Integrating Renewable-Based Solar Energy into Sustainable and Resilient Urban Furniture Coupled with a Logical Multi-Comparison Study of Cyprus and Saudi Arabia

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to analyze and evaluate the urban furniture in the public space of Dr. Fazil Kucuk Park in Nicosia and compare it with a logical Saudi Arabian case study. As such, the focus is on sustainability and renewable energy sources, especially the application of solar energy technologies in urban furniture, in order to determine the feasibility of using sustainable energy to operate the park. A qualitative research approach was chosen, using both secondary and primary data, along with images from the park. The data were analyzed using descriptive analysis, and this applies to both primary and secondary data used in this study. This research used six types of urban furniture, which are lighting, public art, benches, trash cans, bike stands, and billboards. The study showed that only the lights are efficient in using solar energy in the garden, while the rest of the furniture does not have it. The study assesses the integration of solar energy technologies in urban furniture at Dr. Fazil Kucuk Park in Nicosia, contrasting it with a Saudi Arabian case. The study’s scope encompasses six urban furniture types, emphasizing sustainability. The findings suggest actionable insights for enhancing furniture to align with international sustainable development standards. Therefore, it was concluded that more efforts are needed to upgrade the urban furniture in Dr. Fazil Kucuk Park to meet international standards to achieve sustainable development.

1. Introduction

The use of solar energy as an alternative source of energy is a natural reflection of technological progress to meet the growing needs of modern life applications. Since solar energy is a relatively new scientific field, specialized research centers have been established to conduct theoretical and applied experiments and to employ the various available resources in order to achieve the desired goal of renewable energy sources in their various uses [1]. The incorporation and use of solar energy in urban furniture is a sustainable and innovative approach to urban design and can reduce the carbon footprint and environmental impact of urban furniture, while offering benefits that are cost-effective, practical, and aesthetic [2]. This has helped in the development of viable and environmentally friendly technologies in this field, and the development of these sources is of strategic importance for any country.

Cyprus is one of the countries that is exposed to large amounts of solar radiation for long hours throughout the year, and the abundance of solar energy in Cyprus imposes the idea of using the sun as a source of electrical energy. Therefore, a study was initiated to examine the possibility of relying more on natural energy sources as an alternative to commercial sources. Humans interact with the surrounding environment in terms of functionality and aesthetics, and one of these environmental elements is urban furniture, which needs to keep up with modern technology and keep an eye on the latest technological developments in both design and function [3]. Hence, the research problem arose by asking: What is the role of solar energy and its relationship to urban furniture?

The importance of the research lies in relying on a source of energy that is available all over the world, especially in Cyprus, which enjoys bright sunshine for long periods of time, which can be a benefit. Also, delving into such a topic contributes to creating a knowledge base on the possibility of using solar energy in urban furniture.

In this paper, with emphasis on sustainability, renewable energy sources, and achieving sustainable development, the research directly resonates with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). Based on this context, it would be pertinent for the authors to explicitly outline and discuss the international standards related to sustainable development, including those set by the SDGs. For this reason, SDG 7 aims to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all, emphasizing the transition to renewable energy sources and enhancing energy efficiency. Complementing this, SDG 11 focuses on making cities and human settlements more inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. It addresses challenges posed by rapid urbanization, including housing, transportation, and environmental impacts, while also highlighting the importance of preserving cultural and natural heritage. Together, these goals underscore the need for sustainable urban growth aligned with clean energy adoption. These highlight its global relevance and alignment with internationally recognized goals for sustainable development. Dr. Fazil Kucuk Park is one of the important public parks in Nicosia, which serves as a green lung in the city. The park’s location in the heart of the city makes it an ideal place for locals and tourists to relax, exercise, and socialize. However, the park’s general ambience and aesthetic value is greatly influenced by the type and quality of urban furniture available [4]. Therefore, the purpose of this research is to analyze and evaluate the urban furniture in the public space of Dr. Fazil Kucuk Park in Nicosia, with a focus on its sustainability and renewable energy sources, especially the application of solar energy technologies in the urban furniture, in order to determine the feasibility of using sustainable energy to power the park.

The research aims to study the following objectives in urban furniture within Dr. Fazil Kucuk Park in Nicosia—Cyprus by:

• Assessing the current state of solar-powered garden furniture in Dr. Fazil Kucuk Park.
• To promote energy efficiency, lower carbon emissions, improve users’ satisfaction, and improve general comfort in the park.
• To suggest recommendations and guidelines for the design and implementation of sustainable park furniture in other urban parks.

2. Literature Review

2.1. Solar Energy and Urban Furniture

The solar system consists of two main components that work as one unit to generate electrical energy: the solar panels and the supporting system. The solar panels consist of a number of parts, solar modules that contain a group of solar cells, while the specifications vary for the supporting system according to the requirements of the loads and the requirements of the methods of connecting the systems. The two fundamental components of a solar system are as follows:

Solar panels: There are several solar modules in it, and the solar cells. It is the tiniest component of the whole.

The support system: It includes a charger, an energy reservoir, a power inverter, a supporting structure, and the cables that connect them.

