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Bakr, Triska Dlshad; Kareem, Kardo Nooruldeen

doi:10.58928/ku26.17314

	Landscape Design within Green Spaces: A case study of Salahaddin University ,Erbil
Kirkuk University Journal for Agricultural Sciences (KUJAS)
Volume 17, Issue 3, September 2026, Pages 126-144 PDF (2 M)
Document Type: Research Paper
DOI: 10.58928/ku26.17314
Authors
Triska Dlshad Bakr^* ¹; Kardo Nooruldeen Kareem²
¹1Department of Horticulture and Landscape Design, college of Agricultural Engineering Sciences, Salahaddin University-Erbil, Kurdistan region, Iraq 2Department of Community Health and Food security, Khabat Technical Institute, Erbil
²1Department of Horticulture and Landscape Design, college of Agricultural Engineering Sciences, Salahaddin University-Erbil, Kurdistan region, Iraq
Abstract
Urban university environments often suffer from insufficient and poorly designed green spaces, which negatively affect users’ psychological well-being, comfort, and overall campus experience. At Salahaddin University-Erbil, the presidency area lacks functional and well-planned greenery, limiting its effectiveness as a restorative and social space. This study aims to assess the current landscape conditions and develop a sustainable landscape design proposal for the presidency of Salahaddin University-Erbil. The research adopts a case study approach combining site analysis, field measurements, and direct observation with an online survey conducted among 70 students and employees to evaluate user needs and perceptions. A basic draft has been developed, with the assortment of plants clearly defined within it. Aside from a broad list of trees and shrubs; however, plants have also been designed for the current project. This initiative is to create a sustainable, contemporary and as tidally pleasing landscape that benefits both (academic staff, employees, and students) and the local system. The findings indicate a significant deficiency in greenery quality, accessibility, and supporting facilities such as shading and seating areas. Based on these results, a comprehensive design proposal was developed, integrating both softscape and hardscape elements. The proposed design increases tree coverage by 56% and shrub coverage by 99%, while incorporating functional features including pathways, shaded seating areas, and water elements to enhance environmental performance and user experience. The study concludes that integrating sustainable landscape principles with user-oriented design can substantially improve the ecological, functional, and visual quality of university spaces. It is recommended that the proposed design be adopted and implemented with professional maintenance strategies to ensure long-term sustainability and effectiveness. This proposal protects the green environment, which is beneficial, relaxing, and visually appealing to students and other users.
Keywords
Green University; Open space; landscape; Environmental sustainability; Salahaddin University -Erbil

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Landscape Design within Green Spaces: A case study of Salahaddin University ,Erbil