size, amount, and type of green spaces in Kuwait City, within the framework of its surrounding urban, exurban, and suburban expansion, and landuse change. Through this integrated analysis, it was found that green space growth passed through three main stages: Early Stage, Growth Stage, and Stable Stage.

This study also examined the effective use of public parks and their distribution, finding that the distribution of parks is effective in some areas served the adjacent districts, yet not in others. Spatial analysis was conducted to assess ideal buffer distances and their relationships to the greatest number of residents in adjacent districts. Buffer distances were tested at 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 miles and roadway buffers were applied to define zones where parks were accessible by walking. It was also found that boulevards and cross-streets hampered green space accessibility and use, more so than distances to the parks, and the urban zones that they accommodated.

Study findings help to better understand the reasons behind green space growth and urban area where the more green space is needed and why. These findings will help us in future planning and green space creation and integration in Kuwait City, and for similar new urban spaces in other new cities across Kuwait.

Keywords: Kuwait, urban morphology, green space, Green Belt, Stage

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