As cities try to lessen their dependency on fossil fuels and implement solar energy, it is playing a bigger role in urban furniture thanks to more ecological practices. Cities can use renewable energy by incorporating solar panels into exterior fixtures like benches, trash cans, and streetlights [5]. Urban furniture driven by sunlight can assist lower energy expenses over time, which is one of its main advantages. For instance, a study by [6] discovered that a bus stop powered by solar can save up to 40% on power expenses compared to conventional bus stops. Similarly, solar-powered streetlights can provide reliable and sustainable lighting for urban areas while also reducing carbon emissions [5]. Additionally, solar-powered urban pieces of furniture could offer a number of other advantages, such as offering electrical device charging stations or decreasing waste using solar-powered garbage compactors [7]. Moreover, a lot of localities provide grants and rewards for renewable energy projects, which could help with the upfront cost of installing solar-powered urban furniture (see Figure 1).

2.2. Integrating Solar Energy in Urban Furniture Elements

As a renewable energy source for urban furniture, solar energy is gaining popularity. This is because solar panels may be incorporated into many types of urban furniture designs, such as streetlights and benches, to offer a source of sustainable and clean energy [9]. Urban furniture that uses solar energy may function without using conventional energy sources, lowering greenhouse gas emissions and the total carbon footprint of cities [10]. Additionally, outdoor lighting and charging stations may be made more affordable and low-maintenance by using solar-powered urban furniture. A complete collection of solar-powered urban furniture initiatives was acquired after a thorough analysis of the literature, which included books, newspaper articles, conference papers, and websites. This collection is a useful tool for creating a basic classification scheme for different types of urban furniture that may be created and incorporated using solar technology. Examples of solar-powered urban furniture that may be included and created in public parks include the following.

2.2.1. Solar Lighting

Solar lighting is a form of lighting that illuminates outdoor areas by harnessing the energy of the sun. Solar lighting has greatly increased in popularity over the past several years due to the rising demand for environmentally friendly and energy-efficient lighting. In addition to having financial advantages, solar illumination has major environmental advantages. Solar illumination may help lessen carbon impact by employing natural light, an emission-free and endlessly renewable resource [11]. Solar illumination may be installed with little physical disruption because it does not need to be connected to the electricity grid, making it perfect for ecologically sensitive areas, parks, and holy places [12].

There are several types of solar lighting systems. These include:

Solar garden lights: These are small, decorative lights that are used to light up pathways, flower beds, and other outdoor spaces (see Figure 2c).

Solar path lights: Solar path lights are larger light fixtures designed to illuminate pathways and green spaces. Usually mounted on poles, these lights are equipped with a light-time-control sensor, allowing them to automatically adjust lighting based on environmental conditions (see Figure 2a).

Solar flood lights: These are powerful lights that are used to light up large areas, such as sports fields, parking lots, and construction sites (see Figure 2b).

Solar spotlights: These are small, powerful lights that are used to highlight specific areas, such as trees, statues, or buildings (see Figure 2d).

2.2.2. Solar Public Art

The use of solar energy in artwork is an innovative and exciting way to incorporate sustainability and environmental awareness into artistic expression. Solar energy has been utilized for centuries as a source of inspiration for artists, but with the advent of modern solar technology, artists have been able to incorporate this renewable energy source into their work in new and exciting ways. One example of urban furniture that utilizes a renewable energy source, specifically solar energy, is the Love Solar Tree Ross, designed by Ross Lovegrove and produced by Artemide (see Figure 3a–d). This solar tree was showcased during a design week in front of MAK, a contemporary art museum in Vienna that operates on solar energy. The solar energy is harvested from a photovoltaic system and used to power LED lighting, with the goal of reducing environmental impact ([18]. Additionally, a hypothetical solar-powered project is the “Mango” design by [19] Adam Miklosi, (2012) which took inspiration from India’s heavy monsoon rains and brilliant sunlight. This architectural idea intends to capture and use rainfall for drainage while also capturing solar energy through leaves like those on a mango tree [18].

2.2.3. Solar Benches

A creative way to use solar power in public spaces is to include it in the seating. Solar-powered furniture can offer a practical and environmentally friendly way for users to access Wi-Fi or charge their devices while also offering a relaxing place to sit. Strong solar charging stations called ConnecTables are appropriate for both commercial and domestic use in public areas, including college campuses, office buildings, outdoors shopping malls, and theme parks. These places of charging can be linked together to form a mini-grid that can supply power during protracted power outages (see Figure 4a–d). Each model features two solar panels with a minimum output of 250 watts each, each of which may provide up to 500 watts of energy. In bad weather, ConnecTables require little upkeep, and their electrical parts are completely enclosed to provide user security and vandalism defense. In addition to being made of stainless steel, it has an architectural design [22].

2.2.4. Solar Rubbish Bins

Photovoltaic (PV) panels convert sunshine into power, which is then stored in batteries, to power solar-powered garbage cans. The internal compactor of the garbage-collecting can is then fueled by the previously conserved energy. The garbage gets compressed in the can, as a result lowering its volume and enabling it to hold more rubbish. There are various advantages to using solar energy in trash cans. First, since there is no longer a need for rubbish to be transported (see Figure 5a,b), it reduces the carbon impact of rubbish collection by using trucks driven by diesel instead of gasoline. Second, it lessens the frequency of garbage collection because more waste may be held in a given volume thanks to compaction. As a result, fewer trucks are required for waste collection, which lowers the price of transportation. The compacting of the debris inhibits the wind from dispersing it around the area, which can assist curb littering [27].

