BAB AL-AZAB Cooridinator : Dr. Ahmed El-sherif Advisor : Dr. Zeinab Shafik
Ehsan Abushadi Menna Afify Marina Ibrahim Maya Kazamel Nada Girgis Salma El-Lakany Reham Hamad 1
Parcitypation
Opening Doors AENG-490 Thesis Spring 2014 The American University in Cairo Thesis Coordinator Dr. Ahmed Elsherif
Thesis Advisor Dr. Zeinab Shafik
Group Members Ehsan Abushadi Menna Afify Marina Ibrahim Maya Kazamel Nada Girgis Salma El Lakany Reham Hamad
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Introduction
In order to revitalize an Egyptian city district, we had to start by a general view on the problem. We started by researching the meaning of mixed-use development and the different typologies of mixed use to be able to understand how we can use this type of development to revitalize a city. However, looking at Egyptian city districts in specific, we identified the need of having heritage revitalization as we decided to focus on city centers that are rich in heritage. This is due to the fact that heritage is a key potential in Egypt that is not used to its full capacity. By reasearching on heritage revitalization, we studied the concept of integrated conservation which is mainly about the reuse of heritage to become a part of the people’s daily lives so that the past wouldn’t be solely a burdensome to the public. In doing so, we started to
understand the factors that lead city centers that were rich in heritage to be deteriorating and we identified the need for having physical and economic revitalization to complement eachother. We then started to question the difference between having a mixed used city district and a mono-functional district. This constituted the general theory of mixed use and revitalization, but then came the question of the changes that took place to the city centers and their densities to identify the process in which the districs became in need of revitalization. This process of change in urban nodes in terms of nature and densities has been found to be directly affected by other main factors such as world history, decision making and socio-cultural aspects.Having socio-cultural aspects as part of the equation lead us to think of the people themselves that inhibit those city districts who can be either mere users of space or who can rather change to become active citizens who feel a responsibility to their city. So we started to reserach a general provisional approach that would actually change the people to be citizens and the actual drive of
revitalization by having the heritage city centers become part of their daily lives. This requires the users to actually have a sense of community towards their city districts which can only be possible by having the users actually participating in the decision making rather than imposing on them in a top down approach where they are only users. This integration of the community was found to be possible through having participatory action research so we started to analyze this methodology to be able to understand how it can affect our project so that after we choose a site we would be able to utilize this participatory approach to overcome the problem of having facilities with no users or users with no facilities and to overcome the conflict between the capacity of the physical enviroment and the user’s needs by having a proposal that actually responds to the people’s needs.
Outline of general problem definition
Outline of General Problem Definition: 1-Mixed use development and mixed use typologoes 2-Heritage revitalization 3-Mono function vs. mixed function 4-Distribution of densities in metropolitan cities 5-Users Vs. Citizens 6-Social Revitalization Approach: Participatory Action Research 7-General Objective
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Revitalization General Problem Definition Mixed Use Development and Mixed Use Typologies
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Mixed use projects are not recent inventions they were the original and the most common adaptive way of the creation of an urban fabric in which people would inhabit a space that is most approximate to their needs such as their work places, communities as well as their own needed services. The notion of Cities started to evolve to becoming extremely high dense areas in which all services and facilities are provided. The more dense cities have become, the more suffocating to their residents they have become. As a result urban sprawl was initiated and sub-urbanization to less dense areas and country sides became the refugee (Atkins). Along with the technological developments, cities became abandoned, people moved to less inhabited cities; sub urbanism emerged and all the facilities and services were left behind at the city centers. The City center became the service node while the suburbia became the residence. The urban patterns of change that resulted from “Mass movement” were not adaptive neither accommodating to people’s lives. Residences lacked utilities while city centers lack pop-
ulation. As problems started evolving crime, accidents and many other dramatic consequences resulted from this segregation. Mixed use developments became the desired urban form that is thought to solve this deficiency in the urban context (Atkins). Mixed use developments are nowadays the popular approach to create a solution that would reduce suburban sprawl, traffic congestion and inner city decay. A mixed use building term refers to buildings that conglomerate more than one type of program that ultimately serves different users. Initially they were designed as a response to rising land prices in America in the beginnings of the 20th century. Mixed used developments have been proved to provide greater density with minimal foot print, reduce commuting distance and thus decrease carbon foot print (Atkins). The most typical typology of mixed use building is formed by making the lowest floor used for commercial activities and the upper floors used for residential and
office uses. Although this typology provides about three different programs, however it is not flexible enough to adapt to change of users’ needs. The main limitations are related to the vertical separation of the program, inflexibility to add new programs and it does not leave a space for cross programming. On the other hand there is a need for flexibility and adaptability given the fast pace of changes that we go through (Atkins).
There is a need for mixed use developments that provide vertically cohesive and overlapped program that allow for various design posibilities over time. By using fine smaller components, it is possible to provide communal and open spaces within buildings which create a stronger sense of community.
atkins, A. K., & McLaren, B. (2011). Pixelated urbanism a mixed-use strategy for urban density and neighborhood development (Master’s thesis, University of Washington, 2011) (pp. 1-18). Washington DC: University of Washington.
Separated Program
Integrated Program
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Heritage Revitalization
Checklist for the assessment of revitalization projects
The change in social structure and economic conditions has led to the decaying of many historic urban quarters. Many attempts and proposals through history were initiated to protect heritage; most of these proposals have only aimed to preserve
monumental buildings and other buildings of architectural value. However, in the 1960’s it became noticed that there is a pattern of demolition and destruction that is occurring in historic areas which ultimately destroys cities’ urban fabric.
Consequently, heritage protection became more oriented towards area-based protection rather than focusing on individual buildings. This resulted in many defensive responses that were extremely conservationist, but soon they were faded out as many academics and researchers debated that
“the built environment which is a living record of a country’s social development, makes sense only as a part of a continuous process”-Doratli They also debated that conservation efforts are useless
“if heritage is not integrated in the daily life of people, protection efforts would fail and urban centers would continue to empty: the past would simply become both a cultural stumbling block and burdensome to the public”-Doratli To ensure the integration of heritage as part of everyday life, revitalization of historic urban centers 6
becomes the tool that considers his- be identified which are: toric centers as a part within the con“obsolescence” text of the city. This demands historic centers to be integrated within the and the second is city’s economy, politics and society. “development dynamics” Integrated Conservation
Obsolescence
The concept of “integrated conservation” is used to define the relation between conservation and revitalization;” it contains a step by step process, which pays attention to political and technical aspects, implementation and monitoring. From the beginning it must be made clear that integrated conservation is not aimed at fixation of today’s situation and appearance, but a system by which existing urban pattern is reused and revitalized for as far as it is acceptable from an economic and social point of view” 1 Using integrated conservation for historic centers revitalization, allow cities to have a stronger economy a cultural scene that is more vibrant, more over it also transforms it to the nucleus of activity in the city. To guarantee the sustainability of such projects, it is important to have good management that ensures the continuation of the revitalization strategies. To initiate a balanced revitalization project, two contextual attributes must
Obsolescence refers to the “the mimatch between the services offered by the fabric of the historic quarters and the contemporary needs” as defined by Professor Nathaniel Lichfield. Development dynamics refer to the dynamics of an area in relation to its attractiveness. Obsolescence is one of the main factors of decay of historic centers; because the built environment in historic centers was designed to meet the needs of the society at a particular point of time, but given the change in socio-economic, cultural and political conditions,
“a conflict occurs between the capacity of the physical environment and the user’s needs” for example increasing vacancy and density. So far there are 7 types of obsolescence, the most common ones are:
1. Physical/structural Like to be of a gradual process, it is the result of effects of time, weather and poor maintenance in general. 2. Functional This type arises from the incompetence of the building to meet contemporary needs for example sanitary fittings and heating/cooling systems, or for example narrow streets causing traffic congestion. 3. Locational This type depends on the functional obsolescence of other buildings, in some cases certain buildings were built to serve the accessibility of other buildings or in some cases this type arises from migration/immigration of businesses. 4. Image This is related to how locals perceive a building or a quarter that could be unattractive. 5. Office/legal This related to the restrictions made by legal authorities on historic zones which they deem only for conservation. Identifying obsolescence is vital for understanding the roots of problems related to historic areas decay. 7
Development dynamics refer to the attractiveness of an area for investment or its lack of attractiveness. The migration of activities and users from a historic area puts it in a state of static or declining development dynamics and also accelerates its obsolescence. Historic areas may contain more than one type if development dynamics depending on the types and levels of obsolescence. Historic areas with high levels of development dynamics are those that are characterized with physical and environmental decay but which are also containing a high concentration of economic activities; like traditional markets with crafts and artisan shops. These areas are most probably increasing in density which puts more pressure on the
economic pressure Economic pressure and different states of development
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area’s physical amenities that could lead to demolition. Other places with a static state of development dynamics are areas with not much of an economic pressure and areas with no development dynamics are areas with declining physical and social structures as with the case of historic areas that show characteristics of slum areas. In revitalization projects there must be a thorough analysis of the existing physical and functional conditions and socio-cultural characteristics, and these analyses should be transformed into implementations and they should not be kept to literature survey only. The determination of levels of obsolescence and development dynamics accordingly affects the selection
High
High Development
Static
Static Development
Low
No Development
of revitalization approach. Two approaches of revitalization could be used to deal with obsolescence; the first is physical revitalization and the second is economic revitalization. The first refers to the adaption of the physical environment to meet the contemporary needs of the society through means of renewal and regeneration. The second approach refers to sustaining heritage conservation through the utilization of the restored physical fabric.
“Physical and economic revitalization should complement each other. Physical revitalization will help to increase confidence in the area, the maintenance of this confidence, however, requires economic revitalization”1
Economic and physical Revitalization
by creating a new system that is more efficient. economic revitalization In all three approaches, one must not forget about the cultural heritage of the area; as it should be incorporated to bring back a sense of community to the users. Without economic revitalization, physfunctional functional functional ical revitalization would be merely restructuring diversification regeneration regarded as a “cosmetic intervention� unless the physical environFunctional restructuring refers complementing existing uses with ment is used to develop the soto replacing existing uses and acnew ones and functional regener- cio-economic structure of the area tivities with new ones, while funcation refers to keeping existing ac- and thus ensure long term revitaltional diversification refers to tivities but redefine their operation ization.
of a new function or use in existing buildings, this approach involves physical revitalization more intervention than refurbishment. Adaptive use has a number of guidelines such as; ensuring that the architectural character of the building will not be lost, respecting the physical and the sparefurbishment conversion demolition tial capacity of the building, calculating risks involved in changing use in terms of pollution, structure to ensure the continual of its origi- and traffic generation. The last apThree basic approaches of physical revitalization have been identified; nal function. The second approach proach is demolition which is not the first is refurbishment which is which conversion or adaptive re- preferable unless in it is an inevitaphysical intervention in a building use and it refers to the adaptation ble choice. 9
Generalized identification diagram that concludes all types and levels of contextual attributes and revitalization approaches and classifications.
analysis
physical
physical functional
physical functional locational
high
static
declining
short term strategy
refurbishment
conversion
demolition
physical revitalization
long term strategy
functional restructuring
functional diversification
functional regeneration
economic revitalization
obsolescence
development dynamics
Summary of stages of heritage revitalization
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Mono-function vs. Mixed-Use
Jane Jacobs close grained fabric crearing the 24 hour cycle
The proces of creating mono-functional distrixts
1.
When a node or an intersection that naturally attracts people and encourages different activities, becomes over saturated with mono functional usages it eventually leads to its self-destruction. Diversity should not be comprised in favor of creating more profit, because places that do not offer various services would only attract same types of users at about the same time of the day. Thus causing these places to be isolated during the rest of the day when they are not functioning. Jane Jacobs presents a solution to this phenomenon which is proposing a close grained fabric of diversified functions which mutually support each other socially and economically. Jacobs argues that when a city successfully achieves the 24 hour cycle which provides busy sidewalk day and night, it also leads to decreasing crime rates and creates a strong sense of belonging for users. Her final thesis calls for designs that accept human behavior and patterns rather than trying to work against them.
Jacobs, Jane. (1961) The Death and Life of Great American Cities
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Distribution of Densities within Metropolitan Cities
Tracing back the history of population density change and its effect on how cities develop, it was found that there was a recurring a pattern that was repeated in several cities from the years 1976 till 20061. Given that modernization and standardization The following table shows the various Egyptian city districts and their current classification.
The diagram below shows the different types of city districts
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were world phenomena, centralization became an evident approach in decision making and in designing of our physical environment. Centralization led to creating top-down systems that did not fully understand users’ needs and thus result-
ing in conflict between users and decision makers. Meanwhile city centers were experiencing over saturation due to the increase in mono functional usages and decrease in diversified usages.
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Users vs. Citizens
Changes in world history lead to changes in decision making that affect both the urban nodes and the users that change to have no sense of community which results in having facilities with no users and therefore, the people themselves become an important aspect. All through the previous stages, there was an obvious clash between government needs and community needs. This clash is the result of using top-down approaches and superficial bottom-up approaches. Cities are being rebuilt and reinterpreted everyday by users and their use of space, users start to make their spaces adaptable to their needs. Understanding that if users do not find what they need, they ultimately
start to impose their own interventions in the physical environment because they were not allowed to participate in creating their own environments. This calls for another approach to be used that does not impose and that would allow the empowering of the peple and their needs which is
“social revitalization through partticipation� Participation calls for transforming users into citizens; users perceive their environment as merely obstacles and obligations while citizen interact with their environments as responsibilities and possibilities.
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Social Revitalization: Participatory Action Research
The history of ideologies leading to participatory action, Midgley
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To be able to understand the choice of Participatory Action research as the provisional approach to involve the people, one must understand the theories that influenced it such as modernization, the populist approach, community organization and community development to understand why participaion could be effective in changing the users to become active citizens. Modernization called for the socioeconomic development; however it rather focused on the economic development through standardization that disconnected the people from what they actually produce. The populist approach targeted to focus on the needs of the people, however it only involved the people superficially as it focused on using the needs of the people to gain more support rather than the actual implementation of
those needs and a true involvement of the users. The community development movement took place in the 1950s and the 1960s and focused more on the development of the local communities, however the implementation was based on how outsiders saw the needs of the people, but again there was no involvement during decision making and it changed to be a provision of services rather than changing the people themselves or empowering them. The community organization movement aimed for the people to become active and to call for changes to develop their social and economic status, but in fact changed to be political changes which did not lead to the development of the people’s condition. What all those movements shared was having the main focus on things rather than
the people. This lead to the change in ideology to participatory action, which focuses on the people instead. Participatory action became globalized when the United Nations adopted the community participation and formalized it in the 1970s. Community participation at that stage seemed important to develop as the people need to be involved from the start of the decision making until the action and in a bottom up approach rather than a top down to ensure that what is planned to develop actually responds to the people themselves and the priorities they set rather than any needs (Midgley).
Participatory Action process
Table showing the paradigm shift on the different levels as a result of participatory
Reflexive processs of participatory
The participatory approach is a par- outcome.2 adigm shift from things to people as the main focus changes from mere provision of services to empowering This paradigm shift from the people themselves and changing them, participatory action requires things to people can lead a paradigm shift on all the different to the social revitalization levels that include the way goals of within a city and would the development, the decision makbridge the gap between ing, the methods or the rules, the the users’ needs and the planning and action, the use of space physcical environment’s etc. The process itself is changed from being short term to focusing capabilities. on the long term and to being an open ended process that is flexible and that changes during the process rather than having to reach a certain
Participatory action is in fact a reflexive process that is open ended and that keeps changing. We start with planning, then we act and observe accordingly, but we have to reflect on the actions that we have taken. Accordingly we re-plan, act and observe again then reflect and so on. This reflexive process keeps repeating itself in an ongoing cycle. This changes the way we will work as there will always be constant development and constant change according to the long term process which creates a better understanding of the users’ needs at each level. 17
This transformation of methodology includes the change in the role of architects. Our roles change to be facilitators and enablers rather than being planners. Our role change to be one based on observation, assessment, initiation, facilitation and convening the group that is formed by the people who are affected by the development such as the people from the community itself, the government, the clients, the academic partners, etc. What changes in our role as architects is that we initiate this cumulative process that is based on both visual and tangible analysis of the problem that would help the group identify the actual problems. We actually listen to them rather than interview them, we start to remain quiet, and we motivate the group in order to make sure that the partners of the project continue this open ended process that would empower them. We are changed during the process as well, as we start to see things differently. We in fact become participants with the different partners rather than being planners only.
The architect, the stakeholders and the users will all become partners in identifying the problem and the solution to ensure that the project integrates in their daily lives. The transformation of the role of the architect
The six main aspects of participatory
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Individual vs. Collective in Participation
The practice of participatory
One of the criticisms of participatory action research is how it focuses on the individual versus the collective. What is argued is that the participatory action research responds to the collective needs, but the individual needs still remain unaddressed and this is why participatory action research has to be fulfilled in a way that responds to both the individual and social as seen in the diagram and in a way that studies the different aspects of the individual or the collective as both an insider and an outsider to the people and therefore both objectively and subjectively.
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Provisional Approach
Coclusion Effect of Participation on our project
Conclusion on the use of participation
Negative points
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Participatory action will act as the way to socially revitalize the city centers as we will integrate the existing communities in our proposal by involving the people through listening to them, involving them as partners and participants in order for them to identify the different problems and the different needs from which they prioritize in order for us to be able to address those issues. The actions will also be done with them through making the decisions and cross checking with them and involving them at the different stages. However, our focus will not only be on the surrounding communities, but will have to include other stakeholders and beneficiaries as well from the start of the project. This will be through the dialogues that will be conducted with the different partners of the project. Had we had the time, we would have conducted it through a focus group that would let the different partners meet together that would let the different partners achieve a dialogue together an prioritize together including the different partners that might even be completely different than one another such as the government, academic partners and the lo-
cals. Along the period of the project, we will try to create this dialogue through other means and we will work using the same aims and the same methodology, but within the course framework.
ticipatory action research is by nature a long term process that is reflexive which would require us as architects to keep changing our proposals at the different stages or to actually design with the people themselves, which can be argued to not be very feasible in a lot of the cases that require the knowledge of certain technical information. Moreover, as participatory action mainly focuses on the people and as our role as architects changes, we still have to be able to define our role in the project itself in order to be able to identify how our own vision applies to the project or the design that we reach.
However, we will not study our site and design as outsiders only, but rather look at it subjectively in order to be able to actually understand what will create a sustainable project that would revitalize, this would involve us experincing the site itself and considering ourselves as partners and would involve a deeper understanding of the cultural aspects, historical aspects and mainly the context that created the Therefore, a balance must existing potentials and that lead to the existing state of any of the sites be achieved between fulfilling a pure participatory action rewe choose. search project that is completely dependent on what the people Negative Points need and say and between ful The negative points of this filling our own vision as archiapproach include the time con- tects only without involving the straint of the project that does not different stakeholders, but just give the flexibility to actually get addressing their needs. This balto know the people and especially ance is difficult to achieve, howthat there are different stakehold- ever it forms a challenge that we ers which we will have to include. will be facing throughout the Another negative point is that par- project.
General Objective
The problem revolves around the idea of having facilities with no users as a result of having the users with no sense of community and no sense of belonging by being users rather than citizens. Hence, to be able to create a sustainable project that revitalizes the area, the local citizens have to be involved at the different stages in shaping the project
through participating in decision making and in action, even though there can be negative points to participatory action research approach as we can overcome those points through creating a balance. The locals are needed for them to ensure the 24 hour cycle as they will change to be citizens who are active members and who through the
mixed use functions sustain the use of the area. However, to ensure that the users do not move from the cities and so on, our proposal should be able to build on the assets of the site and the city itself rather than just implementing new ideas to ensure that the proposals are grounded and are site specific.
Designing with the local community and different stakeholders to become ACTIVE CITIZENS who continuously PARTICIPATE in shaping and re-shaping a flexible, sustainable and diversified community that utilizes the heritage, realistic and changeable CITY POTENTIALS
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References
Midgley, James. Community Participation, Social Development, and the State. London: Methuen, 1986. Print. Atkins, A. K., & McLaren, B. (2011). Pixelated urbanism a mixed-use strategy for urban density and neighborhood development (Master’s thesis, University of Washington, 2011) (pp. 1-18). Washington DC: University of Washington. Futterman, Robert A. The future of our cities. New York: Doubleday, 1961. Print Doratli, N. (2003). Revitalizing Historic Urban Quarters:A Model for Determining the MostRelevant Strategic Approach (Doctoral dissertation, Department of Architecture, Eastern Mediterranean University). Gazimag˘usa, Turkey: Routledge. Retrieved February, 2014. 22
Hassan, D. F., & Salheen, M. (n.d.). Distribution of Densities within Metropolitan Cities: The Case Of Greater Cairo Region.
Site Selection
Tawfikia Port Said Helwan Bab Al-Azab
After researching on mixed use development and how it can revitalize as well as focusing on heritage revitalization that takes place through physical, economic and social revitalization, we focused on finding different sites that are mainly rich in heritage, whether tangible or intangible. Therefore, we looked at sites that had economic, social, or cultural importance in which there can be revitalization of the economic or the cultural or social and historical conditions through the use of the existing potentials in the site that has been abandoned. The four sites we started with are: Tawfikia, Port Said, Bab el-azab and
Helwan. Tawfikia is a very vital site, in the middle of Downtown, once a cultural, economic and social hub representing classical Cairo as well as originally a mixed use area that changed to become a mono-functional area as it is currently a commercial node that has a lot of facilities whose residences and local inhabitants abandoned the area for quieter, calmer areas. It currenty suffers from the decline of social class and misuse. Port Said was once a major trade hotspot and a cosmopolitan city. It was once a major Business and Touristic center with unique architecture value, but as time has passed, the architecture has been neglected and commercial activities have diminished, the city could not sustain itself as a vital community and is in the process of gradual deterioration where there is land with no users and no use of the potenitial of the Canal corridor. As for Helwan, it was originally a medical centre, serving the elite class, that had the most luxurious
residences with Khedieval Architectural heritage; currently it is an industrial polluted zone that is abandoned by most of its original residents and even starting to repel local ones due to its environmental as well as economic deterioration. The working class area has users with no services and the high class area has services with no users. There is also a government plan to relocate cement and steel factories that would improve the current situation of the area. Finally, Bab el-Azab which is a rich site, both historically and culturally with a central location situated between crucial touristic nodes, was also once an important authoritarian and political seat of power since Salah el-Din until the time of Khedive Ismail. Bab el-Azab also became a deserted site because previously it used to serve a specific type of user that no longer exists. It now serves as a land with no users and no services causing economic waste due to having an abandoned site.
