Urban Design as an Approach to Enhance Social and Environmental Interaction: The Rehabilitation of Tripoli Zoo Park

Abstract

Zoos play a fundamental role at the global level, serving as educational, cultural, and environmental tools that enhance understanding of the relationship between humans and the animal world and nature. With current environmental challenges such as the deterioration of natural habitats, climate change, and increasing rates of species extinction for animals, these zoos have transformed from mere entertainment venues to important platforms for preserving biodiversity and raising community awareness about the importance of protecting the environment and living organisms. This requires attention to the design contents to create suitable spaces for all, supportive of attracting visitors and enhancing social interaction effectively. The Tripoli Zoo faced a set of challenges that negatively affected its functional, social, and environmental performance, due to the absence of modern design standards. The zoo design suffers from several problems including access and paths that do not encourage interaction and learning, a lack of educational and guidance information about animals, and overcrowding due to the scarcity of spaces allocated to visitors during peak times. This paper evaluated the current situation of the Tripoli Zoo, analysed the challenges it faces, and assessed the efficiency of urban spaces within it. It also concluded with proposals for the rehabilitation of the zoo based on urban design principles to improve social interaction and achieve environmental sustainability. The study also seeks to provide sustainable design solutions. The analysis results showed clear gaps in design and functional elements, and proposals for the rehabilitation of each area were presented based on the adopted reference model. The study recommends the necessity of adopting international standards and indicators when developing urban zoos in Libya, in order to achieve a sustainable educational, recreational, and interactive environment. The research results are embodied in providing an integrated design vision for the rehabilitation of the Tripoli Zoo, contributing to its transformation into a leading canter for education and recreation that ensures positive interaction between humans and nature, and responds to the needs of the local community and visitors alike.