2.2.5. Solar Billboard

Solar-powered billboards for outdoor advertising use solar energy to power their lighting and display systems, making them sustainable and environmentally friendly. They operate by generating electricity from solar panels, which lowers the energy expenses and carbon footprint of the businesses that use them [29]. As a result, sunlight billboards are gaining popularity among companies looking for more eco-friendly and economical advertising strategies. Solar billboards have the benefit of being accessible in places where conventional billboards might not be possible owing to a lack of availability of electricity, as well as to being ecologically beneficial. They also require less upkeep than conventional billboards because they do not require constant replacement of their light bulbs or connection to a power source (see Figure 6).

2.2.6. Solar Electric Bike Stations

An efficient strategy to encourage environmentally friendly transportation and lessen cities’ carbon footprint is to use solar electricity for bicycle parking [32]. Solar-powered bicycle parking structures can offer a source of renewable energy for illumination, security, and even electric bicycle charging stations [33]. Solar-powered bicycle parking can be less expensive and more environmentally friendly than standard parking structures that rely on grid electricity [34]. By generating their own energy, solar-powered bicycle parking facilities can reduce or eliminate electricity bills, making them a more financially feasible option in the long run [32]. Furthermore, the use of solar energy in bicycle parking can enhance the safety and convenience of cyclists. With solar-powered lighting and security systems, bicycle parking facilities can provide a safer environment for cyclists to park their bikes, particularly in areas with limited lighting or high crime rates [35] (see Figure 7a,b).

2.2.7. Solar Pergola

A solar pergola is a solar-panel roof, used to cover a relaxation area in a park, which generates renewable energy in a novel method; it also provides a more seamless and different choice for implementing solar electricity while people relax under the pergola. This solar energy generated using the pergolas not only creates a lovely and useful outdoor living area, but the energy generated might also power some or all of the park, while reducing additional utility costs [38]. As a way to harness solar power and encourage sustainability, solar panels are being integrated into a wider range of structures. With their open framework design and aesthetic appeal, pergolas offer a great way to use solar power in park settings. Solar panels can be integrated into pergolas to capture sunlight and convert it into clean, renewable electricity, which lessens reliance on fossil fuels [39]. Pergolas with solar panels integrated offer practical benefits in parks in addition to their capacity to generate energy (see Figure 8a–c). They provide visitors to parks with shade and cover, improving the comfort and usability of outdoor spaces, especially in hot weather or during downpours. Additionally, the solar panels serve as a shield, protecting the pergola structure, and the amount of maintenance needed is decreased thanks to this protective function.

2.2.8. Solar Water Fountain

A novel approach to encourage sustainability and improve the functionality of park environments is the incorporation of solar panels into water fountains. Water fountains with integrated solar panels provide a way to use the sun’s clean, renewable energy. These panels offer a sustainable power source for running water features by capturing sunlight and converting it into electricity [43]. The electricity produced can be used to run any additional water filtration or circulation systems, lighting systems, and fountain pumps. This integration lessens the park’s reliance on conventional grid electricity, improving the park’s overall environmental sustainability. Water fountains with solar panels integrated into them can look better and function better. Modern solar panels can be seamlessly integrated into fountain structures without detracting from their aesthetic appeal because they come in a variety of sizes and designs (see Figure 9a–c). Additionally, the flexibility in fountain placement within the park is provided by the ability to operate independently of electrical infrastructure, allowing for imaginative and intelligent design [43].

3. Materials and Methods

In this chosen qualitative research approach, both secondary and primary data are used, along with images captured from the park. The data were also analyzed using descriptive analysis, and this applies to both primary and secondary data used in this study. A survey of the park was also conducted, which allows a closer look at the selected urban furniture at Dr. Fazil Kucuk Park. Pictures were also taken during the survey, and an interview was conducted with the park manager. Particular attention was given to the urban furniture in the garden and its relationship to the provision or incorporation of solar energy. The urban furniture in the park was classified into two parts: sustainable and non-sustainable urban furniture. Sustainable urban furniture is comfortable, satisfying, energy-saving, and uses solar energy to operate, whereas unsustainable furniture consumes high energy, is not solar-powered, and does not provide comfort to users in the park.

The flow chart below (i.e., Figure 10) summarizes the entire procedure used in this research. Each urban furniture selected in the park has to undergo the process designed in the flow chart below. The flow chart process uses the parameters of this search as mentioned in Figure 10. These six parameters used in this research are billboards and signboards, rubbish bins, benches, public art, lighting, and bicycle parking, which were used as the input. The furniture was processed based on a qualitative and descriptive analysis approach to determine their energy efficiency, sustainability, and comfort. The decision was determined by yes or no, in which yes means the urban furniture analyzed in Dr. Fazil Kucuk Park was sustainable, comfortable, and energy-efficient, hence it will proceed to the output and stop, while no refers to not sustainable, energy-efficient, or comfortable; therefore, it will return back to the input stage. Only sustainable-energy urban furniture was shown at the output stage; this means the urban furniture that was comfortable to the park users, uses solar energy, and was energy saving.