Outline of analysis done to each of the four sites
In order to be able to analyze each site thoroughly, we have done the following analysis for each of the four sites: 1-Timeline 2-Brief History 3-Photographic documentation 4-Environmental Analysis 5-Site Analysis Solid-Void Topography Landmarks Macro-Scale Accessibility Micro-Scale Accessibility 6-SWOT Analysis 7-User Profile 8-Target Users and Stakeholders 9-Future Vision 10-Precedents
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POLICY MAKING INFRASTRUCTURE SOCIOCULTURAL POPULATION
1728: Napoleon’s invasion to Cairo: Napoleon’s engagement to Egypt influenced the development of the oriental town greatly 1820s: Mohamed Ali: Starting of the modernization in Egypt, create a political and administration system.
1863-1879: Ismail Pasha: First to have a general plan of development for the whole city. A masterplan was creasted as he was inspired by Haussmenian plan 1879: British colonisation Until 1908: Building boom took place until the crash of Egyptian stock market.
1900 - La Belle Epogue: During the years of the British colonisation 1920: End of British colonisation 1936: Anglo - Egyptian treaty by King Farouk so the British dominance remained.
1952: Revolution: End of colonisation and nationalism leading to changes in Downtown area. 1970-1981: Liberalization: Neo-liberalism and “open door policy” which lead to private and foreign investments reducing the role of state and leading to the worst deterioration 1981-2011: Authorization: Population growth leading to decentralization
1728: During the french invasion, there was and effect on the city hugely as the french culture had a huge impact 1820s: The modernisation by Mohamed Ali changed all the social structure within the country
Availability of foreign investors and the British colonisation affected the social and cultural nature of the community.
Changing the social nature of the community by bringing people together of different nations to live and work in Cairo by the use of mixed-use development.
Modernization led to losing the sense of community within the cities as the movement was towards economic growth
City being filled with bookstores, tea rooms, streets cafes, galleries, boutiques and department stores: High demand on residential and administration
Haussmenian plan: This created a grid system with long streets that intersect at thirteen squares
Pre-1700
1700
1800
1900
The mixed-use development lead to the growing density of the city. In 1882 the population was 103601 and is mainly composed of high upper class
URBAN GROWTH ARCHITECTURE
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TAWFIKIA
Diana palace cinema opened in the 1930s and considered an exmaple of Art Deco style and the cultural heritage of Emad El-Din street.
The Population is around 8000 inhabitants nowadays and is mainly composed of middle class and low income
2014
Tawfikia
Brief History
Old street scape of Tawfikia square
Khedive Tewfik boulevard streets
Tawfikia is at the heart of Cairo’s city center, a district of the downtown. It is the triangular precinct which today lies between 26th July street, Ramses street and Gomhouriya street. In the past these streets would have had different names:
area, where people of different origins and religions lived in harmony. What we see today is only a shadow of the past. Like all other city centers in Cairo, it has changed over time, becoming a different place though remnants of the past struggle to survive and maintain a commercial, residential and cultural identity.
on the newly reclaimed land from the Nile which still had not undergone much development. Up until then, Cairo had only known Islamic urban planning. This new urbanscape introduced squares, standalone public buildings and sidewalks. Tawfikia was conceived as a semi-residential, semi-commercial and diplomatic locale.1 It developed to accommodate the cultural, entertainment, recreational lifestyle of Western capitals. Soon the district was filled with Cafés, hotels, tearooms, Cinemas, galleries, bookstores and the likes which lead to a rise in arts and intellectual spaces. Emad el Din Street is a street in the district that had high concentration of these cultural activities. It had gained the identity of being the street of the cinemas – having more theatre cinemas all along the street one after another.
The district of Tawfikia was an extension conceived by Khedive Tawfik to the, then name, district of Ismailia. Today Ismailia is known as Downtown or Wust el Balad. The district of Ismailia was Khedive Ismail’s grand scheme of modernizing Egypt, starting with the introduction of a new urban district, following European trends of urban planning, to create a place where the high-class could enjoy the modern lifestyle following Western culture. Following Hausmenian’s Paris, Ramses avenue was previously the Ismail introduced wide and long Malika Nazli avenue and before that boulevards as well as the radial grid the Abbas Boulevard; 26th July street was King Fouad or Fouad I street and “Emad El Dine Street, the ‘Broadway’ of yesteryear, which remained prior to that it was Bulaq street. a place for entertainment until the end of the 1950s. All that was Through history this district left from this era, for the sector in question, was a cinema (Cairo had always been associated as the center of culture, a hub for intellecPalace), a restaurant from the 1930s (El Alfy Bey) and a toponym, tuals and politics. Like all areas of that of Zakareya Ahmad who was a great music composer.” 2 downtown, it was a cosmopolitan
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One of the major features of Tawfiki had been Souq el Tawfikia. It resembled the traditional openair souqs of Cairo. Despite its purely commercial function, it symbolized much more: it was “a living threshold between East and West, traditional and modern”. 3 The Fellaheen would come to sell their produce, entering the area by foot, felucca or by donkey. If by felucca, they would sail towards the Kasr al Nil bridge and disembark there, or enter through the Ismailia Canal which was later in-filled to create Abbas Boulevard – today Ramses street. The Fellahs would bring in their fresh produce and sell to the affluent and not so affluent alike. With downtown’s new stores it was one
Ramsis square Telegraph and telephone headquarters
26
of the few places that retained the culture of haggling and bargaining. However, with the arrival of modern corner grocery stores and supermarkets, the souq typology shifted to survive in a changing market. Today it sells home improvement tools, plastic toys, car parts and car accessories. This was only one of the ways in which the image of Tawfikia had started to change. It’s streetcars were removed with the introduction of the underground metro, the Tawfikia Tennis Club replaces by the Telegraph and Telephone headquarters on Ramsis street. The Kyriazi mansion and its gardens, a grand estate, transformed into the Matossian cigarette factory then a print shop and not shops and boutiques. The popular Cecil bar, a landmark of the past generation, also replaced. The use of building courts has also changed. Today they have been invaded by entrepeneurs with their shack-like stores. These courtyards had previously resembled the hara of Islamic urban planning. One such example is the Green and Homsy buildings at Midan Orabi
(#2-4 souq tefikia street), previously rented by lawyers, architects and denstits: the buildings has a “passage-turned-patio” linking it to 26 July street.
“Once a demi-monde hideaway, this bustling fresco-splattered enclosure is a favourite hangout for ponytailed backpackers, con artists, backgammon champions and shisha regulars. They dub it Serenity Alley.” 4 After the 1952 revolution the character of the place changed. The interntional community which had grown to have an Egyptian identity was expelled, the Egyptian Jews left, replaced by army officers. The cultural scene started to deteriorate. Congestion and overpopulation, the rejection of heritage, built up to what we see today. A shadow of the past. The area is now segregated, residences unoccupied while the roof-tops are overcrowded with squatters. Vendors have invaded the streets and buildings abused.
Research Phase I
Environmental Analysis
Water pollution (1)- dissolved oxygen (DO) 700
7
600
6
500
5 4 3
Existing measurement of dissolved oxygen
400
Existing measurement of suspended particles
Minimum acceptable
300
Maximum acceptable
200
2
Air Pollution: The level of suspended particles is very high and very much exceeds the maximum acceptable, indicating a high degree of pollution. Overall, the suspended particles have a very bad effect on the monuments and the heritage area that exists within the site. Climate: The humidity, it is high compared to the humidity needed in a historical site.
100
1
0
0
2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012
2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012
Water pollution (2)- dissolved salts (DS)
Air pollution (2) - Smoke
600
120
500
100
400
80 Existing measurement of dissolved salts (mg/ liter)
300
Maximum acceptable
200 100
The environmental conditions of the site requires cautious planning in the future design as there must be certain restrictive regulations concerning traffic, parking, waste collection, and the contribution of green spaces in the newly proposed design projects as well as the consideration of population of the residents and the inhabitants of the area in response to the environmental and the current urban densities that the place shelters.
Air pollution (1)- Total suspended particles
8
Existing measurement of smoke in air (mg/cubic metre)
60
Maximum acceptable
40 20
0
0 2003200420052006200720082009201020112012
2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012
Air pollution (3)- Lead 1.2 1 0.8 Existing measurement of lead in air
0.6
Maximum acceptable
0.4 0.2 0 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012
27
Site Analysis: Solid-Void
The solid-void pattern reveals the small alleys between buildings that is characteristic of the downtown fabric. The radial grid is clear showing how the main streets connect to each other at nodes – squares. These squares are of varying sizes. Ramsis street and the Azbakeya garden provide large voids which are filled with and surrounded by activity. The dense nature of the site and the very low percentage of void plots that are vacant in the place will affect the future project interms of coherence as the vacant plots are spread, consequently the project might require the addition of connective podiums, bridges or tunneling routes between plots in order to design a coherent mixed use development at this site.
28
Topography
The topographic differences in the Tawfikia chosen site have minimal variations, and is already paved in a proper way that will not cause any further problems later in the design phase nor cause any problems. It might even pave the way in proposing several solutions in the coming design solutions, as it is a very flexible land plot. The topography is also contributing to a skyline that due to building height restrictions is more or less constant.
29
Landmarks
A - High Court B - Tawfikia Market C - ex-Continental Hotel D - Cinema E - Cinema F - Attaba Square G - Azbazeya Garden There are also cinemas along Emad al-din street, as well as residential buildings, that are icons of early 20th-century architecture. The existing landmarks at this area act as a very important edge in design as they will be a major part in shaping the future proposed program in terms of functions, efficiency, relativity of activities as a major contributor in the future design criteria.
30
B
A
E
F
D
G
C
Macro-Scale Accessibility
The accessibility to the site is from the main spines that leads the chosen area. The site is close to Ramses street and the 6th of October bridge, which are both important connectors to the rest of the city. The area is also close to al-Geish street and Port Said street. This accessiblity from many important streets due to its location in dowm town of the city of Cairo, places a lot of emphasis and highlights the importance of the site. The macro accessibility level of this site must be majorly taken in consideration in the future design as it must respect the importance of the streets and the main traffic spines that the site location will affect as a result of the project placement.
31
Micro-Scale Accessibility
The streets connecting the blocks branch from the main street and leading to narrower streets then alleys and that shows the hierarchy of the spaces within the districts. There is a combination of radial streets and grid-like streets that make the area well-accessible. The combination of radial and iron grids in the urban fabric of the site shapes the site boundaries and edges that will contribute greatly and be part in the design and the planning of the project. Also, this might change in activities and planning of spaces, as some of the surrounding streets are will be tied to the continuum of the existing pedestrian networks and some might place emphasis on the vehicular access of cars on site.
32
SWOT Analysis
Strengths
Weaknesses
- Architectural heritage & identity - Commercial activity - Cultural heritage - Integration of various socioeconomic levels - Education institutes - Central location
- Physical, economic & social decay - Absence of green areas - Traffic congestion - Loss of functions
Heritage and Identity
Economic Decay Shops Closed
Opportunities
Threats
- Radial grid - Unused buildings - Cultural / commercial / entertainment hub - Investment hotspot - Alleys – solid void opportunities - Accessibility - Pedestrianism
- Heritage negligence - Continuous deterioration - Air pollution - Urban sprawl - Large developers - Informality
Inbetween spaces and hubs - Education institutes
Traffic Congestion 33
Future Vision
“To Revitalize the area by creating a cultural,commercial and business node�
Photos from Piazza Navona in Italy (Virtual Tourist)
34
The Deterioration in this site is the deterioration of quality, wether being a deterioration of the quality of life or the quality of social layers. Currenty, there are multiple social layers in the area, there are only low class residents in downtown and that frames downtown for the incubation only of low and middle classes and gives no chance for high level class layer to return back to downtown and enjoy being part of this classical experience as the area has changed to be mono functional and and the cultural value has deteriorated. Although, the high class layers abandoned the downtown area because of the revolution. Downtown is considered mixed use but only for certain layers of social classes , but what happened in the past can be used to influence the future vision of the area. The area of downtown was once a central area in terms of activities and system. Since downtown lost its value, reviving the old value of downtown should take place through different aspects which are cultural, entertainment, commercial and residential.
Research Phase I
User profile
•
•
Section of users in Tawfikia
Street vendors: The street vendors that are spread along the streets of Downtown and Tawfikia. These • street vendors are ones of the effective users in downtown whom affect the amount of densification that is occurring in downtown. Small business owners: Small shops that people in such area that is in high density and people target it for shopping and it • is important commercial node in
whole Cairo, because of these within this district it affected small shops. the current local community Office workers and owners: Ofand higher class inhabitants fices are above the small busiemigrated from the downtown ness owner, people who own district and left to the low and such space take advantage of middle class to own the resthe strong gathering nodes in idence and that affected the downtown to make their own essence of downtown to deteoffices as a form of attraction riorate. within this central district. Residents of low & middle: due Socioeconomic background to the change in social classes • Artists: The people who spent of their times in downtown studying its historic aspects and getting inspired by its atmosphere and by essence of the classical architecture of downtown • Landlords: the owners of the residential units in downtown whom rent their own units and get advantage of having revenue from their own assets.
35
Research Phase I
Target Users and Stakeholders
Target Users •
•
•
•
• •
36
•
that all are around Downtown. • Street vendors: the street vendors who represent a very important layer of the downtown now a days .they cannot be just • pushed out the place but they can be given a better opportunity to their daily work and at the same time not make Downtown more dense. •
Artists: Targeting those users whom spent time at Downtown. Giving them a more modern atmosphere and more improved function that could entertain them and give them chance to full inspiration of the place. Entrepreneurs: giving them the opportunity to have their small business but in a more improved Stakeholders way that would be more sufficient. • Current shop owners: They Families: Not only families of low will be part of the operation of and middle class but reviving downtown business and be part the high class that used to live in the operation of the place after such area to be hosted once more its new renovation and redewithin this area. signing. Middle to high socioeconomic • Current residence owners: The residents: this layer of residents owners who still will own their that have abandoned downtown resident units and are an importgong them another chance to ant part of Downtown, because become part of down town, and they are people living their daily that would revive downtown life here. once more that all layers living to- • Current tenants: The layer of gether hormonally. population that change by time Small business owners: or by season and having share Students: Because of the centralin the essence of the area as ization of Downtown, students they live within it even if it is for from all over the city can have a a short period of time. They will very strategic place where they have an effect on the residency can stay next to their universities area within the design.
Street vendors: They have a big role because they will sustain the area economically by their daily selling approach. Local authority: the authority that owns the whole area and will have role in monitoring and managing the site politically and economically. Heritage NGOs and affiliates: the NGOs that are considering the heritage aspect of downtown and concerned by the tangible and intangible heritage of downtown.
Precedents
Beirut Central District/ Beirut
Martyr’s square after the war.
Concept After the Lebanese civil war ended in 1990, the Beirut central district was pretty much in shambles. This inspired the establishment of Solidere - the Lebanese Company for the Development and Reconstruction of Beirut Central District- presented a reconstruction plan in line with “Beirut’s historical focus of business, finance, culture and leisure,” intended to help Beirut recover from its war injuries. (van, Pinxteren)
Approach
Proposed masterplan
Beirut City Center was established as a cluster of city quarters/ sectors, as opposed to a single homogeneous central district. Altogether, ten planning districts were created, each with a distinctive character. Although initially shares were owned by Lebanese citizens, these were quickly replaced by foreign investors, eager to own a share in such a vital space. In an attempt to take advantage of the waterfront, part of the sea was reclaimed to be added to the masterplan proposed. The inherent qualities of the site such as its seafront and topography were all factors in the design of this space. 37
Program Objectives
Space Program
Rejuvenation of the Beirut Central District following its overwhelming destruction during the Lebanese civil war (1975- 1990) which destroyed the local infrastructure and gave rise to squatters
Land Traditional city center area Reclaimed land
• • • •
Sector H
Area/ sq.m 1.2 million 0.8 million
Functional Space program Space Area/ sq.m Retained/ public/ religious property 930,000 Features Development (excluding above) 220,000 • 1.8 million sq.m redesign and re- Landscaped open space W construction of Martyr’s Square, Roads 590,000 Parliament building, Place de l’Etoile, Serail and traditional Sectors souks of Beirut. Sectors Functions • Modern infrastructure such as Sector A Park and waterside, leisure facilities, marinas, waterside roads, utilities, public spaces and park, landscaped promenade marine works Hotel district, high-density mixed-use area • Reclamation of 608,000 sq.m Sector B Searail corridor, medium-density mixed-use area from the sea, transforming them Sector C into public gardens, recreation Sector D High-density mixed-use area on reclaimed land and cultural areas and office Sector E Souks: Commercial and shopping activities space Sector F Medium-density residential area • Financial and office complexSector G Conservation area: political, financial, religious and cultural commercial center focus of city center. Contains archeological opportunities • Hotels
38
Centers for the arts Public parks Recreational areas on seafront Half of the BUA is residential, to ensure mixed-use
Sector I Sector J
Martyrs’ Square axis: Mixed-use area connecting city and new Waterfront Medium-density residential area Trade centers: Gateway buildings mark entry to city center
Impact on Thesis Design The main issue with this project is that the developers did not consult sufficiently with the local community, many of whom feel that they have been removed from this city center which caters to tourists and the foreign elite, rather than to its local citizens.
Beirut Central District, aerial view
Overall, this complete non-consideration of both heritage and the local community are not what we intend to duplicate however the large-scale integration of multiple uses and
functions in a single development while providing for public open space is an excellent example that can be followed easily.
An example of this are the residential units provided in the central district. These units are extremely overpriced. As of 1994, 30,000 units worth about $300,000 were empty. Compared with residents of southern Lebanon where there is high unemployment and poverty, it seems to be a project that very much ignores its most important stakeholder- the Lebanese people. In addition, critics claim that much of the existing historic ruins were demolished in the reconstruction and redesign of the central district. It was entirely erased and replaced with new construction- quite an insensitive approach to heritage. Thus, it is seen as a symbol for destruction of national history through construction. 39
POLICY MAKING SOCIOCULTURAL INFRASTRUCTURE
HELWAN
The change in the policies and the country’s state to modernism and industralization during Nasser’s era changed the area completely as villas were taken due to the ommunist approach, high rise buildings were built and factories were built, changing the nature of the city to be industrial. New jobs and the explusion of the elite turned Helwan into a working class settlement . This changed the sociocultural relationships within the area.
1852-1892: “Modern Helwan” founded in 1874 by Khedieve Ismail. Started to thrive in last years of Khedieve Tawfiq.The Khedive built his palace in the city. The residents of the old town of Helwan were peasants and not included as part of “Modern Helwan”.
Railway was to far from city center and Nile, attracting few passengers which lead to an increase in fare. This made access to Helwan exclusive to the rich.
1850
URBAN GROWTH
4 year after Helwan there were 25 homes. 5 years later there were 61.6 years later 96 homes.
ARCHITECTURE
POPULATION
1800
As the khedival built his palace in Helwan, the social level that were using Helwan at that era was high class. The Bathing establishment was used as an atractor to the area for foreigners as well. In 1889 new railway opened Roads were laid and plot division following iron grid. Khedieve Ismail also ordered railway connecting the citadel to Cairo 1899: Bathing establishment opened.
The town of old Helwan consisted of mud brick structures.
Tawfiq Palace built in 1885 that turned inturned into al Hayat Hotel in 1962 into a sanatorium.
1903 - Observatory moved from Abbassia to Helwan. 1906 - Helwan described as being as being entirely surrounded by desert. 1917 Japanese gardens constructed by Zulfaqar Pasha. By 1922 Helwan had three hotels, three mosques, three churches, a synagogue, coffeeshops, pharmacies.
Gamal Abdel Nasser introduced the cement factories to Helwan. He also seized many of the villas and palaces there, some of foreigners.
1900
1950
1906 - Population approx. 8000 mostly Turki Pasha, Egyptians, Greeks and Italians.
Cement factories produce jobs, create massive population migration and growth. The population is constantly increasing as Helwan is considered now as an inner city.
1942 - King Farouk built at rest house at Helwan, along the Nile.
1975 - Helwan University established
2014
40
Helwan
Brief History
Photograph of the Sanatorium and Protestant Church . From the San Diego Air and Space Museum Archive
Aerial photograph of Helwan . From the San Diego Air and Space Museum Archive Aerial photograph of the sulphurous baths.
41
Modern Helwan, or the city of Helwan was founded in 1874 by Khedieve Ismail, north-east of the old village of Helwan. Khedive Ismail had sent part of his army to the desert at Helwan, quarantined there so that they would not transmit a skin disease they had contracted to the rest of Cairo’s population. At Helwan they encountered water springs in which they bathed. As a result, their skin disease was cured. Ismail then sent scientists to inspect the water whereupon they discovered that the water was rich in sulphur, which had healing properties. 1 People started bathing in the sulphuric waters for therapeutic purposes, for bone, skin and muscular conditions.
