Thesis (Ph.D.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Engineering - Department of Architectural Engineering

This research creates a model for studying happiness and leisure in any society.The interpretive study starts off with a theoretical study of the philosophies of happiness and leisure and public space in the western and Chinese culture. The theoretical study creates the happiness model. An historical study of the Egyptian timeline is conducted to gather the data about happiness beliefs, leisure activities, and leisure public space along the history of Egypt. The model is then used hermeneutically to analyze the Egyptian timeline, and create a profile of happiness and leisure in the Egyptian context.The model proved successful in creating the profile, as well as building an archeology of happiness and leisure, of the Egyptian happiness and leisure, following the lines of continuity and points of rupture across the different historical ages. The model proved to be a tool for creating happiness profile, or happiness archeology, depending on the choice of using it cross-sectionally, or longitudinally. The study recommends the use of the model as a first step in creating policies and design guidelines, in the effort of creating a public realm to promote happiness within the context of the society

Issued also as CD