The research was first conducted using the Internet search, using Google Scholar to search for relevant sources in an effort to understand the current issues regarding urban furniture around the globe. Keywords like “urban furniture”, “sustainable urban furniture”, “problems of urban furniture”, “Dr. Fazil Kucuk Park”, “solar powered urban furniture”, “energy problems in Dr. Fazil Kucuk park”, “energy saving urban furniture”, and so many other relevant keywords were used, which revealed many studies from various sources used in this research. About 60 sources were downloaded and used in this article. The following table (

Table 1. Major studies reviewed.

SN	Authors	Publication Title	Year
1.	B. Sah and S. Z. Sadri	Inclusive Playground for All Children with Different Abilities [46]	2017
2.	A. Premier, A. GhaffarianHoseini, and A. GhaffarianHoseini	Solar-powered smart urban furniture: preliminary investigation on limits and potentials of current designs [47]	2022
3.	A. Premier	Smart solar urban furniture: Design, application, limits, and potentials [48]	2020
4.	M. Avila, F. Córdova, and D. Icaza	A multidisciplinary methodological vision of technology [49]	2018
5.	M. Ahmed	The Impact of Walkways and Open Spaces on Promoting Sustainable Pattern of Life in the Campus Case Study of Mahlia Girls’ Campus Jazan University, Saudi Arabia [50]	2023
6.	M. Alnimer, P. A. Mirzaei, and S. Riffat	Development of an integrated index to quantify thermal comfort and walkability in urban areas [51]	2023
7.	P. M. Torrens	Computational streetscapes [52]	2016
8.	Z. Li, Y. He, X. Lu, H. Zhao, Z. Zhou, and Y. Cao	Construction of smart city street landscape big data-driven intelligent system based on industry 4.0 [53]	2021
9.	T. O. Alshammari	New strategic approaches for implementing intelligent streetscape towards livable streets in City of Riyadh [54]	2023
10.	M. A. Nassar, L. Luxford, P. Cole, G. Oatley, and P. Koutsakis	The current and future role of smart street furniture in smart cities [55]	2019
11.	A. AlQahtany, H. T. Abdelhamid, A. Shinawi, A. AlQahtani	Assessing the relationship between sidewalk walkability and pedestrians’ travel behaviors in hot arid regions: Khobar, Saudi Arabia [56]	2021

) shows some relevant sources searched and used to prepare the literature review, and the discussion section compares the findings of this research.

Table 1 shows the major studies used in assessing Dr. Fazil Kucuk Park, and the table shows the authors’ names, titles of their articles, and the year they published. These are the recent articles that were used in this research.

An interview was held with the park manager so that we could collect the data required to conduct the research in the park. The type of data required to achieve the goal of this research is mostly graphic data, which mainly includes pictures and explanations of them. This is because a picture is worth a thousand words that do not need to explain the current conditions of the park infrastructure. Therefore, the pictures of the urban furniture in the garden were taken using the camera by the researcher, and were presented and analyzed in this research. Google Earth Pro was also used to fetch a map of the park to show the boundaries of the park and how to reach it, in order to know the appropriate urban furniture to be installed in the park and in any location.

The field visit took place on 04/08/2023 for Dr. Fazil Kucuk park to determine the extent to which solar energy is integrated and used in urban furniture in the garden, and to account and photograph urban furniture in the garden, which can be classified as follows:

• Billboards and signboards
• Rubbish bins
• Benches
• Public art
• Lighting
• Bicycle parking

Dr. Fazil Kucuk Park as the Study Area

Located at 35°10′ north, 33°21′ east (35.1667, 33.35), Nicosia serves as both the capital city of Cyprus and the cultural, political, and social hub of the island. Its climate is categorized as hot subtropical semi-arid, with scorching and dry summers, and mild winters that tend to be somewhat rainy (see Figure 10). As the largest city in northern Cyprus, Nicosia’s population is approximately 60,000. This research focuses exclusively on the northern side of Nicosia, which is one of the two subdivisions of the capital city on the island of Cyprus [4].

The name of Dr. Fazıl Küçük Park originates from the first vice president of the Republic of Cyprus. This park was established in 1990 in the midst of council housing, which is the most densely populated housing project in Nicosia, to fulfill the region’s need for a green area. For several years, the park had walking trails and basic, traditional playgrounds. In June 2014, the Accessibility Park was introduced in the park after it was renovated by the Nicosia Folklore and Youth Center Association and the Nicosia Turkish Municipality [46].

The map of Dr. Fazil Kucuk Park is shown in Figure 11, which shows the borders and the precise demarcations of the park. It is mainly green due to the grass carpet that covers most of the area in the park, although a large portion of the park is not covered by the grass carpet, which makes the aesthetics of the park less visible, and most of the children coming here to play avoid this part of the park, thus making the park less functional.

4. Analysis and Evaluation of Urban Furniture in Dr. Fazil Kucuk Park

Through the field visit to the park, the furniture targeted for study was identified, and in this part an analysis and evaluation of this furniture was conducted in terms of the extent of its use and integration of solar energy.

4.1. Billboards and Signboards

There are several signboards in this park that were similar to billboards, but they are only visible during the day. Figure 12 shows an example of the billboards used; some of them were too old and made with wooden pieces, although, the message written in the signboard is still readable; therefore, it is fairly functional to some extent. None of the billboards or signboards used in this park were energy-efficient or use solar energy to operate.