The growth was rapid. This was partially influenced by how Helwan was connected to Cairo by railroad. Helwan up until 1906 was entirely surrounded by desert. Most of the buildings were one to two storeys high except the hotels. By 1906, now in the rule of Khedive Abbas Hilmi II, the population The new city of Helwan only had reached approximately 8000, started to thrive under Khedive made up mostly of Turkish Pashas, Tawfiq’s rule, particularly in the later as well as Egyptians, Greeks and years. Under Tawfiq, the roads were Italians. 3 laid out and the land divided into plots, following the very modern Abbas Hilmi II established iron grid. He built his palace there, the health bathing house which which served as a magnet for the was opened in 1899, soon after high class, soon the affluent were hotels were opening to accommobuilding villas and palaces around date the influx of visitors. Helwan the King’s new retreat. 2 The old vil- had become a popular Internalage consisted of farming peasants tional health resort. Many of these and was not included as part of international visitors would arrive modern Helwan. by ship at Alexandria and take
1888 map of Helwan
the train to Cairo where they would from the Common Wealth were staspend a day or two then continue tioned on the outskirts of Helwan. onto Helwan. 4 Helwan underwent a drastic With the long periods of stay change when Gamal Abdel Nasser at Helwan, leisure activities were in- became president. With the expultroduced such as the Japanese gar- sion of foreigners and the confiscadens, designed by Zulfaqar Pasha,5 tion of villas and palaces, the existthe tennis courts at hotels, and cof- ing typology left. Abdel Nasser then fee shops. Organized trips to the des- built the cement factories which ert were also becoming popular. By 1922, large variety of religious temples were present to accommodate the Jews, Muslims and the different faiths of Christianity.
resulted in the migration of factory labourers to the area. The high class had been replaced with the working-low class. The cement factories greatly contaminated the area bringing an end to what had been one of the best international health resorts due to the natural environment.
In 1924 it was proposed to convert the Hayat hotel into a sanatorium for Tuberculosis, as the temperature and humidity of the air was beneficial throughout most of the year. The proposal as met with controversy as it would turn the resort from one of therapy to one of disease treatment. In the end the hotel was converted into a sanatorium. 6 Helwan was not only experineced by the international community at the start of the 20th century as a health and recreational town, it was also experienced as military camps. During the First World War troops 42
Research Phase I
Environmental Analysis
Air pollution (1) - PM-10
AIR POLLUTION (2) - CO
180
Existing measurement
160 140 120 100 80 60 40
Air pollution is quite high. This is attributed to the heavy industry in the area, predominantely the cement factories. Tempertures are relatively pleasant with the averge minimum temperature dropping to 11째C in January, and the average maximum 37째C in August.
20 0 2003
2004
2005 PM-10
2006
2007
2008
2009
Max. allowed
10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0
2003
2004
2005
2006
Max. allowed
2007
2008
2009
AIR POLLUTION- LEAD Existing measurement of lead
Max. allowed
1.4 1.2 1
The only months that see rain are January and February, of which February is the one with the highest average rainfall at 5.5 mm/ month. Despite being the highest, it is still rleatively low. Humidity is at its highest during winter, the peak is the month of January with 35% humidity. This can account for the rain. The climatic conditions of the area can allow for having passive cool43
0.8 0.6 0.4 0.2 0
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
ing in summer, there will be little need for active cooling which contributes to large energy consumption. The pollution of the air and water is
2008
2009
a large disadvantage as it can lead to health problems in the local community. It is an issue that the project has to address in the form of cleaning the air and water, both in the
practical and awareness aspects. This is particularly important considering that Helwan lies in a wadi (valley) which is supposed to be a protected natural site.
Site Analysis: Solid-Void
Solid-Void emphasises the iron grid of Helwan in the vicinity of the Japanese Gardens. It shows that the closer one gets to the mountain, the sparcer the land becomes. The urban fabric is of a medium grain. Previously each block had been a villa with a garden, making a very sparse solid void but through the years the gardens were built on, creating this denser urban fabric. In some of the blocks the original villa remains standing at the center of the block - accessible only through small pedestrian paths. The project can then choose to integrate or contrast by either having a dense and large footprint or a sparse footprint. If the project is located at the foot of the hill, the project can disperse to create a lacking transition be-
tween the very solid city and the very void hill. This would assist in making the city appear as less of a satellite city. 44
Topography
The land is relatively flat. It slopes on the eastern side as it approaches the limsetone mountains. On the east there is a valley between the two slopes. If the project is built on the slping hill then the project would have a vantage point over the city, resulting in an excellent view that depending on the sprawl of informailty may or may not see up to the river Nile. Building in the valley is not ideal as it runs east to west, hence, the prevailing wind is obstructed and would not reach the project.
45
Landmarks Q E
I L
A - Helwan Metro station B - Market C - Fruit & vegetables market D - School E - Primay school F - Mosque G - Juridical Offices H - Mokadaset Yakan I - Hospital J - Japanese Garden K - El-Lewa Private School L - Helwan University, Faculty of Engineering M - Saint Mar Girgis Church N - Hospital O - Old Hotel/Hospital/Palace P - Mosque Q - Azam Mosque
D
F
K
H
M
G A
J B
O
C N P
The area has a high concentration of educational institutions and places of workship. The project would then have to focus on presenting different functions or different forms and implementations of these functions
to emphasis it as a center for these functions. The abandoned sanatorium and its adjoining facilities can be rehabilitated into a number of things. 46
Macro-Scale Accessibility
Helwan is well connected to Cairo via the Autostrade and the corniche. There is one main road in Helwan, Omar ibn Abd al-Aziz, that acts almost like a Boulevard except that at the end of it, it is surrounded by heavy industry buildings. The connections to Cairo, via road, river and metro facilitates the access to visitors from Cairo and abroad. Furthermore, the Cairo-Aswan road and autostrad connect Helwan to other towns and villages.
47
Micro-Scale Accessibility
The stricktly iron grid street network provides regular access. There is a lack of street hierarchy which leads to congstion as some streets are used as main streets - connecting to the major main street in Helwan but they themselves are not wider. Therefore, the increase in cars but same street width leads to congestion. There is a metro-station in the vicinity of our masterplan (dotted boundary) area, it is the last station on the Cairo line.
Iconic Buildings
B C
The main boundaries are those defined by the topography on the east, and the metro railway. The streets containing the two markets (B & C) have become predominantely pedestrianised. This leads to an increase in congestion in the streets adjoining them.
The project can blend or contrast with the existing network by following the iron grid, or using a different or organic grid respectively. Due to the iron grid the project can be easily
accessible. The site can be easily accessed through the metro station that connects it to Cairo. Due to the iron grid
it is simple to access the metro station from any point on the site.
48
SWOT Analysis
49
Strengths
Weaknesses
- Architectural heritage – palaces and villas - Commercial activity - small businesses - Important institution - Green spaces - Near Cairo
- Iron grid – no defined edges - Wayfinding is monotonous - New buildings blocking old villas - Neglect and deterioration - Inner city - Vertical expansion of new buildings
Green heritage spaces - Education institutes
Vertical Expansion and new buildings
Opportunities
Threats
- Revival of “Belle Époque” - Metro - Empty land on hill - Unused buildings and palaces - History of functions – medical - Sulphur spring
- Industrial zone – cement factories - Air pollution - Water table contaminated by sewage - Polluted sulphur springs
Medical History
Industrial zone
Future Vision
“Revitalization of worldrenowned function: medical resort.�
The aim is to focus on medical advancement and treatment available for all. With the inevitable relocation of the cement factories due to the pollution they cause as well as the prime real estate they occupy, the vision is to turn Helwan back into a safe environment that becomes a medical hub. It will start by helping all those that suffered health problems by being exposed to the cement factories. However, the target user is not just the local community, but also the international community. The environmental preservation of Helwan will extend to the natural heritage sites and the valleys which are protected but under risk. This project will be a mixed-use complex as the facilities will range in typologies from medical to recreational to educational to commercial and residential. It will act as a node that revitalizes the area of Helwan, the medical prestige of Helwan, the international prestige of Egypt for things other than its heritage, and revitalize the environment.
50
User profile
•
•
•
•
•
51
Factory workers: The many workers of heavy industry factories located in the Helwan area, particularly the cement factories. Some of these workers reside in the informal areas of Helwan. Students and scholars: Those that attend Helwan University, or the training hospitals located at Helwan as part of the medical school. Also, students and scholars from other universities that may have an interest in those institutions. Residents of middle socioeconomic background: They live in the buildings that were built on the plots of land of old villas, demolishing or encompassing the original villas. Some also live in the new urban sprawl that has spread out from Helwan’s original urban development. Small shop owners: Own the shops that exist on the ground floors of new buildings and of light structure stores that are erected adjacent to old villas. Market sellers:There are two types of markets one that is fresh produce and the other of domestic objects and clothes. These vendors set up everyday of the week.
• •
• •
Shoppers: Shoppers of both the stores and markets. Worshippers: Lots of mosques and churches in the area - many people go to these places of worship Children & families: go to the Japanese garden for recreational purposes - attend schools. Industries: These are predominantly cement industry, although quarrying is also found in some regions
Target Users and Stakeholders
Target Users
training. Also non-medical students that want to volunteer. Factory workers: These people in Patients: from both Helwan, other particular have been exposed to areas of Egypt and abroad. They will many hazardous conditions that come seeking treatment for the difaffects their health and well being ferent areas of specialization that negatively. They will be the main this complex will offer. Often these priority for treatment. specializations have innovations in those fields, including experimental Stakeholders treatments. Doctors: there will be doctors that come to the facility to conduct med- • Local authority: Ministry of ical research, and learn about new Health, Ministry of Education, methods. There will be other doctors Ministry of Housing & Developthat come to practice medicine. ment Researchers: coming from different • Local institutions: Helwan uniinstitutions will research medical versity, hospitals, schools treatments and conditions, develop- • Local residents: within the iming new drugs and cures. mediate context and surroundVisitors: there will be many visitors ing context that come to visit the patients, some • Property owners: of the old vilof these will be temporary visitors (1 las as well as the new residences day visits) while others will be perma- • Small business owners: shops, nent visitors (visitors that stay with training centers, market stalls the patients during their entire treatetc ment) • Hotel owners: of the hotels that Local residents: that live in the area exist in the area, even those that and will have access to the public are not currently operational space this complex creates as well as • Ministry of Health: will have an the health services input in the medical complex Students: students of the university • Medical organizations: will conand medical school that will attend tribute to the development of project to learn and do their medical the project by stating needs of
current medicine and treatments
52
Concept
Precedents
Cuyahoga Medical Mart & Convention center, Cleveland
The concept of the project is to create a center for medical innovation and exchange, in an area world renowned for its health facilities, medical advancements and excellent medical care.
Approach Render of the project. From Cleveland Scene.
“Architectural call-and-response” Elements of participation (not actual participation): • Public brainstorming sessions • Regular meetings to update community on construction and design • Transparency in all phases of work, including budgeting and spending3
redesigning the complex to provide cal conferences and trade shows. new landscaping, build new buildings as well as rehabilitate the exist“You can’t insert the mart ing buildings. model that you have
At first the project was treated with controversy, as the idea of a medical mart seemed absurd due to the tarThe project is using the site of histor- get use. As a result, the focus of the ic malls in the city of Cleveland and project was shifted to scope mediHistorical malls of Cleveland at site of project. From Cuyahoga County.
53
in other industries into the medical industry. [Hospitals and doctors] don’t go mall shopping for things.” 6
Program Objectives Space program for the project. From Functions: Major convention center
Space Program
• “Innovative and leading edge wherever possible • Significant ongoing activity across the calendar, not just when major meetings are in town • Refreshed periodically to ensure vitality and visitors’ interest • Flexibility in use of facilities, to promote Northeast Ohio meetings and events” 1
elements.
Features Render of the project. From Cleveland Scene.
• • •
• • • • • • •
Revitalizes city center Rehabilitates historic buildings Mixed-Use Development: Hotel Convention Center Medical Mart Exhibition Hall Ballroom Business Center Mall
The program itself is flexible according to the different tenants that use the space. However, a guideline was set to limit functions to a particular focus and therefore maintaining the project requirements and essence. 54
Program Tenant Options •
•
“Single vendor showrooms, with an emphasis on technology based products that are fun to view and demonstrate Collaborative, multi vendor areas, chosen with relevance to contemporary health care delivery – e.g. a thematic venue(s) such as information technology; “state of the art/view of the future” areas such as the OR, cath labs, diagnostic imaging, patient exam rooms, in-hospital pharmacy, rehab facilities,
•
•
•
Left: Zoning of Ballroom. From
Functions: Major convention center elements Right: Zoning of Exhibition Hall. From
Functions: Major convention center elements 55
long term care, and home care; therapeutic areas such as Gastroenterology or Pediatrics; and “hot topic” subject areas such as Accountable Care Organizations Learning spaces devoted to educational institution tenants or private sector providers, including “classrooms” for teaching and possibly a biosimulation lab Early stage company showroom(s) either for carefully selected local firms or a country’s start-up’s such as for Israel, Ireland, or China Public areas on the first floor of the Mart, likely including one or more retail tenants” 2
Impact on Thesis Design The project failed to study the target user demographics in a good way resulting in functions that would not be appropriate to the user leading to the failure of the project. They later rectified this but we will design to prevent this by conducting research prior to design as to whether the functions suggested are appropriate to the users or not, and if they will be successful. Their transparent approach may have kept the stakeholders in the know, but did not integrate the stakeholders enough – limiting interaction to a public brainstorming session at the beginning of the project and regular update meetings. This is not what we intend to do as it proved to be unsuccessful in resolving certain issues with the functionality. The existing buildings underwent adaptive reuse as well as the addition of new buildings to the site, adding a contemporary layer to history. Due to the presence of the iron grid, like Helwan, and the
monumentality of the buildings on site, like the sanatorium, the grid was maintained while the landscaping changed providing more direct circulation. This is a good approach to take for the rehabilitation of Helwan.
References
1. Cleveland medical mart & convention center: Cuyahoga county council briefing materials (Issue brief ). (2012, June 26). Retrieved http://www. cuyahogacounty.us/pdf_home/en-US/ MedMart/062612-MedMartCouncilBriefing. pdf 2. Cleveland medical mart & convention center: Cuyahoga county council briefing materials (Issue brief ). (2012, June 26). Retrieved http://www. cuyahogacounty.us/pdf_home/en-US/ MedMart/062612-MedMartCouncilBriefing. pdf 3. Litt, S. (2013, November 22). Public input is helping to shape the design of the new Cleveland convention center hotel. Cleveland.com. Retrieved from http:// www.cleveland.com/architecture/index. ssf/2013/11/public_input_is_helping_to_ sha.html#incart_river 4. A forum free and open to the public the future of the malls [Advertisement]. (2010, May). Retrieved from http:// bocc.cuyahogacounty.us/pdf_bocc/en-US/ MEDMARTforum10.pdf 5. Functions: Major convention center elements (Issue brief ). (2009, April). Retrieved http://www. cuyahogacounty.us/pdf_home/en-US/
MedMart/062612-MedMartCouncilBriefing.pdf 6. Sandy, E. (2013, September 19). A bold new vision without a vision: Cuyahoga county and medical mart operator part ways. Cleveland Scene. Retrieved from http://www.clevescene.com/ scene-and-heard/archives/2013/09/19/abold-new-vision-without-a-visioncuyahoga-county-and-medical-mart-operator-part-ways 7. 8. 9. Helwan history: 10. 11. Elshahed, M. (2011, November 09). Helwan’s Japanese Garden, 1917. Cairobserver. Retrieved from http://cairobserver.com/post/12532719733/helwans-japanese-garden-1917 12. 13. Hobson, H. O. (1906). Helouan, an Egyptian health resort and how to reach it. London: Longmans, Green. 14. 15. Rizk, Y. L. (2000, July 27). Al-Ahram:. Battle for Helwan. Retrieved from http://weekly.ahram.org.eg/2000/492/ chrncls.htm 16. 17. Shaltout, M., & Rahouma, A. Spectral measurements of visible solar direct normal-irradiance and air pollutant attenuation coefficients at Helwan(Unpublished doctoral dissertation). National research institute of astronomy and geophysics, Helwan, Cairo, Egypt. doi: http:// www.m-shaltout.com/air%20pollution%20 at%20helwan.pdf
56
INFRASTRUCTURE
SOCIOC ULTURAL POLICY MAKING
BAB AL-’AZAB 1811 - the Mameluk slaughter by Mohamed Ali 1825 - Mohamed Ali moved his government to the citadel 1828 - Mohamed Ali built the official registration department 1874 - Khedive Ismail becomes last ruler to rule from the citadel
To defend Egypt, Salah el-Din built the citadel, it was completed in 1183. Seat of power was transfered to the citadel.
Construction of citadel was not just for power & defence, but also to harbour the people during battles. But due to the increase in population it became more exclusive to the ruler’s services: administrative, domestic & military.
1805 - Ottoman walls surrounding bab alAzab built 1825 - Mohamed Ali started building or rebuilding many of the services within the citadel
With an increasing population within the citadel walls, the Mameluks expanded the water aqueduct.
pre-1700
1800
1900
2014
2014: 0% Population The current population is only formed by the locals around the area
POPULATION URBAN GROWTH ARCHITECTURE
2003 - Gates installed at Sultan Hassan and al-Refai Complex successfully break the link between the Citadel and Abdeen Palace
With the constrained space within the citadel many turned to building at the foot of the citadel - especially services for the citadel and mosques tying the city below to the seat of power.
1754 - Expansion of citadel enclosure to defend services at foot of citadel from rebels who might use neighbouring buildings to lay siege
1318 - al-Nasir Mohamed Mosque built 1356-1363 - Construction of Sultan Hassan Mosque 1567 - Mosque of Mahmoud Pasha built 1697 - Azab Mosque built
1754 - Bab al-Azab built by Radwan Katkhuda
1874 - Khedive Ismail moves to Abdeen establishing it as a new district
early 20th century - last inhabitants of the citadel 1912 - al-Rifai mosque completed 2014- Bab al-Azab is closed
57
Brief History
View of the citafel in 1874
Prior to construction of Muhammd Ali mosque, c.1826
View from citadel of the mydan, prior to the construction of al-Rifai, 1869
Context of the citadel 1842-1848
58
The Citadel was originally built and completed in 1183 by Salah el-Din; its main purpose was to defend Cairo, so consequently the seat of power transferred to the citadel. In addition to being the main node of defending Cairo, it was built to harbor the Cairene population during a seige. However, not all the population could live here, so with time, it became exclusive to the high class and the ruler’s services like the administrative, domestic and the military people.
by the construction of Mosque of Mahmoud Pasha in 1567 and finally in 1697, al-Azab Mosque Built. More expansion took place at the foot of the Citadel that included the construction of Bab al-Azab by Radwan Katkhuda. This construction marked a pivotal event in the history of Bab al-‘Azab because it started to be more defined with a great doorway resembling Bab al-Futuh. The most famous event accompanied by Bab el-‘Azab was the Mamluk Massacre in 1811 by Mohamed Ali in the carved path within the walls of Bab al-‘Azab. After, Mohamed Ali got rid of all the Mamluks, he started to move his government to the Citadel and he started to build and rebuild many of the services within the Citadel especially at the foot of the Citadel which was assigned a military purpose in 1825.
With time, the population in the Citadel started to increase so the Mamluks expanded the water aqueduct and people started to build at the foot of the Citadel especially services related to it and mosques started to emerge in order to strengthen the new situation. In 1318, al-Nasir Mohamed built his mosque and then in 1356-1363, the construction of Sultan Hassan mosque took place, followed
In 1874, the governmencen-
ter started to create a new district in Abdeen leaving the Citadel area.
Nowadays, the Bab al’Azab area has no population living in it; yet, there are various residential areas around it. There are many military storage areas in the existing buildings. as well as “The Center for Revitalization of Egyptian Art” which is working on restoration works.
Therefore, there has been a lot of layers of history that overlap creating this heritage site with its rich history and surrounfings.
Environmental
Water pollution (1)- dissolved oxygen (DO) 700
7
600
6
500
5 4 3
Existing measurement of dissolved oxygen
400
Existing measurement of suspended particles
Minimum acceptable
300
Maximum acceptable
200
2
Water Pollution: The levels of dissolved oxygen and dissolved salts are both within the acceptable ranges. Air Pollution: The level of suspended particles is very high and vexceeds the maximum acceptable, indicating a high degree of pollution. The level of smoke within the site is varying high but acceptable. The lead in air is acceptable. Climate: The temperature exceeds 35 degree Celsius, which is considered slightly high.The humidity is high compared to the humidity needed in a historical site.
Air pollution (1)- Total suspended particles
8
100
1
0
0
2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012
2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012
Water pollution (2)- dissolved salts (DS)
Air pollution (2) - Smoke
600
120
500
100
400
80 Existing measurement of dissolved salts (mg/ liter)
300
Maximum acceptable
200 100
Existing measurement of smoke in air (mg/cubic metre)
60
Maximum acceptable
40 20
0
0 2003200420052006200720082009201020112012
2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012
Air pollution (3)- Lead 1.2
The environmental conditions of the area need to be addressed because of the high leverl of pollution that is affecting the monuments. This should be addressed by looking atthe surroundings as well. However, the pollution within can be due to a lot of fires taking place .
1 0.8 Existing measurement of lead in air
0.6
Maximum acceptable
0.4 0.2 0 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012
59
Site Analysis: Solid-Void
The Solid/Void diagram shows the huge difference of condensation within the same area. For example, compare between the residential areas around the Bab Al-窶連zab site with the area of the monumental buildings located in between them, it is found that the solid ratio within the residential is higher yet divided into small pieces, unlike the monumental buildings. The monumental buildings are considered in less ratio of the solid compared to the void spaces, but the solid parts are bulkier compared to the surrounding. Moving into the area of Bab al-窶連zab, the solid/void ratio and the size of the solid compared to the void are considered somewhere in between of the residential buildings and the monumental buildings.
60
Topography
The site has very high topography, with a lot of variance from one point to another. This lends a unique physical characteristic to the site and will definitely affect generation of masterplan proposals. This can be seen as both an advantage and a challenge. The advantage is the view that this topography created and the visual dominance of the citadel, the wall and the areas inside the wall as well as the view from those areas to the surroundings. Moreover, it creates a more interesting design in terms of cariance and uniqueness. However, the disadvantage is that the design could be very challenging and hard to connect the different areas with each other. It needs to be addressed in creatng connectivity to the greater context as well.