4.2. Rubbish Bins

The dustbins were placed in scattered locations throughout the park, forgetting the strategic locations where people sit to eat and need to use the dustbin. This might make the usage of park uncomfortable for most of the users. Some of these trashcans were placed closer to the chairs, but most chairs were left without them. However, the trashcans were also old and rusty, which requires replacement. Also, none of the trashcans were using solar energy; however, they may not be visible at night as well (see Figure 13).

4.3. Benches

There are multiple benches in the park made with two very different materials: metal and wood. None of these benches use solar energy to operate in terms of lighting, charging, and user’s comfort (see Figure 14). There are many benches in the park, but compared to the size of the park the number of these benches are not enough to serve the number of daily users, especially during the weekends when there is a high number of users. Therefore, these benches are not sufficient, and efficient, more solar-powered benches are required to meet the users’ demand and comfort in this park.

4.4. Public Art

String Roar, 2021 “Home—Home”, iron profile, sheet, stainless-steel plate, 365 × 300 × 365 cm. Psychogeography is one of the terms frequently used by Situationists, who argue that the place one lives in has effects on people. The city we live in shapes our behavior; directions and destinations in the city determine the routes in our daily life. Following these clues, the artist made an installation in which she describes her impression of Nicosia (see Figure 15). The general form of the installation has emerged from the geometrical interpretation of the layered and dynamic experience of the city, based on the boundaries of Nicosia on the map. Questioning the concepts of perception and reality through spatial interventions, the artist imagines the city as a huge house and creates a huge playground with reflective and metallic surfaces placed according to four main directions.

Nurtane Karagil—Eda Zeybel—Gönen Karagil, 2021 “Despite—in spite of”, mixed media, 170 × 370 × 90 cm. In the work, we see a barefoot, childlike, female human being carrying a healthy tree, almost as big as, and possibly heavier, as it glides over the rocket. What is meant is that beyond the constant objectification of women as fragile and delicate, the mentality that killed her is able to continue her life by getting stronger (see Figure 15). We can talk as if the bareness of her feet symbolizes her harmony with nature, that is, the whole, and her gaze at the sky symbolizes hope. But we must go from here to a greater truth. This gender, which has to re-create and nurture its consciousness beyond the teachings, with its own hands, actually serves to power inner peace by being able to maintain its existence. They regroup the whole and remind us of our shortcomings. It is healing.

4.5. Lighting

The garden lighting system includes both electric-powered LED lamps and some traditional non-energy-saving lamps that are equipped with integrated solar energy panels and motion detectors, allowing them to be powered by solar energy as shown in Figure 16a. But not all the electric lights used in this park are powered by solar energy or are energy-efficient. More than half of the electric lights in this site are not using solar energy, as shown in Figure 16b. Therefore, more than half of this park is dark at night, which makes the park not fully efficient and useful at night.

4.6. Bicycle Parking

The bicycle park in the picture above (Figure 17 and Figure 18) was made with metallic bars; this means that people coming here with bicycles are doing so at their own risk. The material has begun to rust and is not aesthetically pleasing; also, it is not using solar energy. Therefore, more efforts are also required here to modernize the bicycle parking lot.

5. Findings

By analyzing and evaluating the urban furniture in Dr. Fazıl Küçük Park, we can summarize the extent to which urban furniture efficiently uses solar energy for the convenience of users, as in the following table (see

Table 2. The general assessment of the urban furniture in the park.

Furniture	Solar	Energy Efficient	Users’ Comfort
Lights	✓	✓	X
Bicycle park	X	X	X
Chair	X	X	X
Billboard/signboard	X	X	X
Sculptures and public art	X	X	X
Trashcans/dustbins	X	X	X

Key: ✓ means OK/Good and X means Not OK/Available.

).

This table shows that only lights have solar and energy efficiency in the park, the rest of the factors do not have it. Generally, all the furniture assessed was comfortable to the users, which shows that the overall assessment of Dr. Fazil Kucuk Park was unsatisfactory and needs many sustainable features applied to it, especially the solar energy, energy-saving, and users’ comfort.