61
Landmarks
J Bab al-‘Azab is surrounded by different heritage buildings with different scales, built at different time periods: A - Midan Sultan Hassan B - al-Rifai’ Mosque C - Sultan Hassan Mosque D - Dar al Mimar al Masry House of ‘Ali Effendi Labib E - al-Mahmoudiyya Mosque F - Midan Salah al-Din G - al-Khalifa Police Station H - Bab al-’Azab I - Lower Enclosure / Bab al-’Azab area J-Dar al Mahfouzat K - al-Nasir Muhammad Mosque L - Mohamed Ali Mosque M - Mostafa Kamel Mausoleum N - School O - Clinic & Community Center The area is surrounded by landmarks being part of the Old Cairo heritage site, but they all coexist 62
K L I
D
M
F
B A
H
E
C
with no connectivity between them and no path that connects the different historical buildings together that can be used as a landmarks path. This could be part of the deisgn proposal for this area as we can aim on emphasizing on the existing landmarks both inside the citadel and in the
N
O
G
surroundings and integrating as part of the design to help recreate a developped touristic and cultural node that can branch and stitch to into the surroundings. However, there are also a lot of landmarks inside the citadel and in the area of Bab Al Azab itself. The latter have to
be conserved and to be opened to be visitied again. They should be considered as iconic landmarks and nodes in the area of Bab Al-Azab,
Macro-Scale Accessibility
D
A Al Azhar Park B Bab Al Wazir St. C Bab Zewila D Abdeen Palace E Salah El din Sq. F Port Said St. G Al Saleeba St. H Al Sayeda Nefesa Sq. I Magraa El Ayoun J Al khalifa K Al Nasr Road L Salah Salem St.
A
1.25 km
E 0.83km
G
L
0.22 km
F
1 .3
B
km
km
5 0.8
km
0. 1 km
0.85 km
K
1 .6 8k
m
1.1 3k
m
km
5 0.7
The site has a central zone of the heritage site of Old Cairo and is surrounded by touristic nodes and significant monuments and streets that should be integrated in the masterplan. This also gives the opportunity to create a stimulus in the area of Bab Al Azab that can affect the greater context as a whole.
0 1.5
The site is accessible and connected to many nodes with varying access points: A. Al-Azhar Park B. Bab Al-Wazir St. C. Bab Zewila D. Abdeen Palace E. Salah el-Din squae F. Port Said street G. Al Saleeba street H. Al Sayeda Nefesa square I. Magraa el Ayoun J. Al Khalifa K. Al Nasr Road L. Salah Salem St.
1.32 km
C
H
J I
63
Micro-Scale Accessibility
Firstly, there is a main access off Salah Salem street leading to Salah El-Din Square. However currently the gate of Bab Al-Azab and Bab El Jedid are closed which surround the area of Bab Al-Azab so currently the durect access can be only considered as a potential, On a micro-scale level, the site is accessible from Salah El-Deen St., Al-Mahgar St., Sheikhoun St., and El-Sultan Hasan which are mainly connected to Salah El-Di Square. The direct accessibility to the site and the location being at the center of the city is a great potential in the area that should be utilzed especially that the site is connected from all directions and that those access points can be used to create connectivity to the landmarks in the area as well. However, the main network is vehicular so there has to be a pedestrian network created in the area. 64
Iconic Buildings
SWOT Analysis
Strengths
Weaknesses
- Architectural heritage - View - Defined boundaries - Protected - Visual axis - Historical landmarks
- Debris and decayed buildings - Abandoned – loss of identity - Police presence
Opportunities
Threats
- High potential as touristic node - Unused - Accessibility - Topography - Eligible for financial aid
- Gate closed - High contaminated water table - Weathering - High salt content in water -Water leakage
65
Future Vision
“Revitalization of the area into a heritage cultural node that integrates the community while focusing on protecting heritage currently located in threatened areas. .”
The area of bab Al Azab lies within the citadel walls, a major touristic node which is visited by local and international tourists, but is in fact not part of the developped area as it turned to be an abandoned site after the center of power changed. Therefore, the future vision must include the restoration of the whole area of Bab Al Azab and building on the potential of the area rather than just focusing on the needs and addressing them. The potential of the area is the tangible and intangible heritage that has not been utilized for a long time. However, the challenge is that the future vision for the area must take into consideration how the area could be developped, the direct impact of its development on the surrounding communities and on the heritage area and the impact on the greater context that will include a lot of stakeholders having this area part of the Old Cairo heritage site.
User profile
• •
•
•
•
66
There are currentky no residents of the area of Bab Al-Azab as it is completely abandoned. This in fact makes it very challenging to develop the area as there are no existing users that we can study to address in the development of the area. The army: There is an area that is currently in use by the army as workshops for different crafts so there is an area in the site that is inaccessible. Recent users: One of the most recents users of the area is the UNESCO which used part of the area for the restoration of historical elements such as Egyptian columns, mashrabeiat, etc, but they have left the area after the revolution and several fires that took place in the area. Other recent users of the area included the locals of El-Hattaba and other local communities that
used the area as an access point to the citadel as their jobs are inside the citadel and the area is considered to be their only direct access. Therefore the user profile can be difficult to address and can be analyzed in tersm of the users of the surroundings of the area which includes the locals and the tourists who will be in fact considered as target users. The stakeholders will also have to be analyzed as they will be have to addressed as well in proposing the development of the area.
Target Users and Stakeholders
Target users •
•
•
67
area has been closed for years and opening it will of course open new doors to researchers and the general public.
Surrounding local community: It is hard to categorize the surrounding local community into one category as there are differStakeholders ent groups of local ommunities, each having specific needs and • Local community: The local having different potentials. Howcommunity will be highly in- • ever, the surrounding local comvolved in the process of decimunities have to be engaged as sion-making to the action planthere are no communities in the ning in order to make sure that area of Bab Al-Azab. Arab El-Yasthe developments done to area sar and the community of El-Hatwould involve them and would taba are considered as two of the become part of their daily lives most significant communities • Governmental authorities: These that have to be addressed in the are governmental organizations design. with a vested interest in the area Local and international tourists: such as Supreme Council of AnThe local and international tourtiquities , the Ministry of Awqaf ists have long been part of the and the Ministry of Tourism. The target users for the whole area of area is in fact under the authorOld Cairo, however there has to ity of the Ministry of antiquities be a way to attract them as they which has been using the area will be the main source of income before and economic development in • NGOs: For instance, the Aga the area. Khan Foundation and the UNESResearchers/ general public: CO, which are currently working Those users are part of the greaton site, are expected to contriber context that has to be targetute with previous experience. ted in the design having the site There are also NGOs such as Ala heritage site that is rich in tangiAthar line which have worked ble and intangible potential. The on the development of an area
in El-Khalifa which is very close to the citadel. The Agha khan have worked on the development of the area of Dar Al Ahmar through their restoration of El-Ayyubid wall, different historical buildings around it and the creation of El Azhar Park as an urban node Small business owners: These are the shop owners around Bab el-Azab or owners of bazaars/ shops in touristic places. A lot of the shop owners in the area once benefited from the doors of the citadel which were open as the tourists exited to the surroundings, but their shops have been affected as the gates closed
Precedents
Gur-i-Emir area/ Samarkand, Uzbekistan
Concept
stakeholders.
unemployment.
Samarkand, part of modern Uzbekistan has contained one of the earliest civilizations of central Asia. Lying on the crossroads between East and West, along the Silk Road, it has much heritage from its Timurid times. With a thriving historic center and a changing environment, the city is currently reviewing its 1980 masterplan, especially its “general approach to the conservation and development of the city’s historic core.”
Within this strategic development, the rehabilitation and restoration of the Gur-i-Emir area is carried out as a pilot project. The aim is to combine the different aims of the development- community resources, the government and private sector as well as external donations to rehabilitate the area as well as address the problems of the local community such as overcrowding and
The preservation and balance between Samarkand’s key attractive features- the grand scale of the monuments juxtaposed with the intimate closely knit residential fabric (with low, courtyard houses) and the irrigated gardens- was the main drive behind the rehabilitation project. Also, stress was placed on implementing the international principles of urban conservation.
Approach
Samarkand, aerial view
68
The main process is the definition of a strategic development for the historic Timurid city through the implementation of rehabilitation and economic development programs in selected areas of the city centre. After reviewing all masterplan developments for Samarkand, criteria was laid out for the development including the need to connect between the hitoric center and the functioning city. Also, the acknowledgement of the growing role of the private sector as the public sector can no longer carry the economic weight of such entities. Thus, the space is designed to enhance direct participation of 68
Program Objectives
Program
•
• • • •
• • • •
Integrated rehabilitation project (conservation + new development) Small-scale interventions preferred as they are more effective than large-scale interventions Restoration of monuments Remodeling of public space Re-design of circulation
Community center Residential units Commercial facilities Workshop complex for traditional crafts and construction-related activities
• • •
Neighbourhood park Amenities such as playgrounds and teahouses Restoration of mosques and community centers
Features •
• Commercial activity
• • • • • 69
Teahouses
Public actions focused on establishing small enterprises on newly-available land, creating local employment opportunities in a historically-sensitive area Creation of a sewer- improving infrastructure in the area Utilization of existing public organizations (mahalla) Improvement of and provision of infrastructure Provision of technical support with rehabilitation of old houses Involvement of local representatives and households to better understand priorities Enhancement of local environment through public amenities 69
Impact on Thesis Design The projects focused on the integrated rehabilitation of combining between conservation and new development. There were also public actions focusing on establishing small enterprises on newly-available land, creating local employment opportunities in a historically sensitive area. The project will contain small scale intervention which is more preferred than the large scale intervention. This is very similar to the situation in Bab al-‘azab. In the Gur-i-Emir, several functions were established: a community center, residential units and commercial facilities to re-vitalize the area. Moreover, small public amenities were provided such as street lighting. What Bab al-‘azab project could benefit from a project like this one.
time, leading to a more successful project. Thirdly, the existing public organizations must be exploited as they can greatly contribute to the project in different ways.
Firstly, integration with the public and the local community is required within every step because they are the key to the project. Therefore, a step that should be first taken is to build for the community. Proposed rehabilitation plan for area around mausoleum
Secondly, small interventions must be introduced that will grow with 70
Initially, it was a desert where convicts were exiled
1859: On 25th April, the city of Port Said was founded by Said Pasha of Egypt and Ferdinand de Lesseps
SOCIOCULTURAL
1885: Multifacted, Multiethnic society.
French dominated culturally although there were also Italians, Greeks and British.
Divided into European Quarter and Arab Quarter (mostly Egyptians). Arab Quarter maintained the same construction quality but was overall simpler
1869: Suez Canal inauguarated 1869: Workshops, adminstrative buildings, shops, hospitals, religious buildings, markets and primary schools 1850
1862: 2,000 inhabitants 1864: A surge to 4,000 inhabitants due to construction work. 1869: 10,000 inhabitants 1864: Area = 20,000 sq. m
ARCHITECTURE
URBAN GROWTH
POPULATION
1800
71
1910: Suez Canal Company created a new city for labourer housing “Port Fuad�
Suez Canal Company enforced very rigid architectural and urban planning regulations. Designed lodgings for labourers and employees
INFRASTRUCTURE
POLICY MAKING
PORT SAID
1885: Cosmopolitan, multifacted multi-ethnic city with European consulates, banks and entertainment sites
1927: Co-operative set up for Suez Canal workers
1902: Railway station to Cairo opened Port Fuad designed with clear grids and 45-degree openings
1900
1920s: 100,000 inhabitants 1920- 1930: Cosmopolitan city
1910: Expanded into Port Fuad which designed with clear grids and 45 degrees openinigs
1930s: Started replacing wood by reinforced concrete while maintaining the same forms.
1956: Nationalization of Suez Canal 1967: Arab-Israeli War; Port Said colonized and Suez Canal closed 1975: Suez Canal re-opened 1976: Port Said declared a duty-free zone
2010: Port Said university established
1956: Egyptians moved out of the Arab Quarter into the European Quarter as well
2012: Port Said clashes
1967; suez canal closed 1975; suez canal re-opened 2011: Airport modernized 1975: New housing built for the re- and re-opened turning refugees of the wars Residences in portFoad
1950
1996: 470,000 inhabitants
2000
2014
2006: 570,000 inhabitants
1956: Attacked by French and British forces; severely damaged
Brief History
Port Said, 1930s, aerial view
Port Said European Quarter
The city of Port Said was founded on April 25th, 1859. Previously, it was stranded and convicts were exiled here. By 1860, it had grown to contain shops, ironworks, workshops and fellahin (farmers) established a new village nearby called “Gemila,” separated from Port Said by Lake Manzala, of substantial size back then. It had 2000 inhabitants in 1861 and as work on the Suez Canal proceeded, so the city flourished. By the inauguration of the Suez Canal in 1869, Port Said boasted 10,000 inhabitants, 1,500 of which were in Gemila. To sustain land for the city’s growth, extensive excavation was required to gain terrain on Lake Manzala -probably one of the major factors that affect Lake Manzala today. By 1864, much of the Lake Manzala reclamation had been carried out and Port Said enjoyed a population that was largely French and Greek. The most distinguishing feature of Port Said is the distinctive unified architecture and urban planning, mostly a result of regulated urban planning by the Suez Canal Company, also responsible for much of the construction. However, original construction resisted regular plan-
ning therefore was left as a separate oblique grid. The Suez Canal Company also built worship buildingschurches and mosques- as well as designed lodgings for labourers and employees with heavily-regulated construction and materials to “instill homogeneity and a personality deemed appropriate to the city.” Almost nothing remains of this original construction; most buildings date back to 1885.
Quarter contained much smaller homes, no courtyards, a much more closely-woven network of narrow streets and pedestrian lanes and simpler, more modest finishes. In both cases, there existed a vocabulary of arcaded buildings and vast balconies extending into the street, creating a “second skin” to the existing building. The homogeneity of the facades is the main reason or their appeal. With time, however, the use of wood decreased as it had to be imported and was fairly expensive.
In the late 19th century, the city of Port Said was very much a cosmopolitan, multifaceted, multi-ethnic city comprising of consulates, banks hotels, entertainment locations and the like. It was divided into two major parts: the European Quarter and the Arab Quarter. While the two shared equal quality of construction and similar vocabulary, the Arab 72
Helwan In the 1930s, as buildings were being renovated, the original forms were still respected although the building material was different.
Port Said, Arab Quarter, 1930s
ground troops on 5th November which were strongly countered by civilian resistance, although they had little formal support from the army and had to defend themselves by boiling water and gun battles in the streets thus becoming a symbol of popular resistance to Western imperialism.8
In the 1970s, with Anwar el-Sadat’s drastic infitah policies, Port Said was designated a free-trade zone so it could “serve as the mantle of broader national initiatives� After President Mubarak was attacked by a clothing vendor, tax policies were made more stringent which created a general feeling of discontent and probably contributed very much to its revolutionary spirit during and In the 1930s, as buildings were being since the 25th January Revolution. renovated, the original forms were In 2001, its population amounted to still respected although the building 472,335 people. material was different. Port Said boasted many clubs and Port Said continued being a cosmo- community buildings. Although politan vibrant city mostly inhabit- the French dominated the city culed by Europeans until 1956 when turally and economically through Gamal AbdelNasser nationalized the schools and newspapers, the growSuez Canal Company on 26 July 1956. ing presence of the British eventuFollowing a series of attacks, Port ally moved them to a neighbourSaid was occupied by Anglo-French ing area- Port Fuad. Originally, Port
Fuad was established in 1918 by the directors of the Suez Canal Company in an attempt to provide existing labour with housing and services. Designed as a working class neighbourhood and garden city, it has a clear 45-degree angle grid. All in all, there is a unified urban structure created by diverse settlements and a good quality of construction.7
Port Said is the main node while Port Fouad acts more as a supporting satellite city. Port Said has strong architectural heritage and unique features as well as notable history as a cosmopolitan city thus it holds a lot of potential for revitalization.
73
Research Phase I
Environmental Analysis
Water pollution (1)- dissolved oxygen (DO) 1000
7
900 800
6
700
5 4 3
Dissolved oxygen (mg/ cubic metre)
600 500
Existing measurement of suspended particles
Minimum allowable
400
Maximum acceptable
300
2
The site suffers from bad environmental conditions that were determined through analyzing the air pollution. The analysis indicated that the number of suspended particles in the air is far greater than that of the maximum acceptable range. The second conducted analysis inspected the smoke range that was found to be existing in huge amounts also exceeding the maximum acceptable range. The third analyzes the rain fall, temperature and humidity showing the weathering conditions of the site. The site is an already deserted land plot, overlooking the Suez Canal. It does not suffer infrastructure deterioration or any critical conditions because it was only used as a storage area by the government and it has no land-use history. As the site is in physical contact with the environment, the Suez Canal, the 74
Air pollution (1)- Total suspended particles
8
200
1
100
0
0
2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012
2003200420052006200720082009201020112012
Water pollution (2)- dissolved salts (DS)
Air pollution (2) - Smoke
600
70
500
60 50
400 300 200
Existing measurement of dissolved salts (mg/ liter)
40
Maximum acceptable
30
Existing measurement Minimum allowable
20
100
10 0
0
2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012
2003200420052006200720082009201020112012
Air pollution (3)- Lead 1.2 1 0.8 Existing measurement of lead in air
0.6
Maximum acceptable
0.4 0.2 0 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012
Site Analysis Solid-void
The solid and void diagrams show the iron grid planning of the urban fabric of the site. The grid is very modular which allows for a very few room for further expansions and minimal interventions. The city is planned according to an iron grid that makes the planned fabric very restrictive in terms of further expansions. The iron grid configuration results in linear and possibly bottlenecked circulation elements surrounding the huge solid buildings created in the form of rectangular blocks filling the spaces in between the circulatory system. Such configuration is disadvantageous since it doesn’t allow for the emphasis and dynamics needed to create a socially vibrant environment, yet the functional aspects of the current solid to void configuration seems to be designed in an efficiency oriented manner.
future design should be environmentally responsive to the presence of the canal. It should be a non-polluting/ environmentally sustainable design. The conducted environmental analysis shows the existing bad environmental conditions which make
the need for a less polluting project become a necessity to the city; also the proximate nature of the site to the canal provides the site with more restrictive construction environment. 75
Topography
The site has minimal topographic differences; the site has only 3 meters topography which is considered very gentle The topographical conditions of the site, has limited differences in terms of levels, which ranges only from two to three meters difference between the highest and the lowest point. This privilege gives room for less excavation works during the construction phase, a more flexible condition for design and fewer restrictions.
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Landmarks
1- Worker’s quarters and offi cer’s housing 2- Light house 3- De Lesseps house 4- Suez Canal Authority 5- Church The landmarks located are on the different sides of the sea as there is the workers’ quarters and the mosque that are located in Port Foua and tother landmarks such as the light house and the church on the other side in Port Said. The landmarks that ae located in Port Fouad are visible from the other side which makes it interesting to achieve a visual connection between the two sides by emphasizing on those landmarks as well as creating other new landmarks. The architecture of the workers’ quarters is very unique and can be repeated in different areas for example to create such connectivity. 77
Micro-Scale Accessibility
The site is located in a very vibrant space in the city, next to the most important landmarks such as the Suez Canal authority, the light house as well as Port Fouad, Which makes it accessible and familiar to most people in the city. Although the site is placed on the periphery, its location suits the function very well in terms of accessibility as foreign investors and commercial activities will be most commonly efficient when situated next to the Suez canal authorities and the most important commercial and trade nodes. However, what would be challenging in designing this area is including an area in Port Fouad as part of the site as there is no direct physical connection between both except by using the ferries to pass to the other side.
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Iconic Buildings
Macro-Scale Accessibility
The site is allocated on edge of the canal, which provides easy access to the site due to the importance of its location. It lies in a very proximate area to the most important locations in Port Said such as the workers quarters, Port Fouad, SCA Traffic control, Ferial park, Masala park, 23rd of July street and Port said-Ismailia roadÂŹ The macro level of accessibility of the site could be managed through the sea as well as land. The important nature of the project will demand even a different type of air access and the future of creation of an airport, as the site will depend basically on external and internal commercial/ trade activities that require different means of communication and accessibility methods.
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Strengths
Weaknesses
- Frontage on Mediterranean & Suez Canal - Definite boundaries - Strong architectural heritage & identity - National pride
- Isolated - No space for expansion - No local interest in heritage - Poor security - High humidity
Opportunities
Threats
- Great economic potential - Integrates with plans for Suez Canal expansion - Port & free zone - high potential as economic and trade node - Next to Port Fouad and Sinai - Strong architectural heritage - Sea water can be used for passive cooling - Rainwater harvesting
- Bureaucracy - deterrent to development - High erosion of coastline - Salt in air causes erosion – salt in water causes decay of foundations - Cannot be independent – no agriculture - High pollution levels in Lake Manzala - Damietta port is a competitor - Global warming – expected that 2025 30cm sea level increase
Future Vision
Thus, the above analysis implies that, if properly designed for, Port Said can easily become the business (and to a lesser extent, touristic) capital of Egypt.
To put Port Said back on the map as a major port city, touristic attraction, and as a international and national business centre known for its unique heritage. It will act as a core for future Sinai developments. Treating the port “as both connector and terminus� 1 The major approach in dealing with Port Said is the revitalization of the city of Port Said as a major port city, tourist attraction and an international and national business center. Seeing as it was once that cosmopolitan mix and capable of housing all these different nationalities that were driven away during and after the Suez Canal crisis, the aim is to once more attract foreign investment and tourists. By encouraging development in this area, Port Said will act as a catalyst from which development in the entire Sinai peninsula can take place. In addition, business and tourism potential in Port Said is extremely high as it has frontage on a major waterway- the Suez Canal as well as direct access to the Red Sea and a unique architectural heritage unparalleled in the world.
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User profile
•
•
•
• •
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Business owners: There are many small-scale business owners in Port Said who are greatly suffering from the stagnant national economy. Local residents: The local residents of Port Said are of social classes but the upper classes seem to be migrating to Cairo in search of better opportunities Dockworkers: These are definitely adversely affected by the lack of active trade in Port Said which is far below its potential Fishermen: Residents of Port Fouad: These residents are adversely affected by their disconnection from Port Said
Target Users and Stakeholders
Target Users:
Stakeholders:
•
Local store owners: The aim is to activate trade in Port Said, thus the local store owners will benefit
•
Local community: This is the most affected by this project as it is our key stakeholder
•
Local workforce: By providing • trade and similar key projects, work will be available for local labourers
Local authorities: Local authorities such as the Suez Canal Authority are integral to the success or failure of our project
•
Local community: The revival of • local community is important to the general improvement of living conditions for the community
Investors: Attracting investors to our business hub is essential as their activity is responsible for revitalizing Port Said.