6. Discussion

Urban furniture is analyzed in Dr. Fazil Kucuk in this research in addition to presenting the results of the analysis. A comprehensive evaluation of the furniture targeted for the study was also carried out according to the research objectives of this paper. A total of six types of urban furniture were used to evaluate their efficiency and the possibility of integrating solar energy into them and providing the convenience of users in the park. By analyzing the results, it was found that all the furniture targeted for the study did not integrate solar energy, with the exception of some lighting poles. Also, not a lot of research has been done in this garden, especially about the selected elements of the furniture that this research studies. A study by [46] also reported that the furniture in the garden was not comfortable, especially for the disabled, and this is also in line with the results of this research, which states that the garden was not comfortable for the visitors either. The furniture used in the garden was not comfortable or safe at all, especially the chairs and trash cans, due to the rusty nature of the metal and their traditional designs. Although the park has many advantages in terms of size, location (it is big enough for a small area), and layout, more efforts are required to integrate technological features such as solar energy into the park for sustainable development. Similar studies centered on urban furniture that was solar-powered, and it aims to classify it, analyze the primary issues with the adoption of these gadgets, and identify the areas where future design-led research should concentrate. The findings indicate that when the installation is made in a setting with high sensitivity, streetlights, and solar trees, which provide a high level of system visibility, this would require additional attention in the design to reduce significant difficulties. Another problem is that these machines are frequently not site-specific and are not created in accordance with the features of the location or municipality where they are put [47]. With several initiatives and businesses creating items connected with photovoltaic technology, artificially intelligent city furniture is a reality that is becoming more prevalent. Smart carports, bus stops, solar trees, canopies, pergolas, and seats are just a few examples of the items that are already available. Self-powered rechargeable ports for cellphones or other electronics, information panels, street lighting, free Wi-Fi, and recharging stations for electric cars are just a few of the potential uses provided by intelligent urban street furniture. After the COVID-19 epidemic, they may be utilized to capture enormous data, providing possibilities to improve our daily life. The first findings suggest that urban morphology and the absence of design in certain solutions are possible barriers to the adoption of these technologies. Understanding the possible application of these items in our region is made easier by this study [48]. The validation and development of solar urban furniture, a multipurpose urban tree-type modular that provides connectivity, electricity, Wi-Fi, and lighting via solar cells that produce clean and sustainable energy, as well as other services like shade and temperature sensing throughout the day and throughout the year. The study also provides an overview of the analytical techniques used to develop the theoretical design, specifies the physical framework of the item using an effective, formal, and technical analysis, and then verifies the suggested furniture through a virtual quick prototype [49]. The performance of solar AC systems was examined by Koronak et al. [58] in relation to Mediterranean weather conditions. Alexandria, Athens, and Nicosia were the cities that were addressed. For the weather in Nicosia, the suggested AC system’s maximum cooling capacity was estimated to be 14.7 Kw [59]. With the sunlight received in Nicosia, Dr. Fazil Kucuk Park could have enough solar energy required to operate the park at any given time of the day.

6.1. Comparison with Saudi Arabian Urban Furniture

The concept of “urban furniture” is crucial for sustainability, particularly in university environments where the quality of pathways and open spaces has a positive impact. The study focused on how the built environment affects pedestrian movement. Graphics were used to support the findings, which emphasized physical infrastructure challenges that discourage female students and employees from walking and relaxing in the parks. Important factors taken into account include the environment, the breadth and connectivity of the pathways, weather-resistant shade, and suitable urban furniture. The study provides design suggestions like renewable energy incorporation and the use of energy-efficient appliances to increase and improve the present circumstances [50]. Several space syntax measures and the Universal Thermal Comfort Index are used to analyze the mixed-use neighborhood parks (see Figure 19). The Grasshopper surroundings, Ladybugs, and Decoding Environments components are used in the given work. According to the simulation study, large modifications in building heights and orientation have a notable impact on enhancing space syntax in city neighborhood parks. Future extensions of the suggested technique may incorporate the idea of places of focus and operating hours to offer more specifics to the research. For instance, commuting times to a school can be taken into account to find the quickest route and to drive through pleasant, shaded locations. Trees, shading devices, and energy-saving appliances and other types of urban furniture may be required to achieve better outcomes because the shading study is restricted to buildings that were focused on during solar-powered furniture modeling [51,52]. Because the areas are comprehended contextually, each street’s function can be determined, and design criteria may be chosen to strike an equilibrium among streets layout and land use [53]. Urban furniture, pavement, signage, illumination, sidewalk plants, medians, sustainable technology incorporation, landscaping, pavement materials, and car parks are examples of typical urban essentials. These components can provide functionality and contribute to the urban identity [54]. As a result of being outfitted with environmental sensors, processors, wireless modules, and micro-controllers, street furniture recently has a tendency to be intelligent, including chairs, trash cans, pedestrian walkways, and streetlights. Therefore, it is projected that intelligent furniture will be an essential component of the Internet of Things and a driving force behind the next generation of smart cities [55].

A report from [56] indicates that 68% of residents in the Golden Belt neighborhood stated inclement weather deterred them from walking, while 56% reported a dearth of adequate pedestrian networks and sidewalk pavements. At the northern Al-Khobar region, 73% of residents cited unfavorable weather as a deterrent to walking, followed by 53% who cited a lack of shade-giving plants or furnishings, and 43% who cited solar energy incorporation in parks is also important in achieving sustainable development in Saudi Arabia. Some residents in North Al-Khobar expressed dissatisfaction with a shortage of adequate pedestrian walkways and networks, the absence of urban furniture or shade-giving plants, as well as the environmentally -friendly energy sources as indirect signs of deficiencies in Saudi Arabia [56].

The public parks around Saudi Arabian cities were also lacking the incorporation of sustainable renewable energies just like Cyprus, although Saudi Arabian parks had more standards when compared with the parks in Cyprus. Similarly, the number of park users was more in Saudi Arabia, looking at the fact that Saudi Arabia receives about 20 million people from around the world yearly [60], while the maximum Cyprus has recorded was not more than 4 million tourists per year [61]. In terms of population of the inhabitants, Saudi Arabia is still bigger than northern Cyprus by multiple times; this leads to the number of park users in Saudi Arabia being higher than those in northern Cyprus. Therefore, the use of renewable energy sources around parks in both countries and regions will help drastically in achieving clean energy and attaining sustainable development goals (SDG) around the parks and their urban furniture.