•
National consumers: Providing • better services and goods for consumers is an important part of revitalizing trade
•
Tourists: Creating touristic attractions in Port Said
Heritage-affiliated NGOs: As the architectural heritage in Port Said is rich but not well-protected, these NGOs will be a major stakeholder in this project as this heritage should be reflected and respected in our intervention
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Precedents
London Docklands Redevelopment, UK
Concept The regeneration of the London Docklands which were in a state of steady inner city decline through Urban Development Corporations (UDCs) set up by the government is an example that can be easily likened to Port Said. As many of London’s docks went into decline by the 1950s, the government stepped in and transformed the area from industrial wasteland into an active commercial, residential and touristic area.
Approach The London Docklands were originally part of London’s busy port but by the end of the 1950s was falling into shambles as modernization and increase in ship size made river travel almost impossible. In addition, the decline of portside industries and manufacturing led to a decline in jobs and accordingly, population. Other problems were poor access, limited shopping facilities and lack of public open space.
London Docklands Development
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The London Docklands Development Corporation (LDDC) was founded in 1981 to tackle this issue. Together with local entities, private developers
and the government, they focused on market-led development rather than the implementation of a grand masterplan. While first addressing major issues such as transportation to improve life for existing residents, effort was also made to attract new
residents and improve housing. This allowed the economy to expand and thus, pay back its initial investment. The Canary Wharf development has also attracted other user groups to the area.
Program Objectives
Program
•
• •
• • • Night view
• •
Utilizing a “developmental framework” which defines public space and infrastructure as masterplans are inflexible. Empty land undergoes short-term intervention Allowing for known undefined future expansions Returning use to the land and buildings Encouraging new industry and commerce Ensuring good housing and amenities for residents Creating a pleasant environment
• • •
Area – 8 ½ square miles Public open space: 150,000 sqm (150 ha) Water-based Ecology park and bird sanctuary (conservation area) Shopping mall Sailing and watersports center
Features • • • • • Aerial view
Extending public transport and infrastructure to the Docklands Creation of new homes and conversion of old warehouses to new homes Creation of new open spaces Pedestrian and cycle routes as well as pedestrian bridges Planting of trees to create a pleasant environment for residents 85
Impact on Thesis Design While the London Docklands, in itself, is a fairly successful development, there are criticisms as to whether these developments have benefited the original residents as prices of residences have skyrocketed and newly-created jobs target users other than the original inhabitants. In addition, the real issue here is how applicable this example is to a case such as Port Said. Port Said was also a flourishing port city but with
Ongoing development in London Docklands
86
time and bad policymaking, deteriorated. The main lessons to be learnt from the Docklands Development are the importance of staying in touch with the local community as the project develops. It is essential that the proposed development raise the standard of living in the entire site, not just bring new users with money. Regardless, the excellent integration of several functions together
(residential, commercial and entertainment) has definitely given rise to an active hub that is, so far, self-sustaining. The inclusion of public open spaces such as parks, pedestrian walkways and cycling definitely influence the environment that the users inhabit and thus, can play a significant role in design.
Site selection
Once the analysis of the four sites was complete, a matrix was formulated with the criteria which the team believed was most important in the final site. Each was given a weight and graded, accordingly the choice of the final site was Bab el-Azab.
that once our main stakeholders are identified, we can easily interact with them to gather the kind of information that would guide future selections and design interventions. This factor was thus given a weight of 8.
dense sites, there might be difficulty finding empty plots that are at close proximity. In addition, the heritage approach may conflict with demolishing these buildings to free plots for our projects. So, this factor was given a weight of 7.
easily as each site would lend itself to a specific type of development so given a weight of 2.
Not over done
This was a factor because we did not want to choose a site that had been exhausted with previous projects, Physical Accessibility Specific local user group rather we preferred one that still held Physical accessibility is a relativeThe criteria chosen for evaluation ly minor issue for sites within Cairo The presence of a specific local group relatively untapped potential so this of the sites and the corresponding but for sites requiring travel it can was important so that we could was given a weight of 9. weight given was: be a major issue that influences both make sure that our proposal would our participatory approach as we re- benefit the local community and imHeritage Following the selection wuired easy and constant presence prove their living standards in addiThis is an important factor that we tion to revitalizing the area. This has on-site. Our ability to easily gather inof the criteria, each was chose as our top priority due to the formation would be affected. In addi- a weight of 6. graded by each person fact that a site with strong heritage tion, due to the turbulent conditions in the group put forward would greatly guide our design inEgypt has been in since 2011, travel Possibilities for mixed use her own evaluation for terventions later on. So, it was given was highly unpredictable so we gave This was a logistical and conceptual a weight of 10. each site based on each this factor a weight of 8. issue as for some sites, far-flung land criterion. The summary plots would affect the overall masterAccess to stakeholders plan and functioning of the projects of these evaluations was Availability of land As our second main approach is paras a single development. In any case, summarized into the The availability of free plots to design ticipatory, it is of extreme importance this is a matter that can be dealt with following tables. was important because in extremely 87
Site selection
Evaluation of Tawfikiya and Helwan
Site: Tawfikiya Criteria
Weight Vote 1 Vote 2 Vote 3 Vote 4 Vote 5 Vote 6 Vote 7 Average
Heritage Criteria Access to stakeholders Ease of accessibility Heritage Availability of land Access to stakeholders Specific local user group Ease of accessibility Possibilities for of mixed Availability landuse Notlocal overuser donegroup Specific Possibilities for mixed use Not over done
9.0 10 10 10 9 8 8 9 9 Weight Vote 1 Vote 2 Vote 3 Vote 4 Vote 5 Vote 6 Vote 7 Average 10 7 7 8 10 7 7 8.0 8 10 10 10 98 10 89 10 9.6 8 9.0 10 9 8 9 5 7 7 58 3 87 27 5.3 78 10 10 8.0 9 7 9 89 8 78 9 8.1 68 10 10 10 10 10 9.6 25 87 37 75 73 48 42 5.0 27 5.3 29 17 19 68 78 47 19 3.1 96 8.1 2 8 3 7 7 4 4 5.0 2 2 1 1 6 7 4 1 3.1 9
Site: Tawfikiya
Site: Helwan Criteria
Site: Helwan
Heritage Criteria Access to stakeholders Ease of accessibility Heritage Availability of land Access to stakeholders Specific local user group Ease of accessibility Possibilities for of mixed Availability landuse Notlocal overuser donegroup Specific Possibilities for mixed use Not over done
Weight Vote 1 Vote 2 Vote 3 Vote 4 Vote 5 Vote 6 Vote 7 Average
10 8 8 10 78 68 27 96 2 9
4 9 84 9
9 8 9 98
8 3 78 10 3
7 3 7 83
6 6 76 86
6 4 86 84
7 5 87 95
98 79 10 9 7 10
49 59 10 4 5 10
87 5 10 78 5 7
47 8 94 8 9
47 78 84 7 8
38 8 83 8 8
68 89 96 8 9
6.7 5.4 7.7 6.7 8.7 5.4 5.4 7.7 6.9 8.7 8.7 5.4 6.9 8.7
Weight Vote 1 Vote 2 Vote 3 Vote 4 Vote 5 Vote 6 Vote 7 Average
Weighted average 90.0 Weighted 64.0 average 76.6 90.0 37.0 64.0 48.9 76.6 10.0 37.0 28.3 48.9 7.09 10.0 28.3 7.09 Weighted average 67.1 Weighted 43.4 average 61.7 67.1 61.0 43.4 32.6 61.7 13.7 61.0 78.4 32.6 7.16 13.7 78.4 7.1688
Site selection
Evaluation of Bab el-’Azab and Port Said
Site: Bab al-'Azab Criteria Site: Bab al-'Azab Heritage Criteria Access to stakeholders Heritage Ease of accessibility Access to stakeholders Availability of land Ease of accessibility Specific local user group Availability land use Possibilities for of mixed Specific Notlocal overuser donegroup Possibilities for mixed use Not over done
Weight Vote 1 Vote 2 Vote 3 Vote 4 Vote 5 Vote 6 Vote 7 Average 9.0 10 10 7 10 8 10 9 9 Weight Vote 1 Vote 2 Vote 3 Vote 4 Vote 5 Vote 6 Vote 7 Average 7 9 7 8 8 9 7 7.9 8 9.0 10 10 7 10 8 10 9 9 7 8 7 5 9 6 7.3 8 9 8 8 9 7 7.9 8 7 6 7 7 7 4 4 6.0 7 7 8 7 5 9 9 6 7.3 8 5 6 7 7 7 9 6.9 6 6 7 7 4 7 7 5 5 6 7 4 8 6.0 2 5 6 7 7 7 7 9 6.9 6 10 10 9 8 10 10 7 9.1 9 7 5 5 6 7 4 8 6.0 2 10 10 9 8 10 10 7 9.1 9
Weighted average Weighted 90.0 average 62.9 90.0 58.3 62.9 42.0 58.3 41.1 42.0 12.0 41.1 82.3 12.0 7.77 82.3 7.77
Site: Port Said Criteria Site: Port Said
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Heritage Criteria Access to stakeholders Heritage Ease of accessibility Access to stakeholders Availability of land Ease of accessibility Specific local user group Availability land use Possibilities for of mixed Specific Notlocal overuser donegroup Possibilities for mixed use Not over done
Weight Vote 1 Vote 2 Vote 3 Vote 4 Vote 5 Vote 6 Vote 7 Average 6.7 10 8 6 4 9 8 5 7 Weight Vote 1 Vote 2 Vote 3 Vote 4 Vote 5 Vote 6 Vote 7 Average 9 8 5 7 8 8 9 7.7 8 6.7 10 8 6 4 9 8 5 7 6 7 5 5 4 3 6 5.1 8 9 8 5 7 8 8 9 7.7 8 9 6 8 7 8 7.9 7 6 7 5 5 4 3 6 5.1 8 10 9 8 6 9 7 8 8.1 6 9 9 6 8 7 8 8 7.9 7 7 8 8 9 9 7 9 8.1 2 10 9 8 6 9 7 8 8.1 6 8 8 9 9 9 8.6 9 7 8 8 9 9 7 9 8.1 2 8 8 9 9 9 9 8 8.6 9
Weighted average Weighted 67.1 average 61.7 67.1 41.1 61.7 55.0 41.1 48.9 55.0 16.3 48.9 77.1 16.3 7.35 77.1 7.35
Site selection
Summary table
Based on the above tables which are based on the research done for each site, Bab el-Azab was seen as stronger due to not having been used previously and the strong heritage present on site as well as fairly good access to stakeholders and ease of accessibility. There were concerns regarding the availability of land and the specific user group we would address as well as whether the site itself would be able to contain a mixed-use development but overall, it was seen as the best option.
Summary table for evaluations of site based on criteria Weighted Tawfikiya average 67.14 9.00
Weighted Port Said average 90.00 6.71
Weighted average 67.14
Bab elAzab 9.00
Weighted average 90.00
Criteria
Weight
Helwan
Heritage Access to stakeholders Ease of accessibility Availability of land Specific local user group Possibilities for mixed use Not over done
10
6.71
8 8 7
5.43 7.71 8.71
43.43 61.71 61.00
8.00 9.57 5.29
64.00 76.57 37.00
7.71 5.14 7.86
61.71 41.14 55.00
7.86 7.29 6.00
62.86 58.29 42.00
6
5.43
32.57
8.14
48.86
8.14
48.86
6.86
41.14
2 9
6.86 8.71
13.71 78.43
5.00 3.14
10.00 28.29
8.14 8.57
16.29 77.14
6.00 9.14
12.00 82.29
50 Average
7.16
7.09
7.35
7.77
90
We started first by looking at the greater context of Cairo in order to find which kind of revitalization is needed in the area and we found that heritage is the most crucial aspect because of the unused potentials of both the tangible and the intangible heritage. This mainly directed us towards the context of Old Cairo.
Cairo
Then as we focused on the heritage, we looked closer into the area of Old Cairo, which had various touristic nodes and limited areas of development that were never continued or connected. The areas of development were also never connected to the context and thus the whole context could never fully develop.
Cairo
CAIRO
CAIRO
OLD CAIRO
OLD CAIRO
EL KHALIFA
HERITAGE
HERITAGE
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After the development that took place in the area of El-Azhar park and Darb El-Ahmar, it only seemed logical to continue the development in the close area of El-Khalifa that has a lot of historical buildings and heritage that is not utilized. The area of el-Khalifa is actually rich with a community that has potential that was never involved in any development plan.
CAIRO
However, the problem in El-Khalifa is that there is an inaccessible transitional zone existing between the citadel, a major touritsic node and the community of El-Khalifa and the surrounding Sheiakhas. This inaccessible zone that lies within the citadel walls creates an obstacle in stitching the areas of development together and in creating development in the whole heritage area of Old Cairo.
OLD CAIRO EL KHALIFA
COMMUNITY
INACCESSIBLE TRANSITIONAL ZONE
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Therefore, the area of Bab Al-azab had to be utilized and developped in order to make use of the seven faddans of the abandoned site that has a lot of deserted potenitial and that could be revitalized in order to create a magnet that could initiate development in the whole heritage area.
CAIRO
OLD CAIRO EL KHALIFA BAB AL-AZAB
POTENTIAL
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10%
Research Phase I
30%
Research Phase II
60%
90%
100% 94
Introduction
In order to be able to understand the site of Bab Al-Azab one must understand the context and therefore the history of the area as is part of a heritage site that comprises of several layers of history overlapping each other. The nature of the area is that it is the Lower Enclosure of the Citadel. The Citadel, which was once the center of power, was the catalyst that created a rich history for the area. The heritage found in the area is both of a tangible and intangible nature. The Citadel itself has had many modifications throughout history, both physical changes such as built-up area, and architecture; and in terms of functions. It is the history of the Citadel that contributes most to the value of the site rather than the architecture, as most of the buildings for which it was praised as being a gem throughout
history were removed during the period of Muhammed Ali. The layers of history included the eras of the Ayyubids, the Mamluks, the Ottomans, the French occupation, Muhammad Ali, Khedival rule, and the British occupation. Added to these layers is also that of the formation of modern Egypt and recent years. Each of those layers had an effect within the Citadel, within Bab al-Azab, in the area, in Cairo, and in the country. As the seat of power changed from the Citadel to other sites, the Citadel lost its strength as a magnet node; thus changing the other areas in the citadel as well as the heritage nodes surrounding the site in each era. The area has always had its strong connection to the military throughout the different times. It had been a military stronghold up until the mid-twentieth century.
Outline
1-Physical History of the Citadel The Ayyubid The Mamluks The Ottomans, Egypt Eyalet French Occupation Period of Disorder Muhammad Ali Khedival Rule British Occupation Modern Egypt Recent yEARS 2-Timeline 3-Bab Al-Azab Enclosure Maps 4-Context through the years 5-Urban space & Architecture 6-Public space use & Circulation 7-Cairo’s intangible heritage 8-Conclusion
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Physical History of the Citadel
Division of Citadel into Northern, Southern and Lower Enclosures. From Rabbat (1991).
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The citadel of Cairo (Citadel of the Mountain - Qala’at al-Jabal) was one of the major works of military and palatial architecture of the Middle Ages. It reached its most monumental form under al-Nasir Muhammad (1293-1341). The only surviving works from the Ayyubid period are the Spiral Well (Joseph’s Well), The Carved Path and the Mudarraj gate. After Mohamed Ali’s new organization of the citadel where he removed the remaining Mamluk structures, the northern enclosure remained purely military and the southern enclosure palatial.
The Ayyubids
Prior to building the citdel there were twelve mosques on the site which were integrated in the complex. Although Salah el-Din had started the construction of the Citadel, he passed away before seeing the walls completely enclose the complex. It was completed in 1206, under the rue of al-Kamil. (Rabbat) He was one of the major contributors to the architecture of the citadel though his works have not survived in their original form. Attributed to al-Kamil include the construction of the Great Iwan, Qulla Gate, Bab alSir, Hall of the Vizier (Qa’a al-Sahib), Royal library (Khizanat al-kutub), Hall of Justice (Dar al-‘adl), and the Viceregal palace (Dar al-Niyaba). He also established the use of Rumayla square as Souq al-Khayl (Horse market). In 1213 he turned the maydan south of Rumayla into grounds for military parades and training, almost on the site of Ibn Tulun’s parade ground. (Rabbat) al-Kamil also set up the Royal stables at the foot of the Citadel, designating the lower area to equestrian activities. Al-Kamil had fixed the general con-
figuration of the citadel for centuries to come.
The Mamluks During the reign of the Mamluks, the Carved Path in the Lower Enclosure was private, used only by the Sultan and by royal processions. They would enter through Bab al-Silsila and then through Bab al-Sirr to enter the Southern Enclosure, facing the Great Iwan (Rabbat). Bab al-Sirr was the private entrance of the Mamluks, used only by Sultans and State guests. The path leading to Bab al-Mudarraj on the outside of the walls was called Sikkat al-Shurafa. Al-Zahir Baybars turned an old mausoleum into a palace of justice (dar al-’Adl) - abandoned after his death and the Great Iwan used instead, it become occasionally used for important events, during al Nasir Mohamed it was converted into a tablakhana, the area where the military band trains, and stables. The tablakhana was used as a battle hold in the 15th century during a dispute between Mam-
Research Phase II luks. (Rabbat) Baybars also constructed the tower Dar al-Baqar or Bir al-Naqqala, a well with a Sakia which stands behind Sultan Hassan and drew water to Bab al-Silsila and from there to the main well that fed Joseph’s Well. (Rabbat) He developed the citadel by enriching the Northern Enclosure with a variety of Qa’as for administrative purposes. He defined a court in that enclosure known as Rahbat al-QaReconstruction of the Citadel’s division under al-Zahir Baybars. From Rabbat (1991).
la, which for generations to come would act as the main court in the Northern Enclosure. (Rabbat) However, Baybars also built palatial Qa’as for certain members of the elite Mamluks to reside in close to the ruler’s palace. Amongst these was Bilik’s Qa’a. Baybars also erected Dar al-Dhahab (House of Gold), later called Qa’a al-Zahiriyya, which he used as his private reception hall. He constructed two tibaqs, apart-
ments built on top of buildings which house Mamluks in training. He renovated Burj al-Zawya, next to Bab al-sir, adding a dome to it and extending the corbels. His major ceremonial building was a great dome, Rahbat al-Habarej & Qubba al-Zahiriyya, it was raised on twelve coloured marble columns. Baybars, not only had an impact on infrastructure and architecture, but also in the urban development of Cairo. He divided into plots, which he gave to Mamluk Amirs, the gardens of Sayf al-Islam which extended from Sultan Hassan to Birqet al-Fil. Qalawun rebuilt or renovated Bilik’s Qa’a as a Vicegerency Palace (Dar al-Niyaba). Next to it he built the Qa’at al-Sahib (Vizir’s Hall), Bayt al-Mal (Treasury) and the Diwan al-Jaysh (Army Department) and the Qa’at al-Insha’ (Chancery Hall), as well as residences for his informal advisors. He demolished Baybar’s ceremonial dome, to build his own in 1284, even though it also did not last as both his sons demolished the domes existing there to build their own respectively. Each 97
History Site plan of the excavated Mamluk qa’a adjacent to Burj al-Rafrafa. From Rabbat (1991).
of these was named after the patron such that Qalawun’s dome was called al-Mansuri, al-Ashraf Khalil’s was called Iwan al-Ashrafi and al-Nasir’s was called Iwan al-Nasiri. (Rabbat) The Mamlik al-Burjiyya, received this name as Qalawun housed them in the Citadel’s towers. Qalawun was the first person to use these as permanent residences; they had previously been used as temporary residences during special times. He may have been forced to do this based on lack of space following the huge 98
increment in his royal Mamluk regiment. This is justified as there are no records of building activity. This lack of space was most likely the reason why al-Ashraf Khalil and al-Nasir Muhammad, Qalawun’s sons, razed the majority of the Citadel to build their new structures. (Rabbat)
the Khatt al-Saliba al-Kubra”. Ashraf Khalil may have replaced the Rafrafa (pergola) with a new stone canopy. Apart from this and the Iwan al-Ashrafi, al-Ashraf Khalil started a new project for the aqueduct as well as the palace Qa’a al-Ashrafiyya/Qasr al-Ashrafi in 1292. The Qa’a was used later by al-Nasir as his throne room until he built the Ablaq Palace. After it stopped being the throne room it was put to lesser uses including a make shift home for Amirs living outside the walls in case of a crisis, or for visiting dignitaries to reside in. After al-Nasir’s death Amirs used it as permanent residences. Eventually replaced the Dar al-Niyaba in function. (Rabbat)
Al-Nasir Muhammad, like his brother, took it upon himself to make major changes in the Citadel. He got rid of Bab al-Shadiya whch used to reach the original midan and removed Baybar’s stables to The Rafrafa tower (1292) replace them with his own stables. attributed to al Ashraf Khalil but it At the Southern Enclosure he got may have predated him. The loca- rid of the Tishtakhana, “house of tion of the tower was “deliberately the washbasin” royal storage for chosen to visually dominate the ap- bowls, basins, cushions, carpets, proach from a major thoroughfare, one of a series of roal storehous-
was filled with black soil called al-ibliz. This may have been the origin of the ottoman name for the maydan, Qaramaydan “black maydan”. The expansion of the maydan led to a clear border between the citadel and the city.
er Mamluks, and involved himself in trade, livestock breeding, and industry. He had built an animal enclosure (al-hosh) outside the Qarafah gate for breeding livestock; it was later used for mawlid al nabawi in the period of 1382-1517. He created more urban districts which al-Nasir had managed to get expanded north and west of Cairo, the funding to remodel the citadel on land reclaimed from the Nile. in later years as he has amassed a (Rabbat) lot of money by abolishing many administrative executive posts, as In 1522, Zawiyat Hasan well as implementing a new survey al-Rumi was constructed, it still that reduced land owned by oth- stands today.
Plan of the upper level of Burj al-Rafrafa. From Rabbat (1991).
Plan of the hall behind the corbels, part of the Ablaq palace. From Rabbat (1991).
es at Qulla Gate which also included the hawa’ijkhana (pantry), and the firashkana (tent-room), to build his mosque. His mosque was intended as a larger mosque which replaced the pre-Mamluk congregational mosque, probably even pre-Ayyubid. (Rabbat) Al-Nasir had rebuilt many mosques throughout Cairo that had been damaged in a large earthquake in 1303. He was responsible for the replanning, monumetalization and expansion of the Citadel; he often supervised the work personally. He enlarged the maydan and surrounded it by walls to be used for polo, al-akra, it 99
The Ottomans, Egypt Eyalet
Undated print of western facade of the Citadel. From Rabbat (1991).
The Ottomans changed the character of the Lower Enclosure first by opening to the public the inner road leading to Bab al-Sirr which became a “popular thoroughfare between the citadel and the city.” (Lyster) The stables built by al-Nasir Muhammed were turned into the dormitory for the al-Azab Ottoman regiment (In focus, 2005). The Mamluk Mosque of the Stables was replaced with the Mosque of Ahmed Katkhuda ‘Azab, attaching to it the remains of the al-Mu’ayyad Zawia. (Lyster) Another mosque that had undergone change was one of the pre-Ayyubid mosques that were integrated into Suleiman Pasha’s religious complex. (Rabbat) The use of the Mamluk Hall of Justice and the Ablaq Palace had changed radically from being places of power and importance to become the weaving and embroidery workshops that produced the Kiswa, it became known as Bayt al-Tarazi (House of the tailor). (Rabbat) The Mosque of al-Nasir had likewise been converted into a warehouse, though sources do
100
not make it clear if it had only been portions of the mosque, or the entire mosque. (Lyster) By the mid-17th century the citadel had shed its military designation, becoming a residential district including “shops, public baths and commercial enterprises; it gave birth to a labyrinth of small streets.” (In Focus, 2005) The Northern Enclosure had become an elevated residential district with views over Cairo. (Lyster)
French Occupation, 1798-1801 With the arrival of the French, they set up at the center of power: the Citadel. For defensive and strategic purposes they demolished all buildings obstructing the citadel ramparts. Making the citadel their stronghold they established inside a garrison, kitchen, food depots, hospital, stables, and munition dumps. Furthermore, they transformed the mosque of al-Nasir Muhammed into a prison. (Lyster)
Drawing of Citadel as viewed from across the maydan. From Description de l’Égypte.
Left: Plan from Description de l’Égypte showing the Carved Path. From Rabbat (1991). Right: Plan from Description de l’Égypte showing identification of buildings. From Rabbat (1991).
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Period of Disorder, 18011826
He rebuilt or reinforced the Salah el-Din’s walls to strengthen them against artillery fire. Thus large portions of the original wall are no Originally the al-Azab soldiers longer visible in the present day. were not allowed to marry but after His program of modernizing the the French occupation of Egypt they Egyptian economy, industry, educawere allowed to marry. To keep them tion, and government branched out within the enclosure, some were al- to the modernization of the Citadel. lowed to build their houses within Having been neglected for a centuthe citadel walls (In Focus, 2005). ry, the Citadel was in a state of disrepair. (Lyster)
Muhammad Ali, 18261848
Plan showing Bab al-Mudaraj and alHarim Palace. From Rabbat (1991).
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He started modernizing Egypt through its capitalization, Having witnessed the military starting with nationalizing all agripower and advancement of Europe, cultural land and starting large exMuhammad Ali was convinced that ports of produce to Europe. (Lyster) only through the modernization of Egypt, in the form of Western mod- He started renovating it by ernization, could he secure his position as ruler. He started first upgrading the fortress to resist an attack from modern weapons of war, as well as accommodate a new defence mechanism. He did this to ensure that he would not be removed by military force. He himself had captured the Citadel using modern cannons from the Mokattam plateau, a distance from which previous weaponry would not have been able to damage the fortress. (Lyster)
razing the majority of structures within the Citadel walls. Little was spared. At first he used the Mamluk Hall of Justice and Ablaq Palace as military warehouses, but when in 1824 a gunpowder magazine exploded and caused damage to both buildings, Muhammad Ali took advantage of the situation to demolish them and used them as the base on which he would construct a terrace overlooking Midan Rumayla. He used this terrace as an artillery platform, Sahat al-‘Alam (Court of the Flag), that overlooked the city. At the edge of the platform and on top of Baybars’ Lion Tower, which he encased, he established the School of Artillery. Elsewhere in the citadel he established other
military schools including an Academy of Music for the regiment bands. (Lyster) At the site of the Mamluk palaces, in the Southern Enclosure, and audience halls he built the Gawhara Palace, which housed administrative departments: ministry of finance and ministry of internal affairs. In the Northern Enclosure, 1827, he built the Harem Palace which consisted of three buildings – the central and western buildings were for the Royal family, whereas the eastern building was for the private guard and officers training in the army. It was hence known as Qasr al-Aytam (Palace of the Orphans). (Lyster) Muhammad Ali, wanted to be a modern ruler and wanted to travel by carriage. The streets of Cairo were not suitable for carriage circulation; they were too narrow, too angular. Therefore, he built paved roads that connected the citadel to the city’s suburbs. However, accessing the citadel by carriage was also an issue as the gates were not wide enough. He started modifying the citadel to establish better circulation for his carriage. He made the gates wider,
building new ones, and made a carriage way from Bab al-Jadid to the Gawhara Palace.(Lyster)
access from Bab al-Jadid to the Southern Enclosure, Muhammad Ali, also demolished Bab al-Sir and constructed Bab al-Wustani. The To have carriage access to 16th century tower adjacent to this the citadel, Muhammad Ali walled gate was from then on called Burj up part of Bab al-Mudarrag, de- al-Wustani, after the new gate (Lysstroying the rest, and built Bab al-Ja- ter). The tower had previously been did which was wide enough for his called Burj al-Tabbalin (Rabbat). carriage to pass. This was done to ensure a smoother slope to access Adjacent to Burj al-Wastani, the citadel, a slope that could not be in the Northern Enclosure, he built achieved through the old path due the ministry in charge of educato the great difference in height. Bab tional reforms. This building also al-Mudarrag had actually had two housed the first Pharaonic muopenings as the steps leading up seum. However, Muhammad Ali arched around the walls. One of the would give away the pieces to Euopenings had been on the wall of ropean visitors until the museum the Northern Enclosure and one of was reduced to a single room. (Lysthe wall of the Lower Enclosure. The ter) opening on the wall of the Northern Enclosure was blocked by the con- To complement the strong struction of Muhammad Ali’s Harem administrative role the Citadel had palace. Doing so resulted in the ac- assumed by housing the ministry cess restriction to the Northern En- of education, finance and internal closure from the Hattaba area. Re- affairs, he built in 1828 the archive mains of the Bab al-Mudarrag can building, the Daftarkhane, outside still be found today at the end of a the walls, on the site of the Mamluk passage way left of the gate, one drummer. (Lyster) can find the foundation inscription there. (Lyster) In the lower enclosure Muhammad Ali set up his armament In order to have straight factories that employed over 900 103
workers producing cannons, rifles, swords, ammunition, gunpowder, gun-carriages, saddles, uniforms and tarbushes (fezzes). The tarbush was introduced as the new standard headdress for the new system Muhammad Ali was implementing. This industrial area also contained the cannon foundry, known as Topkhane. Muhammad Ali built his mosque on top of the Mamluk palaces ruins, following the same style as in Istanbul, as a challenge to the Ottoman Sultan. (Lyster)
Photograph of Palace at the Citadel being used as hospital by British Troops. From Fairhurst.
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was cleared of all
cus, 2005). Abbas Pasha also got rid of the function of the museum that Khedive Ismail, wanting Muhammad Ali had established as to modernize Egypt, included the by 1854 the last pieces of the colactualization of the ruler’s seat of lection were gifted away. (Lyster) power following European stan- The archives building had its lower dards by constructing the Palace of wing built in 1935 (Lyster). Abdeen. When the palace was inaugurated he moved there and with British Occupation him the center of government. The Citadel had been abandoned; the During the British occupaonly thing that remained was the tion of Egypt, the British used the military. By the end of Ismail’s rule, it citadel barracks, housing part of had gone from being a city to being their army within the walls. The described as a small town. Harim Palace had been turned into a military hospital, a small chapel Khediveal Rule Khedive Abbas Helmi II ex- was built and one of Muhammad By the time of the Khedival tended the Rumayla Sqaure (In Fo- Ali’s military school turned into a period Bab al-‘Azab and its vicinity was in poor conditions. Khedive Ismail had the Qaramydan hippodrome cleared of ruins and cleaned up. In 1870, Khedieve Ismail replaced the ramp that led up to the gate of Bab al-‘Azab with the double carriageway that stands today. (Lyster) He also ‘modernized’ the gate by getting rid of the crenulations, a military feature, as well as rebuilding the rear face of Bab al-‘Azab with neo-gothic windows. He transformed the gate into one resembling a more palatial style. The Qaramaydan hippodrome
British Troops’ map by Colonel Green of the citadel for the year 1896. From Rabbat (1991).
gymnasium as a recreation center for the troops. Other recreational facilities in the citadel included a swimming pool and an outdoor cinema. (Lyster) The warehouses in the Lower Enclosure (Touta’s area) were used as a dormitory and storage (El-Aref, 2002). They also built a military prison in the Southern Enclosure. In the Northern Enclosure they had also set up a dining hall, which is now the Carriage Museum, and the British Regimental Institute which was turned into the Egyptian Antiquities Organization well after they had left Egypt. (Lyster)
tian Army (Aldridge). To commemorate their departure, King Fouad founded the military museum at the Harim Palace. (Lyster)
It should be noted that only Muhammad Ali & the British’s interventions were done in rough limestone and cement. (Rabbat)
On July 4th, 1946, the British handed over the Citadel to the EgypBritish Troops assembeled in a square within the northern enclosure, 1915. From Collett.
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Under the presidency of Modern Egypt Gamal Abdel Nasser, the Northern Enclosure remained a military base. Bab al-Mudarraj were uncovered. Then, during Mubarak’s presidency, the army officially withdrew from the Recent Years Citadel. For the first time in its history, the fortress ceased to be a military installation. It is not clear when the doors of Bab al-‘Azab were closed per Muhammad Ali’s School of Ar- manently, but the Bab al-Jadid was tillery and the British Military prison closed following a terrorist attack were converted into the Police Mu- against tourists in Luxor on 17 Noseum and the Historic Fire Truck Mu- vember, 1997. seum. During this restoration one of the halls of the Ablaq palace, as well The enclosure has since as the Tower of the Lions was redis- been used by the Supreme Council covered. (Lyster) The Police Museum of Antiquities for restoration work, was inaugurated in 1984 on Police bringing not only artefacts, but also Day, the day commemorating the entire building blocks. An example 50 police officers killed by the British of this was when the Qanibay al-RaArmy when they refused to surrender mah Mosque started to collapse their weapons. due to soil disturbed by water that leaked in and was then pumped Also during Mubarak’s pres- out. The stone having been moved idency was the Carriage Museum to the area of Bab al-‘Azab in 1989 inaugurated, as well as an open air was then used in the rebuilding of garden museum containing Islamic the mosque in 1995 (El-Aref, 2006). period columns, fountains and one minaret. (Lyster) Late 2002, a fire started by a child’s firework that had gone stray An attempted theft in 1972 re- and landed on the wooden roof of sulted in a fire that destroyed part of Lower Enclosure’s southernmost the Gawhara Palace. In 1988, steps of warehouses (El-Aref, 2002). 106
References
1. Aldridge, J. (1970). Cairo. London: Macmillan. 2. Al-Galfi, A. R. (n.d.). Bab al-’Azab (The Citadel’s Ottoman Western Gate). Retrieved from http://www.keepingcairo. org/items/show/148 3. El-Aref, N. (2002, December 5). Historic Cairo Fire Alarm. Al-Ahram Weekly Online. Retrieved from http://weekly.ahram.org.eg/2002/615/eg8.htm 4. ---. (2006, September 28). Three Treats for Ramadan. Al-Ahram Weekly Online. Retrieved from http://weekly.ahram. org.eg/2006/814/eg6.htm 5. Collett, H. B. (2010). 28th: A record of war service in the australian imperial force, 1915-19. S.l.: General Books. 6. Fairhurst, S. (2014, January 6). The Diary of Florence Oppenheimer [Web log post]. Retrieved from http://sarahfairhurstjmm.wordpress.com/2014/01/06/the-diary-of-florence-oppenheimer/ 7. In focus. (2005, April 21-7). Al-Ahram Weekly Online. Retrieved from http:// weekly.ahram.org.eg/2005/739/fe2.htm 8. Lamplough, A. O., & Francis, R. (1909). Cairo and its environs. London: Sir J. Causton. 9. Lyster, W. (1993). The Citadel of Cairo: A history and guide. Cairo: Palm Press.
10. Rabbat, N. O. (1991). The Citadel of Cairo, 1176-1341: Reconstructing architecture from texts (Unpublished doctoral dissertation). Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Architecture. 11. ---. (1995). The Citadel of Cairo: A new interpretation of Royal Mamluk architecture. Leiden: E.J. Brill.
Bab al-’Azab Enclosure Maps
Reconstruction of the Citadel’s division under al-Zahir Baybars. From Rabbat (1991).
From the time of al-Zahir Baybars to the time of the French Occupation of Egypt under Napoleon Bonaparte, the Lower Enclosure has minimal changes in terms of major circulation paths. However, the Northern and Southern Enclosures did undergo a lot of changes, particularly as the citadel Southern Enclosure was extended after Baybars’s rule. The diagrams below show the contrast in the changes that occured. Other than that, there is little documentation of the changes between those periods reflected on maps.
Plan from Description de l’Égypte showing the Carved Path. From Rabbat (1991).
However, the Lower Enclosure is partially drawn inacurately as the gate of Bab al-Azab is present in the map of Baybars’s time, despite it being built much later. Furthermore, it is not Bab al-Silsila as that is positioned further in. The 1896 map shows the impact Muhammed Ali had on the citadel. This is the most accurate comparison as the Description de L’Egypte map was drawn just before Muhammed Ali’s reign and the 1896 map just after his reign. There are, as mentioned in the detailed history, major differences in the citadel when
comparing pre and post Muhammed Ali rule. The differences which are clear in the map include: • •
• • • • •
• •
the closing of Bab al-Mudarrag and the construction of Bab al-Jadid. the change of the extremities of the carved path with the eastern most part diverted and no longer against the Southern Enclosure wall, resulting in the open space created between Bab al-Jedid and Bab al-Qalaa. the removal of the divergent end of the Carved Path so that the Western end has one ending rather than two - as it previously forked into two paths that led to Bab al-Azab. the formalisation and making more regular of the sourthern end of the Lower Enclosure, getting rid of the open space that overlooked the wall and replacing it with a wide open circulation corridor. change in urban fabric of citadel change in essence of citadel - from bursting, busy city to a low density sparse complex the removal of all administration, residential and palatial buildings in the Northern and Southern Enclosures, to make large open spaces and gardens and Ottoman style administrative buildings, military facilities/schools, quarters and palaces. the carriageway from sikat al-Mahjar to Bab al-Jadid, continuing to Bab al-Qalaa and then inwards to the Jawhara Palace the establishment of the national archive building
Changes implemented after Muhammad Ali’s reign or changes that are not specifically attributed to him are also visible in the 1896 plan such as: •
British Troops’ map by Colonel Green of the citadel for the year 1896. From Rabbat (1991).
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• • •
the replacement of the straight earth ramp accessing Bab al-Azab with the double carriageway entrance the circular midan al-Qalaa the Ottoman style residences overlooking the citadel the Khedieval pavilion
The urban context surrounding the Citadel has also undergone lots of changes through the years. Comparing the map of Cairo from the Description de l’Egypte to the 1898 Map of Cairo by Wagner and Debes the most prominent change is the implementation of European-style formal landscaping of open public spaces in the Midan Rumeila. Other changes include the construction of al-Rifai mosque, the clearing of the space behind Sultan Hassan into a large open space, the private railroad
Bab al-’Azab Context Maps
Description de l’Égypte , 1809-29
Map of Cairo, Wagner & Debes, 1898
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from the Citadel to Helwan, and the creation of new streets. By 1922, only 24 years after the previous map, the formal planning of midan Rumeila was undone, having more organic landscaping, some of the new streets had been closed off, the Hilmiya garden was urbanized, a prison was built at the end of Midan Rumeila, now called Salah el Din, and the circular midan in front of Bab al-Azab was reduced in size. From there to 1933, there were no major changes in the context. Surbey of Cairo, 1922
Map of Cairo, Nicohosoff, post-1933
By 1958 Midan Rumeila has undergone development and now holds educational buildings, street have also been created traversing the midan and effectively segmenting it. Muhammed Ali street became a main vehicular thoroughfare that goes around Sultan Hassan, then continues through midan Sayeda Aisha. In the years that followed the railroad to Helwan was removed, Midan Rumeila was further developed, a water tank replaced the prison, and social housing built next to Sultan Hassan.
Cairo No. 1, U.S. Army Map Service , 1958
Historic Cairo Map, UNESCO, 2012
Prior to construction of Muhammd Ali mosque, c.1826
Context Through the Years
Urban Space & Architecture
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David Roberts, 1842-8
View from citadel of the mydan, prior to the construction of al-Rifai, 1869
Emile BĂŠchard, 1874
View of Arab Yassar by Zangaki, 1884
Changes to the mydan through the past two centuries are clear. However, despite all the changes, the space between Bab ‘al-Azab and Sultan Hassan has always been
a public place. Since taking on the form of a circular mydan it has redefined itself to function for vehicular circulation, limiting the use of the space by the people not travelling.
c.1900
Cairo taken from the Citadel by Felix Bonfils, 1870s Today
1905 Today Emile Béchard, 1874
Study showing “the transformation of the Saha of Sultan Hassan Mosque to a modern square during the late 19th century modernization project” 1 by Salama (2013)
The space outside Bab al-’Azab was a rectangular shaped square up until it was given a circular form by Khedive Islmail. This circular square was then planted with trees and remained as such until it was made smaller to integrate a greater flow of traffic in the past couple of decades. On the other hand, Mydan Rumeila, or Qaramidan, remained a large stretch of open space until also in modern times, when it was divided by the new government to build public buildings on such as schools, youth centers, a women’s health clinic, a water tank and the Mustafa Kamal mausoleum.
1902
1913
Today
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Burton Holmes, 1924
Today
Today
J.P. Sebah, 1883
The images reveal how history has been adding and removing layers of history to the surrounding context. On the previous page we can see how the back side of Bab Azab has changed in a century: the ramp leading down has deteriorated to the point of not appearing, the gothic windows have been sealed with stone, the building on the left has had one of its windows altered to a bay window, and most importantly, the gate has been closed. The khedival pavilion has also experienced a lot of changes starting with the sealing of the arcade and ending with the damaged it experienced from a fire targeting the building as the National Democratic Party Office during the Jan. 25 revolution. The carved path has remained the same. However, some of the buildings inside Bab al-Azab have undergone significant modifications. For example, the images on the right demonstrate hos the building was ‘chopped’ and the extremity replaced with Abdel Nasser era buildings. 112
Public Space Use & Circulation
W. Hammerschmidt, 1858 Today Today
The way in which the space is used, as ciculation and as public spaces, has changed drastically through the years. The street currently known as Muhammad Ali street, or al-Qala’a street, has been a physical and visual connector from the citadel to the city. Prior to the construction of al-Rifai mosque, and prior to Khedive Ismail’s modern urban districts, it was less defined and visually impactant as a path. It continued serving as circulation up until 1989 when the stretch between Sultan Hassan and al-Rifai was pedestrianised. Later in 2003 the gates were set up and the complex became enclosed, providing restrictive access. This was done to treat the area as a touristc location whilst controlling and regulating the community as author-
c. 1910 c.1911 Description de l’Égypte, 1809-29 Today 1952 Today
ities were unhappy with how the pedestrianisation of the path had created a public space used by the community for recreation as well as local events and festivities.2 Through the years, the square has not only changed in shape, but also in the activities it hosts. Whereas in the past, it was used as a horse and cmale market, and then for other markets and gathering space, in the past couple of decades it has transformed first to a recreational space and then to a landscaped, fenced, circulation node. Furthermore, in the past midan Rumeila used to be used for the Holy Carpet Parade, where the kiswa would be sent to Mecca to adorn the Ka’ba. It is also from this point where pilgrims going on Hajj would set out from. This is no longer the case.
The Holy Carpet Parade by Benjamin Singley, 1899
The Holy Carpet Parade by Giuntini, 1871
Soldiers in Cairo
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Mahmal return to Khedival pavillion by Douglas Sladen,1909
Cairo’s Traditional Intangible Heritage
Over the past century, with the arrival of industry, mass production and consumerism, a lot of the traditional crafts and production has slowly been leaving the streets of Cairo, altering the essence and slowly leading to the disappeance of century old handmade creations. A selection of these traditional crafts that are slowly disappearing , part of the intangible heritage, are portrayed in the images opposite, collected from Description de l’Égypte. Some of these can be revived in the project. These would be selected based on their cleansiness and their ability to be reinterpreted for today. For example, the ovens required for glass making, and metal casting would be inappropriate for the site as it is not a clean produedure and would compromise the site.