6.2. The Best Practices for Integrating Solar Energy Systems into Urban Furniture

A solar-powered system was long known as the best sustainable energy despite its absence at night. This is because it requires less maintenance effort, and most of these urban furniture light stands were programmed to automatically start working when it is dark, and stop working in the morning when there is bright sunlight. The major reason behind the sustainable nature of solar energy is that it is weather-friendly, it does not harm the environment, and it lasts longer before requiring replacement of its parts, sometimes more than a year.

6.3. The Investigate the Ecological Benefits and Environmental Impacts of Utilizing Solar Energy

The use of solar energy has amazing ecological advantages and may help the environment. It is a clean, renewable source of energy that does not emit toxic gases, aiding in the fight against global warming. Additionally, it lessens the reliance on fossil fuels [62]. In a park, solar energy has several environmental advantages, including preserving the environment [63]. it can be used to lessen conventional energy source such as natural gas, coal, and oil by utilizing the energy of the sun [64]. It entails a reduction in mineral exploration, drillings, and extractions—actions that might affect ecosystems and habitats. Thus, solar energy contributes to the preservation of our water and land resources. The fact that solar energy does not pollute the environment is another wonderful feature. Conventional sources of energy contribute to respiratory health and air pollution problems by releasing toxic pollutants into the environment [65]. Since solar energy is pure and does not release dangerous pollutants, everybody visiting the park will breathe cleaner, healthy air. On wildlife, solar panels likewise hardly have an effect [66]. Solar panels do not need a significant infrastructure investment or cause environmental harm, in contrast to other energy-producing methods. They may be set up without harming the native flora and animals on parking lots, roofs, or even the ground. Consequently, we may profit from solar energy without endangering the park’s biodiversity.

• Environmental Advantages of Solar Energy Use in Parks:

• Reduced emissions of greenhouse gases: Solar energy generates power without releasing greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide CO₂ or methane CH₄, making it a source of energy that is renewable and clean. This lessens the park’s environmental impact and aids in reducing global warming.
• Solar energy lessens dependency on fossil fuels, which are limited resources. This promotes the preservation of natural resources.
• Biodiversity preservation: Conventional energy sources, including fossil fuels, sometimes need considerable land usage for extraction and may result in habitat degradation. On the other side, solar energy systems may be put on pre-existing buildings or in open spaces without significantly disrupting natural ecosystems, aiding in the preservation of biodiversity in parks.
• Noise reduction: Unlike certain traditional power-generating techniques, solar energy systems run quietly. This can contribute to the preservation of the park’s tranquil atmosphere by lowering noise pollution and enhancing the enjoyment of both visitors and animals [67].

Solar energy use in the park has various ecological advantages and lessens negative environmental effects. Among these advantages are:

• Solar energy is a clean, sustainable energy source that does not degrade the environment’s resources. It produces electricity by transforming solar energy into useful energy without releasing damaging pollutants or greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. This lessens the park’s environmental impact and aids in the fight against global warming.
• Lessened water and air pollutions: Unlike fossil-fuel-based energy production, solar energy does not produce hazardous pollutants like nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, or particle matter. The park can help enhance air quality and lower the possibility of breathing-related illnesses by harnessing solar energy. Additionally, unlike conventional power plants, solar energy generation does not need cooling water, helping to save the availability of water.
• Biodiversity conservations: conventional sources of energy sometimes need extensive mining or clearing operations, which can result in habitat degradation and biodiverse species loss. Contrarily, installing solar energy systems on roofs, car parks, or similar pre-existing structures can reduce the requirement for further land usage. By doing so, the park’s biodiversity and natural environments are protected.
• Noise reduction: Unlike certain traditional power plants or generators, solar energy systems run quietly. This lessens sound pollution in the park, making it a more tranquil and pleasing place for guests and animals.
• Educational possibilities: Installing solar energy systems in the park might act as a teaching tool to promote sustainability and renewable energy. Visitors may learn about solar energy’s advantages, how it works, and how it helps to slow down global warming. This may encourage people to use renewable energy sources in their daily life [68].

b.

Environmental Effects of Solar Energy Use in Parks:

• Solar panel manufacturing and disposal: Solar panels are produced using a variety of materials and energy-intensive methods. While there has been a gradual reduction in the environmental effect of production, it is still vital to take into account the whole life cycle of solar panels, including their eventual disposal or recycling.
• Land usage and visual impact: Space is needed to construct solar energy systems, which may require clearing land or modifying the landscape. The aesthetics of the park may be more significantly impacted by ground-mounted systems than by rooftop or integrated into existing structure solar panels.
• Potential for animal disturbance: Large-scale ground-mounted installations may upset local ecosystems, especially if not properly planned or situated, even if solar energy systems can be constructed to reduce impacts on wildlife. During the design and installation phases, it is essential to take into account any potential effects on local biodiversity patterns of migration and animal habitats [69].