Thread making
Potter
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Conclusion
The citadel is not a stranger to having a large variety of functions simultaneously. The enclosures had clear distinctions. Initially the Northern Enclosure had been an administrative enclosure, open to the public, whereas the Southern Enclosure had been the palatial complex, with access restricted to the ruler, their entourage and the Emirs, Mamluks and dignitaries. The Lower Enclosure was reserved for services such as stables, army holding, manufacturing etc. During Mohamed Ali’s reign the roles of the Northern and Southern Enclosure were switched. Throughout the years the functions within the citadel have changed, sometimes through providing replacing structures, sometimes through making extensions and sometimes through reuse or re-adaptation. Some of the most 115
drastic of these changes can be seen in the Ablaq palace. Originally it had been built by al-Nasir Muhammad, then it was transformed into embroidery workshops for the keswa, and then into a warehouse. The palace was then greatly damaged when one of its storages containing gunpowder exploded. Muhammad Ali took advantage of this to build his mosque on top. In the last decades the citadel has become increasingly mono-functional housing only administration and museums, which is not part of its history-long topological diversity. For this purpose we are proposing a mixed-use adaptive reuse development in the citadel which would be natural to the approaches of treatment of the complex, as well as revitalizing its diversity. Through this project we will further revitalize and upgrade the area of al-khalifa and mutually, through them the citadel, by using Bab al-’Azab as the transcendence area. The citadel and the area of Bab al-’Azab is essentially the outcome of centuries of layering. Today we are part of this site, we will become part of
the history of the site and we must be true to the layering of history by adding our own layer. However, this layer will be conservative to the site, it will sensitive to the context. To rehabilitate the site we will use these layers and history and emphasise it through adding a contemporary layer that makes the intervention 1. Salama, H. H. (2013). Tahrir square: both sensitive and true to the na- A narrative of a public square. International Journal of Architectural Research, 7(1), ture of the site.
References
“The one duty that we owe to history is to rewrite it” - Oscar Wilde Furthermore, this contemporary layer will be of a light structure that ensures we do not disturb the foundations of the buildings on site and appears as a transparent unintrusive intervention. The history of the site, and the history of the intangible heritage in Cairo will help determine the functions of the proposed project so that the projects are suitable to the site.
128-138. Retrieved from http://archnet. org/system/publications/contents/6928/ original/DPC3801.pdf?1384807162 2. Elsheshtawy, Y. (2006). Urban Transformations: Social Control at al-Rifa’i Mosque and Sultan Hasan Square. In D. Singerman & P. Amar (Eds.), Cairo cosmopolitan: Politics, culture, and urban space in the new globalized Middle East (pp. 295-312). Cairo: The American University in Cairo Press. 3. Description de l’Egypte Digital Collection. (n.d.). Retrieved from http:// descegy.bibalex.org/
Introduction
In order to understand the site, we had to conduct a deep site analysis of the area of Bab Al-Azab that is enclosed witin the wall. However, the site analysis had to include the surroundings as well because our project would both have a direct impact on the area as well as an impact on the greater context of the whole heritage site of Old Cairo. We started by understanding the context through analyzing the relation of the citadel to the surroundings and how Bab Al-Azab relates to them. Having a 3D contextual model helped us understand this relation that takes place and the wall in between. We then had to study the environmental and physical aspects which included the Shiakhas in the area to be able to understand the context and the different local communities that exist around the 116
area of Bab Al-Azab as well as the different physical aspects inside the enclosed area of Bab Al-Azab. However, accessibility is considered a key aspect in our site analysus as Bab Al Azab area as the latter was once considered to be an access point to the citadel which changed to be an inaccessible transtitional zone. Accessibility had to be analyzed to understand the connection of the area to the whole heritage site and the access points to the area. The study of the urban aspects such as the solid and void, the land use, the buildings conditions, the structure systems and infrastructure were all important to be able to understand the area and utilize the potential of those urban aspects in designing the master plan as it guides the proposed functions, fabric, open spaces, conservation approach, etc. We analyzed the visual aspects and architecture style and features on the micro and macro scale in order to identify the main visual aspects and to make sure that the nodes, landmarks, edges, paths, corridors, or any other visual aspects proposed in the design are in connection to the macro-scale and to define the architecture language.
6-Study of Visual Aspects Important Features Macro-Scale Landmarks Micro-Scale Landmarks Edges Corridors Districts Nodes Citadel and Surroundings 1-Detailed Site Analysis 7-Architecture Styles Contextual 3D Model 8-Architectural Features Inside The Wall Repetition 2-Sections 3-Study of Environmental and Phy- Decorations Height and Width scial Conditions Openings Shiakhas Skyline Shiakhas Map Materials Shiakhas Photos Vertical Elements Bab Al-Azab Map 8-Architectural Features Outside Bab Al-Azab Photos Repetition 4-Study of Accessibility Decorations Macro-Scale Accessibility Height and Width Micro-Scale Accessibility Openings 5-Study of Urban Aspects Skyline Solid-Void/Figure-Ground Materials Map Vertical Elements Urban Fabric 8-Conclusion Network of public open 9-References spaces
Outline
Building Conditions Building Heights Land Use Structure Systems Infrastructure
Research Phase II
Detailed Site Analysis Bab Al-Azab
Contextual 3D Model
An Aerial shot showing the site of Bab al’Azab within the context of Qism al Khalifa. The site forms a huge part of Shiakha al Hattaba and it is considered to be an intersection between several Shiakhas such as Arab el Yassar, al Mahgar, and al Helmeya. It also shows the position of the site within the citadel and how it overlooks on almost all of Qism al Khalifa.
Close shot of Bab al’Azab showing its proximity to Salah el Din square, Sultan Hassan mosque, Rifai mosque and al Mahmodiya mosque. Bab al ‘Azab also has a very close connection to important streets such as Darb al Labanna and Bab al Wazir, through Bab al Wadaa street which is surrounds the site from the gate of Bab al’Azab itself up till the gate of Bab al Jedid.
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This 3D shot shows the relation between the citadel and the community. There is a wall that creates a boundary that encloses the citadel and Bab Al-Azab area and that divides between the area inside the wall and the surroundings. The accesibility through the wall and the connection to the surroundings is through the doors which are now closed in Bab Al-Azab area. Our proposal will address this by finding a way to bridge the barrier.
The community surrounding the site is located around the walls of the citadel . The community cannot be considered as one thing, because within it there are even smaller local communities. The community has a great potential that is not made use of.
Within the walls of the citadel , there is a crucial touritsic node which is the citadel that is embarced by the communities, but that is not accessible through the walls. As well as the touristic node of Sultan Hassan and El-Refai mosque that is not connected to the touristic node within the walls.
There is no connection between the community and the touristic center as there is an abandoned area between both which is Bab Al-Azab that cannot be considered as a connection becuase it is currently a vacant land obstructing connectivity between the community and the citadel site.
This is a longitudinal section showing the difference in topography and density across the site, cutting through al Mokattam then moving down to Shiakha Arab el Yassar and moving up again towards the Citadel and Shiakha al Hattaba. Clearly from the section the site has a much more Condensed density towards the residential neighborhoods of al Hattaba than at Arab al Yassar This is a cross section through the site showing the huge difference in topography between the very high topography in the citadel all the way down to the Salah el Din square that almost has a flat topography.
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Detailed Site Analysis (Bab al-Azab)
Study of Environmental and Physical Characteristics Shiakhas
Bab Al-Azab Map
Map showing the area of Bab Al-Azab
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A shiakha is defined as the administrative subdivision of a Quism; a Quism is defined as the administrative subdivision of a city district(Francesco). Quism al Khalifa consists of nine historical Shiakhas; of which seven are directly connected to the site. • Bab al ‘Azab is situated within the premises of Shiakha al Hattaba (image 1); it contains many Islamic monuments like Barimistan al Muyyad Sheikh and Dar al Mahfouzat which was originally founded by Mohamed Ali (image 2). It also contains two important streets which are Bab el Wadaa (figure 3) and Bab al Wazir where there are many crafts workshops. • The second is Shiakha is al Mahgar; where Salah el Din Square is located (image 6). It also contains important monuments as El Rifai Mosque and El Mahmodiya Mosque. It also contains Darb el Labana where it has a few residential buildings with a high architectural value (image 4). • The third Shiakha is al Helmeya and it contains Islamic monuments such as the Madrasa and Mosque of Sultan Hassan (image 5) and that also of Shaikhoun.
•
•
•
•
The fourth Shiakha is Darb el Hosr which is directly across the site and it contains al Khalifa police station. The fifth Shaikha is al Boqali, similarly it contains a number of residential buildings that have a high architectural value and it also contains a concentrated cluster for workshops of car maintenance and tiles work (image 7). The sixth Shiakha is al Sayeda Aisha which did go through a lot of clearance to give space for al Syda Aisha Bridge, the shaikha also contains a very dense market (image 11) that is situated right next to the bus station (image 10). This Shaikha has in its boundaries marble shops and workshops and as a whole it has buildings with an average architectural value. The last Shiakha is Arab el Yassar which contains a public garden in front of Salah el Din Square, Mausoleum of Mostafa Kamil (image 8) and a social center for the visually impaired. This Shaikha has vital view points to the Citadel (image 9) and it also contains few residential build-
ings weith a high architectural value (image 12). Shaikha Arab el Yassar and al Syda Aisha are both accessible from Salah Salem Road.
Although Quism al Khalifa possesses a high concentration of Islamic monuments, however it has several urban settlements that are in not maintained and which are currently found in a poor condition. As a summary, these Shaikas contain numerous workshops and a few of them are specifically for crafts like carpentry, carpets, fer forge and marble souvenirs, and there is historical domestic architecture that is worth attention in Arab el Yassar, al Boqali and Darb el Hosr.
Shiakhas Map
Map showing location of Sheiakhas Based on information by the UNESCO URHC (2012).
Research Phase II
Study of Accessibility Macro-Scale Accessibility
From the southern western peripheries, the site has a connection with Salah Salem highway; which leads to Salah el Din Street (arterial road) which is directly connected to the site at Salah el Din Square. Surrounding the site, there are many collector roads which are found at Darb el Labbana, al Hattaba and al Boqali. Other surrounding areas do not have any vehicular access and are depending only on pedestrian roads such as Arab Yassaar. There are two public bus stops aroud the site, one that is mainly in front of Bab al 窶連zab gate and the other one at the end of Salah el Din street at the intersection with Sayeda Aisha Bridge. Inside the citadel, circulation is strictly limited to pedestrian only, while it is accessed with a vehicular road from Salah Salem highway. The pedestrian carved path in Bab Azab is considered historic due to the Mamluk Massacre. 120
Research Phase II
Micro-scale Accessibility
The site has two direct access points and another indirect access point. The first is Bab Al 窶連zab located at Salah El Din square, that has been closed for the past years. The second access point is Bab el-Gedid (bab mudarraj) which is located at the end of Sikkat Al Mahjar street. The site is accessed indirectly from the citadel through Bab Al Wasatny which is located next to the Burj Al Wasatany at the northern western part of the southern enclosure. Our project should target reopening the direct access to Bab Al-Azab. The site is accessible through three reachable public transportation nodes that do not penetrate the site. Public transportation is currently not available in the site although some vehicular access might be allowed for services and transportation of utilities. There is a public bus stop on Salah el-din street directly outside Bab Azab. 121
Study of Urban Aspects
Solid-void/ Figure-ground map The solid & void diagram reveals a need for open spaces that are lacking due to the tight-knit fine grain urban fabric. This will be addressed in the master plan by providing public open spaces that can be used as recreational areas by the tourists and surrounding neighbours. The diagram also reveals the density of the Bab al-窶連zab enclosure which indicates that the seven projects should ideally not be inside to ensure some means of crowd control and prevent traffic and densification of the area. Having some of the projects outside means that the masterplan should address the connectivity between the different projects and the effect of the design on the urban fabric.
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Research Phase II
Urban Fabric
The relationship between solid and void in the site varies between the very dense areas Al-Hattaba, Al-Mahgar and Arab Yasar and the very open spaces in the citadel area and the monumental mosques. Comparing the residential areas with each other, although they are all condensed but differ in their solid/void relation; Al-Hattaba area and the Arab el-Yasar have a slightly larger fabric compared to Al-Mahgar area. Comparing the residential areas to the Refaie and Sultan Hassan mosques and the Citadel area, a huge difference can be observed between the monumental solid space and the large void spaces surrounding it. Bab el’Azab can be clearly identified from the citadel area because of the difference in the fabric which is more similar to the fabric of the surrounding residential areas than the larger fabric of the Citadel. 123
Research Phase II
Network of public open spaces
This digram shows the public open spaces and the paths that connect them creating a network of open spaces. This network of open spaces that consists of various open space nodes and spines connects the various open areas inside the citadel to the small amount of open areas inside the area of Bab Al-Azab and finally connects them both to the significant public open areas that are surrounding the walls of the citadel, which are very significant to the residents of the area. The public open areas within Bab Al-Azab are small in size and are currently still not used as public spaces, however using them as public open spaces would create nodes within the area of Bab Al-Azab. This analysis of the network of open spaces has to influence the design of the masterplan as the various nodes and connections should be emphasized.
Network Open spaces
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Building conditions
According to the URHC’s definition of building conditions whether good, average, poor or delapidated, the building conditions were surveyed. The building condition in the area around Bab al-‘Azab towards Al-Rifae Mosque and Sultan Hassan mosque and the Citadel are pretty much in a good condition because they are in continuous use by the public and they have been taken care of by different authorities. On the contrary, the residential areas like el-Hattaba, Arab el-Yasar and Seket el-Mahgar are in a vey bad condition and most of the building are almost dilapidated. Moving inside the area of Bab el-’Azab, most of the buildings are almost dilapidated or buried and the remaining are in bad conditions. Three buildings inside the area are in good condition because they have been built recently and are now used as warehouses. 125
Research Phase II
Building heights
The height of the buildings surrounding Bab el-窶連zab (three to sixteen meters high) shows that the densities of the people is not very high in the areas of residential buildings or workshops. The monumental scale of El-Sultan Hassan and el-Rifae mosque, creates visibility to them from the citadel and the area of Bab Al Azab and nearly from all the surroundings which can be used for having visual connection between the touristic nodes in our design. In the Citadel, the heights vary between three to sixteen meters except for the monumental scale of the Citadel and Mohamed Ali mosque which can be used for creating visual connection. Inside the area of Bab al-窶連zab, all the existing building are three to twelve meters high and there are many buildings that are totally dilapidated. Therefore, we can not exceed the height of twelve meters within the area of Bab Al-Azab.
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Research Phase II
Land use
The area around Bab el-‘Azab consists mainly of residential buildings in el-Hattaba, Seket el-Mahgar and Arab Yasar as well as educational buildings on the left side of the Bab el-‘Azab area. Moreover, there are monumental buildings colored in black: Sultan Hasan mosque, Al-Rifae mosque. Moving to the Citadel area and its surroundings, many museums exist and also some institutional buildings in the upper part of the Bab al-‘Azab area. Beside this area, there are some commercial workshops related to the community living in the surrounding residential buildings. Moving inside the area of Bab al-‘Azab, most of the existing buildings are used nowadays as workshops and storage spaces. There is an institutional building named “Center for Revitalizing Egyptian Art“ where there are copies of original heritage pieces produced and stamped by the ministry of Culture, issued to be 127
Land use
sold elsewhere. The area in general is diverse; however, the functions are more or less concentrated into focal areas. Even though there are open public spaces there is potential for more free spaces. A lot of these spaces are not available throughout the entire day as most spaces – even the gardens – are fenced and so are locked later on. Furthermore, the barrier that the fence creates is not just physical but also psychological. To make the site more diverse and balanced, additional functions that have not been addressed will be introduced. Furthermore, the only cultural activity available are museums, due to the history of the site and high cultural heritage additional cultural activities will have to be introduced to reflect the site in the functions. Having the entire site as more museums would make
the area mono functional and would not revitalise the site as already there are many museums in the citadel that do not share the number of visitors the Muhammad Ali mosque receives. The land use diagram identifies clear topographic zones, showing the strip of the Qaramidan as being a service zone for the district, whereas the area of al-Mahgar street is full of crafts workshops, particularly alabaster carving, the area of Sayeda Aisha all the way to the Qarafa is full of construction related crafts such as marble work, carpentry etc. The main streets are mainly mixed used having the ground floor used for other activities while the top is residential. Away form the main street the harat still exist with their small communal open spaces that create a purely residential zone. This information helps determine the appropriate location for the projects proposed based on surrounding land use and target users. Furthermore, the areas of impact are made clear and understood.
Residential
Cultural/Religious
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Research Phase II
Structure systems
Building systems
stone is used in some cases for the facades and foundations of some of Wall bearing stone: this structure sys- the buildings. This is the case for the tem is strong and stable as well as Carved Path and the buildings at sustainable due to the stone being the bend of the carved path. a natural material and as the thick walls act as environmental envelops. Roofing Systems This structure system is very durable but in recent years the filtration of Steel truss roof: this structure syswater containing salts has started to tem is present in the southern-most deteriorate some of the walls. end of Bab al-Azab, the truss provides a roof for the large linear space Arches: arches compliment wall between two buildings, effectively bearing structures by allowing for giving it the feel of a large enclosed openings and large spans. These are space. present in a few of the buildings as doorways. Wooden plank and beam roofing: this is most common roofing sysLintels: lintels are an alternative to tems for the Muhammed Ali era arches for providing openings, these buildings. This light roofing systems are present on site in the arrowslits consists of main beams that supof the walls and in the windows and port wooden planks that enclose doors of the buildings. the walls creating a ceiling. At some areas squares are not planked so Traditional Bughdadly: The majority that a shukhshekha or other feaof the buildings inside Bab al-Azab tures that provide indirect lighting follow this method of construction are installed. where the walls are wall bearing but instead of being of large stone blocks Vaults and domes: This is only used are made of smaller stone chunks, in stone buildings – not bughdadmortar and wood. ly buildings - and mainly allow for large spans without columns or for Solid stone carving: Carving of solid a ceiling in spaces where it has to
support a lot of weight. The latter is what occurs at the gateways where the passage in the gates have a dome or vault. A variation of this exists in some rooms attached to the Citadel walls where the rooms have small iwans.
Other elements Wooden structures: there are a few wooden structures on site either in the form of screens or shacks. Outside the site this is also in the form of protruding mashrabeyas and pigeon houses. Columns & scaffolding: inside Bab al-Azab there is a combination of stone columns and wooden scaffolding supporting the roof. Reinforced concrete: this is the most alien building element inside, there are three reinforced concrete Nasser-era buildings as well as a fence next to them.
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Infrastructure
Study of Visual Aspects Important Features
The area is currently deteriorating as a result of infrastucture problems on site that include the water leakage that is taking place due to the activities by the army that do not take into consideration the physical conditions of the area. There were bathrooms located on site, but they are not functioning now. Greenery has appeared within the area as a result of the water leakage which is affecting the current conditions of the surrounding buldings of the path. There is also a lot of grabage thrown into the area of Bab Al-Azab from the citadel and outside as well as the surroundings which is leading to the burial of important features in the site and the context and the deterioration of the conditions of the buildings. There was a fire that took place in 2002 the area of Bab Al-Azab that has affected the infrastructure (El-Ahram). 130
1. Bab El-窶連zab: The door was once a main access to the area. It is located at the lower level of the Citadel. It consists of two towers projecting from the citadel into the Rumayla Square. The interior was renovated in a pseudo-Gothic style and the exterior faﾃｧade is similar to Bab al-Futuh. Today, it is in poor condition. 2. Al-窶連zab Mosque: It is located in the Southern enclosure overlooking the carved path and facing the gate of Katkhuda. The mosque has a simple architecture that is more emphasized on its facades that contain few numbers of windows and it is considered as being suspended with an empty land underneath that was used as a store. Now, there are a lot of deteriorated parts. 3. Ottoman-style terraces con-
taining warehouses and workshops. 4. The Striped Palace: It was one of a series of four aligned palaces. The naming of the palace came from the way it was built, as it contains successive blocks of black and white stones (Ablaq style). The interior of the palace contains dadeos of marble, gold and floriated mosaics. The ceiling is also gilded and painted. All the floors were paved with marble from all over the world. This palace now is gated and thus inaccessible. 5. This is the main passage surrounded by the house of coinage. It also contains the Blue Dome and the ruins of the Striped Palace. 6. This is a new building added to the area from the period of Abdel Nasser. It has a very simple architecture built with concrete and very simple openings located at a higher level of the walls 7. Mausoleum 8. Entrance of the middle gate. 9. Ottoman-style workshop 10. The Carved Path: It creates a path from Bab al-窶連zab until it meets the middle gate. It has minimal number of openings in its walls.
Macro-scale Landmarks
1-Mostafa Kamel mausoleum 2-Sultan Hassan Mosque 3-Refaiy Mosque 4-El-Mahmoudia Mosque 5-Bab Al-Azab 6- El-Nasser Mosque 7-Mouhmed Aly Mosque 8-Public Youth Center The land marks that surround the walls of Bab Al-Azab give it monumentality and importance as the site exists between significant touristic nodes. The land marks should affect the language and vision of our proposal. The strong connection between the site and its surroundings is the existence of historical monuments and the strong heritage that exists in both that should be used to create a better experience whether touristic or cultural or communal and to connect the touistic nodes for the development of the whole heritage site.
Research Phase II
Micro-Scale Landmarks
1-Bab Al-Azab 2- Masbak 3-Qasr el Ablaq 4- Kathkhoda Mosque 5- Qubbat al-Biraqdar ( BLue Dome) As a result of having a deserted site, there are currently no fixed Land marks in the site that orient the people and that create an experience inside the area of Bab Al-Azab. However, there are important historical buildings that should be used in the design proposal to create landmarks within the site boundaries that could create an identity to different places in the site. These land marks would be well thought of and used in the design of the master plan and the individual proposed projects. They could be used as touristic attractions to be visited same as the land marks that are outside Bab
A-Azab. There is an important mosque that should be restored and also a palace that would act as important venues for site seeing. Also the masbak was one of the most industrial places in the citadel. Moreover, there is Qubbat al-Biraqdar that creates a unique space. Those landmarks should actually influence the deisgn especially the experiential path that the users of Bab Al Azab would go through in the site.