Nevertheless, it is crucial to take into account a few potential environmental effects connected to the park’s use of solar energy:

• The manufacture of solar panels requires the extraction of raw resources like silicon, which can have an adverse effect on the environment if improperly handled. Furthermore, if old or broken solar panels are not recycled or disposed of safely, disposal might be difficult.
• Visual impact and land use: Large-scale solar farms would need a lot of land, even if they can be put on existing buildings. This may have an effect on nearby ecosystems and landscapes, particularly if the installation takes place in an environmentally fragile location. These effects can be reduced with careful design and site selection.
• Grid integration and energy storage: The production of solar energy is sporadic and dependent on the amount of sunshine to make sure there is always power [70].

Transmission of the power produced to the population centers where consumptions occur requires centralized solar energy utility-scale operation. This calls for the creation of a new, enlarged transmission infrastructure, but supply has not kept up with demand [71]. In the US electricity transmission system, more than 333 km of high-voltage transmission cables of 4230 kV was built in 2007 [72], and these numbers were anticipated to increase as transmission infrastructure expanded to urban areas and connected with the renewable energy source. Plans to collect such energy and send it over international boundaries are emerging as the possibility for solar energy in other nations increases [73]; With over 78,000 km of transmission lines needed by project completion in 2050, such plans are actively being established to transmit the power from North African and Middle Eastern regions to European regions [74]. Although necessary for transferring energy, the building of these broad cable connections has both permanent and temporary impacts on the environment, such as the relocation of animals, elimination of vegetation, and destruction of habitat quality. Lathrop and Archbold [75], for instance, predicted that biomass recovery in Mojave Desert locations disrupted for transmission cable construction towers may take 100 years, compared to a 20-year recovery for disturbed transects located under the transmission lines. Transmission corridors can fragment wooded habitats, which can displace species that live there permanently and interfere with normal dispersion forms [76,77]. Broad propagation pathways may encourage the new habitat species introduction that increases biodiversity or create new community and, furthermore, encounter more edge impacts [78]. Different recolonization patterns have been seen in sites at various phases of vegetative recovery, with lower native species diversity. During the primary successional stages, there is a noticeable rise in the diversity of native species at mid- and late-successional stages. Appropriate siting is essential since the ecological consequences of transmission cables and existing animal corridors have been shown to be diverse and dependent on a wide range of factors.

7. Conclusions and Recommendations

This research analyzes Dr. Fazil Kucuk Park based on six furniture elements and their availability in the park. Pictures of the furniture in the park were taken, which were used in the analysis of this research. These six furniture elements used in the analysis of this research were lights, bicycle parking, chairs, billboards/signboards, trashcans/dustbins, and sculptures or public art, which were all found lacking renewable energy, energy efficiency, functionality, and comfort in the parks. A thorough and useful approach, divided into two main parts, was used to achieve the research objectives. To learn more about urban furniture and consider how solar energy systems might be integrated, a theoretical study was first carried out. The examination and analysis of urban furniture then became the focus of a field study at Dr. Fazil Kucuk Park in Nicosia. The study’s main goal was to assess the viability and efficacy of introducing sustainable practices, particularly the integration of solar energy, in public settings. The research’s conclusions highlighted the shortcomings of the urban furnishings that are currently in Dr. Fazl Küçük Park in Cyprus. Significant flaws included the absence of solar-powered signboards, poor placement of trash cans, lack of solar-powered benches, insufficient bicycle parking, and limited use of solar energy for lighting. These results highlight the need for significant infrastructure upgrades to improve the park’s solar energy integration, energy efficiency, and user comfort. Although environmental, cultural, economic, and social sustainability of people are all included in the notion of sustainability, this article specifically focuses on environmental issues and creative ways to incorporate solar energy into the latest models of urban furniture. The projected solar energy radiation in other parks around the world yield around 20 PWh per year under the realistic premise that Montenegro’s average annual solar insolation is 1.450 kWh/m² [79]. This gives a clear picture of what solar energy can be generated into Dr. Fazil Kucuk Park when implemented efficiently.

The research objectives were achieved through a descriptive, analytical, and applied approach, which was divided into two parts. The first part consisted of a theoretical study that involved gathering information on urban furniture and integrating solar energy systems into. The second part of the research focused on a field study that included the examination and analysis of urban furniture, specifically at Dr. Fazil Kucuk Park in Nicosia. By assessing the integration of solar systems into the park’s urban furniture, the study aimed to determine the effectiveness and feasibility of implementing such sustainable practices in public spaces. It is therefore concluded that more effort is required to upgrade the urban furniture in Dr. Fazil Kucuk Park to meet international standards of attaining sustainable development.

The following summarized recommendations aim to maximize the benefits of solar energy integration in these areas:

• Using solar-powered lights with motion sensors throughout the garden to illuminate pedestrian paths and green areas;
• Integration of solar panels to operate lighting effects in artworks to enhance visual appeal;
• Installing new garden chairs with integrated solar panels;
• Installing solar charging stations in the garden for lighting and other services;
• Using solar-powered waste bins that contain compressors to reduce the frequency of waste collection and preserve the garden environment;
• Installing solar-powered signage and advertising panels to promote environmental awareness and energy efficiency;
• Install solar water fountains as they enhance the visual appeal and thermal comfort of garden users;
• The use of trellises integrated with solar panels in green areas due to its importance for the comfort of garden users;
• For the future, the research should include the application of IoT (Internet of Things), machine learning, computer-aided tool applications.