Edges
There are edges looking inwards and other edges looking outwards. Some of those edges define the corridors and some define the whole site. While exploring within the citadel, a lot of walls create strong edges as there are a lot of walls. There is of course the edge that surrounds the whole citadel which are walls that seperate the community from Bab Al Azab. First, there are edges in the visitor’s zone that the visitors go through to reach the Mohamed Ali mosque (figure 1).In the area of Bab el-Azab there are areas that have very sharp edges like the entrance of the heart of Bab el-Azab and the monumental carved path (figure 2,3). The same edges that seperate the citadel from the surroundings, confine the whole area of the citadel and give importance to the citadel as a valuable site in the heart of Cairo (figure 4,5). 131
Research Phase II
Corridors
The site has many corridors that are carved between the existing buildings and some corridors between the edges. The first corridors are from the main entrance of the site that is located within the wall of the citadel and directed to the Bab El-Jadid. As indicated the width of this corridor is very wide which emphasizes the entrance to the site and can act as a dynamic piece of recreational space as activities can take place around that area (figure 1). Then the path is bent to direct into the heart of the area of Bab-Al-Azab. The corridor is almost as wide as the one leading to it. This path could be retained or modified according to the functionality proposed in the master plan concept (figure 2). Then this path leads to the interesting monumental carved path (figure 3).The path bends leading to face the Bab-el-selsela. At the end of the
carved path is Bab-Al Azab, that is considered a monument in Itself. That corridor is in medium width, it is not as wide as the entrance and not extremely narrow and according to its nature it could be used for circulation between the projects and as a main connector. It could also give a unique experience of the space. Directing to the left after the carved path, one is surrounded by workshops from the left and modern buildings that were built in the late 6o’s (figure 4) The circulation that leads to this area is of medium width. Going near the citadel wall there are a lot of paths created by the buildings, there is the upper corridor and lower corridor (figure 5, 6, 7). These path are close to the edge of the site and are narrower than any other corridor. Their function would be mainly the circulation and viewing of the other side of the wall and can be used to give the experience of the monumental wall.
Districts
are areas where gates exist and give impressive patio and space around them.
1. Paths in the site 2. Open courts 3. Storage buildings 4. Workshops 5. Gates The area of Bab Al-Azab has various districts. There is a storage district, workshops districts, the paths, the gates. This diagrams the locations of the various districts in the site. Since that site is considered filled with layers of history and filled with so many function that have been developed and changed across the years. There were areas that considered storages for the army of Mohammed Ali and workshops for the military uses and functions of the site. There is also the connecting area to the indoor spaces and halls. There are paths and corridors that act as connectors. Besides, there are courts of landscape within the buildings. Also,there 132
Research Phase II
Nodes
Same as the land marks analysis the site is surrounded by vibrant nodes that acts as social spaces around the site. These Nodes has a strong influence on the designing of the master plan and important as an analysis to the context of the site. While designing a master plan nodes should be put into consideration as form guide points of how these social spots could be implemented or continued in the site. Some of the nodes around the site could be devlopped as well or can be influenced by the development proposed in the area of Bab Al-Azab.
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ly 20th century brick building and a couple of mid-twentieth century concrete buildings following industrial/international style. The mosque of Katkhuda is of an early Ottoman style. The Bab al-Azab gate though built during the Ottoman period is fashioned after the Fatimid Bab al-Futuh. However, as it stands today it also has The Lower Enclosure, which neo-Gothic features after Khedive is the Bab al-Azab area, consists Ismail’s renovation of the gate. mostly of late Ottoman industrial buildings, although there is an ear-
Architectural Style
Within the Citadel there used to be a variety of architectural features as it had a lot of Mamluk architecture which was amongst the richest language in Egypt. However, Muhammad Ali got rid of most of it and replaced it with buildings in an Ottoman style. The only things that remain in the citadel that are pre-Ottoman is the Mosque of al-Nasir Muhammed, Joseph’s Well, the towers and the ruins of the Ablaq Palace including the corbelled hall. Although the walls of the citadel were built by
Salah el Din al Ayyubi, they originally had crenulations. Muhammad Ali modernized the walls by getting rid of the crenulations and added Embrasures to accommodate cannons. Furthermore, he made the ‘steps’ in the wall rounded and added an Ottoman frieze at the top, around the walls.
Architectural Style
Outside the Citadel there is a large variety of architectural styles. The religious buildings are all Mamluk. The residential buildings range from Ottoman, to late 19th century
buildings, some art nouveau and art deco, some following 50s and 60s architecture with streamline effects, some are from the 70s onwards showing either plain finishes or exposed brick and skeletal structure. This large variety in styles outside gives a vast architectural language and many traditional and modern architectural features. The Mustafa Kamal mausoleum follows a neo-Mamluk style which was popular at the turn of the 20th century. The educational buildings follow either a distinctive 50s style or follow no style if they were built in the late 20th century.
Inside
Outside
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Architectural Features-Inside
Decorations
Height and Width
Openings
As we can see from the images, there is repetition of some elements on the elevations inside the site. Mainly the repetitions are all repetitions of openings or recesses that create this industrial feel of the buildings, but that give it its uniqueness. The elements that are repeated are mainly all rectangular or are arched. However, there is also the repetition of some decorative elements that are all Islamic in style and that give the buildings an Islamic identity. There is repetition of the general form of the buildings as most of the buildings seem to follow the same form of rectilinear buildings. This repetition of elements can be utilized in the design, but in a creative manner to create something that is unique and interesting, but that still links with the language used in the context.
It is very clear that within the site, the amount of decoration is minimal and that shows that the site was used mainly as an industrial spot within the citadel which is not similar to other Islamic architecture buildings that are filled with decorations and ornaments emphasizing the entrances and openings. The decorations within Bab Al-Azab are mainly used in the site to emphasize on the entrances of Bab Al-Azab. Even the important gates are not decorated with dense ornaments, but still they stand unique in contrast with the other facades. The decorations at the openings are in the form of crenellations on the top of the buildings and the ornaments on the arches which are all mainly in stone.
The analysis shows that there are various relations between the height and the width on the site. There is no consistency between the ratio of width to height as it changes in different areas. The width to height ratios affect the experience in the different areas as some of the areas have a large width and a small height creating a more spacious and open experience, while some of the areas have a more private feel where the width is small in size and the heights of the buildings are large. This actually gives identity to the different paths and corridors on site that should be used in the proposal.
There are a lot of openings in some of the buildings but with no accentuation of them. This reflects on the nature of the different functions of the buildings which are mainly industrial and military uses. However, there are different shapes of openings with different proportions. The lanterns (Shokhsheikhas) which are accentuated openings in the roofs exist in different buildings inside Bab Al-Azab which makes the lantern a very dominant feature on site that allows for clerestorey lighting of the buildings. The lantern is considered an Islamic feature. This feature can be be emphasized and repeated in our design proposals. The main entrances of the buildings are all mostly arched openings.
Repetition
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Research Phase II
Skyline
Materials
Vertical Elements
The skylines of the buildings are very dynamic. Although most of the buildings are rectilinear and are similar in proportion except for having some minarets and domes on the mosques, the combination of the different buildings still create dynamic skylines and that is different at the different points around the site. This dyanmic skyline creates an identity to the different areas on the site and the different areas surrounding it. The views from the site have different skylines that make the different views very interesting and unique which can be used in designing the different lines of vision from our site.
The analysis of the material of Bab Al-Azab shows that the historical buildings had an extensive use of stone. There is also the use of wood in the roofing system, in the terraces and in some cases as a beam structure system. The structure of some buildings is Bughdadly which has wood used as one of the materials in the structure. So, there are area where there is a hybrid of both stones and wood. The modern buildings that were added in the site are plastered and they look as if they are out of place. However, there are parts of the ceiling that were painted. The materials used in our design will include the use of existing material for the historical buildings whether stone or wood. However, we can introduce lightweight materials to make sure that we do not affect the heritage site.
There are certian elements on site that are emphasized vertically which create a landmark or an emphasis on certain buildings as well as more open space. This is clear for example in the verticality of the minaret of the mosque of Katkhoda and in the narrow colums which are very small in cross section and tall in height giving the halls an open vertical experience. The verticality of some of the buildings is emphasized by the crenallations that are located at the top base of the buildings. Even the bridge that connects between the terraces and the path is raised vertically on thin columns giving emphasis to the bridge and creating openess to the path underneath. Thus, verticality can be used in the design to signify the important buildings or landmarks.
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Research Phase II
Architectural FeaturesOutside
Decorations
There are various forms of architectural features repetitions found in the surroundings of bab al azab. the repititions are mainly of window openings and shading features. The repeated elements are very various, ranging from the Qalawun set of windows with the bull’s eye opening found in the historic Sayda Aisha mosque to simple rectilinear opening found in the modern telecommunications building across the site. There are also repetitions of elements such as balcony doors that create a pattern on the residential buildings facades and also the balcony cantilevers themselves create another pattern. Some repetitions were found in the design of shading devices such as mashrabiyas and simple wooden louvers. The rhythm created by the repetitions of architectural elements should be an inspiration when it comes to designing new buildings within the context.
The site contains a variety of Islamic decorations and it includes both modern and historic styles. The decorations include the unique trilobed arches with stalactites which were used mainly in the entrances of mosques during the Mamluk architecture. Some of the historic residential buildings which are also of a high architectural value possess unique decorative elements such as mashrabiyas and windows with columns.
Height and Width
Openings
The analysis shows great difference between the relations of height and width between inside bab al’azab and it external surroundings. The ratio of height and width outside bab al’azab creates more intimate spaces, enclosed courts and narrow alleyways, which is part of traditional Islamic planning. Most of the narrow alleyways were found in the Shiakhas of al Hattaba and al mahgar which are both categorized with a high value of architectural heritage
The types of openings range from traditional windows with mashrabiyas to other windows with modern Islamic patterns. The buildings around the site have few types of openings ranging between different types of doors and windows. Other than that there is not much of opening and perforations found in the site
Repetition
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Some modern buildings possess modernized Islamic patterns used in window screens. Other decorative elements that are not Islamic are seen in small structures such as kiosks and pigeons towers (gheeya)
Research Phase II
Skyline
The skyline of the buildings is very dynamic as it contains very irregular heights and volumes of buildings. This is also partly to the contrast between the new and old buildings existing in the site. This represents a very high architectural value of the site as the skyline shows the different and various layers of history
Materials
Minaret of the mosque of Mangak al yusufi
Irregular residential buildings with varying heights
High residential building . next to very low buildings
Contrast between heights of old buildings vs new buildings
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Dynamic skyline of deteriorating monuments
The analysis of buildings show that most of the historical monuments and buildings were made out of stone given that some of them trace back to the Mamluk dynasty. However some new interventions made by the community residents show use of materials such as bricks, wood and plaster. The site contains a variety of materials that all in all contributes to its historical essence. Using local materials should be one of the main design criteria
Research Phase II
Vertical Elements
Conclusion
There are some of the elements on the site that are emphasizing verticality and which appear as landmarks due to their contrast with the context. This is clear in the minarets of the monuments existing on site such as sultan Hassan mosque and portal of Dar al Mahfouzat. The verticality of these elements also contribute to the general skyline as a whole.
The site analysis shows the layers of complexity in the site being part of the heritage area of Old Cairo. Studying the site was challenging and had to be done on different levels, one of the factors being the need to study both the area of Bab Al-Azab located inside the wall and the surroundings located outside. The analysis of both should be included in our design proposal as we should be able to respond to aspects in both areas. There is a lot of potential in the area whether being urban or visual or architectural. The area has a pivotal location within the heritage site that creates an opportunity to develop and affect other touristic nodes to develop. The urban aspects of the area should be built upon to restitch and connect the area of Bab Al Azab and our site to its surroundings and its con-
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text even through the existing walls that are dividing between the touristic nodes. This can be through responding to the urban fabric by creating new areas to breath within the heritage site or can be through the landuse to complement what is already there or can be through recreating the accessibility that was once there, etc. The visual aspects are also considered to be very important as they are what deliver the identity of the different buildings and that create this essence of the sapce. the visual aspects have to be developped on and included as well as the different architecture stules and the architectual features whether inside and outside. It will be complicated to balance between what is happening inside the wall and what is happening outside the wall, but in all cases it is needed to create such a balance to be able to connect the areas of development together again
References
1. Tonnarelli, Francesco. “Frozen Cairo.â€? Issuu. UniversitĂ Degli Studi Di Ferrara, Nov. 2013. Web. 26 Mar. 2014.
2- UNESCO World Heritage Center - Management of World Heritage Sites in Egypt. (2012).Urban Regeneration Project for Historic Cairo - First Report of Activities (Rep.). Cairo: UNESCO.
Introduction
One of the greatest challenges in the project was understanding the users. As the site of Bab Al Azab has been abandoned except for the army workshops inside, it was hard to study a specific user profile as there are no actual users of the space as there is no population. This actually led us to think of the surrounding local communities first as they used to have access to the site, but were not actual users. However, we also had to study them because our site expanded outside the walls of the citadel. We started by studying through literature review and surveying the social, cultural and economic aspects of the surrounding communities, but as we started to think of the effect of our project on the greater context, it only made sense to study the stakeholders as the potential target users. This started in the begining with the 140
identification of the stakeholders and then with defining an approach that would target them. As we have already understood that social revitalization in the area is inevitable and that it can take place through participation, we started to apply participation to our own project and then the stakeholders of the project. So we started by identifying a certain participatory framework that is based on the research of participation and on the context itself as well as the short term of the project. Then, accordingly we started to integrate the different stakeholders in our design through different particpiatory approaches or tools such as dialogues between the stakeholders who changed to be partners including ourselves, focus groups with a few of the partners, cross checking our proposals and design and finally oppotunities assessment.
Outline
1-Study of Target Groups Cultural Aspects Cultural Aspects: Local Crafts Cultural Aspects: Need for self-expression Social Aspects: Interviews Social Aspects: Age Struc- ture/Marital Status Social Aspects: Education Social Aspects: Family Homes Social Aspects:Infrastructure Social Aspects: Services in Dwelling/Means of Trans- portation Economic Aspects:Employ- ment and Sectors Economic Aspects: Main Economic Activity Economic Aspects: Main Oc- cupation 2-Stakeholders 3-Social Revitalization Approach Our Participatory Frame- work
4-Implementation of Social Revitalization Approach NGO Partner Field Professional & Aca- demic Partner NGO & Academic Partner Authorities Partner Opportunities Assessment 8-Conclusion 9-References
Research Phase II
Cultural aspects
Hassan is an architectural wonder and that is part of the reason it draws people but in addition to that, Sayeda Aisha and Refaie are nodes of Sufi activities, prayers, zikr and the like. Often people may come from other areas merely to visit these places or attend one of these religious events.
The cultural aspects of the surrounding context can be divided into two broad sections: that of visitors and that of the residents themselves. In cases, they overlap, in others they are fully separate.
This feature of religious identity affects both visitors who are attracted to these elements as well as the local community that has grown up within this environment and probably within historic buildings too. In some cases, interviews conducted showed a strong respect for historic buildings and interest in culture while others were uninterested and knew little.
Study of target groups
Religious identity residents/ visitors
There is a strong Islamic heritage in the context as identified by the mosques of Sultan Hassan, Refaie, Mahmoudiyya, Gawhar al-Lala and Sayeda Aisha. Of these, Sayeda Aisha, Sultan Hassan and Refaie are particularly influential. These are not merely mosques- Sultan
This is definitely a factor that will influence functions within Bab Azab as this religious tourism is expanded upon through the introduction of services for these visitors while at the same time benefiting the local community.
Mosque of Sultan Hassan
Sayeda Aisha cenotaph
Sufi zikr, Refaie mosque
Sufi dervishes dancing
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Cultural aspects Local crafts
Marble-work detail Detail of carpet
Cultural aspects
Need for self-expression
Personalized kiosk
Metalwork detail
The main crafts in the area are metalwork, marblework, carpet-making and carpentry.
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Alabastar work Woodwork space
Graffiti on wall Garbage at the foot of the citadel-
Woodwork detail
There is a strong tradition of local crafts such as marblework and woodwork. However after Bab Azab was closed in the nineties following the 1992 Luxor attacks targeting tourists and the revolution two decades later in 2011, the frequency of tourist passage in Hattaba and el-Mahgar has greatly decreased. Thus, the crafts are dying out. There is a possibility of reviving these crafts through providing functionalities that re-link the tourists with these craftsmen so that they have a market in which they can once more sell their products. This is something that has been brought up repeatedly in interviews with the local community.
Strung decorations in alley
There is a strong need for self-expression as is evident in their protest of various political issues on walls in this area. They also share and suffer common problems such as issues with garbage collection. Many of their houses are dilapidated and since they are not allowed to rebuild and often lack the technical expertise to do so, they resort to building informal additions to houses. This will influence the functions in Bab Azab as the creation of a hub for them to express themselves in other ways will probably benefit the community. There is the Qal’a youth community club but it is not very active. In addition, since most of the community is literate and to an extent educated (this fact is illustrated in upcoming economic data), there is a high potential for educating them on restoring their own houses.
Informal addition to house in Sayeda
Research Phase II
Social aspects interviews
On deciding the site, we surveyed several of the residents in the areas outlined above, from various walks of life. The diagram on the right illustrates the result of our survey. This is the initial survey that directed our choice of functions to best serve the community. Those surveys were conducted in a participatory approach as they were mainly dialogues in which we listened to the locals express their connectioon to the area and prioritize their needs. Some of them reflected on how the area should be developped. We did not guid the discussions.
Darb el-Labbana Salah el-Din street “Can’t sell our land, re- “Stores for carpets, cop“If authorities open build or repair property” per, storage, wood, car Bab Azab, will not use Problems: maintenance workshops” it to people’s benefit” Garbage – Ruins – - Security guard, S. - Long-time resident No security Hassan
El-Mahgar “Harmed by closing of Bab el-Gedid, forced to sell in Luxor/ Aswan but business is bad after 2011” -Ibrahim el-Saie, marble craftsman
Hattaba
“Used to play in front of Bab Azab as children. Worked there for a while” -Old women beggars
El-Mahgar Possible functions: Tourism – Cafes – Bazaars
“No place to play in” -children in Hattaba
- Tobacco kiosk owner
“No work for us in the Citadel”
Salah el-Din street “We do not know anything about Bab Azab”
-Guy at coffeeshop, woman at foul stand
Citadel “Event spaces- open air theatre/ amphitheatre”
-Youth 20- 25 years old
-Security guard
Arab Yassar “Buildings that fall not reSkeptical of “Restricted access; needs stored by the government” benefit if Bab permit from Ministry of “Used to visit when I was Azab is opened Antiquities” younger” Only carpenter in Arab Yassar -Marble craftsworker
-Colonel in Tourism Police
Bab el-Azab previously used to connect with the local community “I earn L.E. 360, spend L.E. 240 on rent” -Security guard in Citadel for 18 years
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Research Phase II
Social aspects
MARITAL STATUS Marital status in El-Khalifa, 2006 (Capmas).
Age structure/ marital status 60000 50000 40000 30000 20000 10000 0
27% of the population are children (below 15 years) while 29% of the population is youth (15 – 29 years old). Altogether this constitutes 46% of the community which could be a reason for the high unemployment rates, to be discussed later in this section. Marital status 65% of men and 61% of women are above the legal marriage age. Of these, 63% of men and 68% of women are married. 35% of men and 29% of women are unmarried. A very small percentage (1% of women and 3% of women) are divorced.
The majority of the population is youth, probably contributing to the high rates of unemployment. The marital information indicates fairly stable families.
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Male Female
AGE OF POPULATION 30000
Age structure of population, 2006 (Capmas)
25000
20000
15000
10000
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0
0-5
5- 9 10- 14 15-19 20-24 25-29 30-34 34-39 40-44 45-49 50-54 55-59 60-64 65-69 70-74 75+
Research Phase II Education status in El-Khalifa, 2006 census (Capmas) EDUCATION STATUS
Social aspects Education
Male
Female
30000
25000
Overall, the population of Qesm el-Khalifa boasts a fairly good education level. About 19% of men and 26% of woman are illiterate, much lower than the national average. In addition, most have completed middle school. About 18% of men and 14.5% of women have a post-high school degree (university or post-graduate). Most children between 6 and 19 years of age are in schooling (93%), irrespective of gender.
Overall, they are educated individuals who could appreciate culture and would understand the impact of our proposed development and participate accordingly.
20000
15000
10000
5000
0 ILLITERATE
LITERATE
ERADICATING LESS THAN ILLIERACY MIDDLE PROGRAM SCHOOL
MIDDLE SCHOOL
EDUCATION STATUS (BOYS, 6 - 19 YEARS) Enrollment status for boys (6-19 y), 2006. 4% 3%
ABOVE MIDDLE SCHOOL
UNIVERSITY
POSTGRADUATE
EDUCATION STATUS (GIRLS, 6- 19 Y)
Enrollment status for girls (6-19 y), 2006. 2%
5%
In school Never been to school Started school then left
In school Never been to school Started school then left
93%
93%
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Research Phase II T YPE OF FAMILY HOME
Social aspects Family homes
60000
type of family home, 2006 (Capmas)
50000
40000
87% of families are housed in an apartment while 6% live in an independent room/ slightly larger than a room. About 4% live in a room or two within a residential unit and 3% live in the court of burial spaces. Most families live in a 3-bedroom house, while the next most-populat option is a 4-bedroom house. Average family size = 3.75 individuals/ family. Crowding index = 1.21 individuals/ room
These are all indices of a middle class area. Overall, they live in apartments, indicating a certain degree of financial security and privacy so their basic needs of healthy housing are fulfilled. This implies that they can be productive individuals in society. 146
30000
20000
10000
0 APAR T MEN T
40000
BIG G ER T HAN V ILLA/ APT R ESID EN T IAL BU ILD IN G
ON E/ T W O IN D EPEN D EN T R OOMS IN A R OOM OR R ESID EN T IAL MOR E U N IT
N EST / T EN T
CO U R T OF BU R I AL AR EA
NO. OF FAMILIES AND CORRESPONDING NO. OF ROOMS no. of families and corresponding no. of rooms (Capmas)
35000
30000
25000
20000
15000
10000
5000
0 1 B/R
2 B/R
3 B/R
4 B/R
5 B/R
Research Phase II
Social aspects Infrastructure
I N F R AST R U C T U R E
This graph shows the infrastructure available to the inhabitants of Bab Azab. Lighting: 99% of families light up their rooms using electricity. Other much less-popular options are kerosene and gas. Water: 93% of families obtain their water from a tap within the residence. Others obtain it from a tap outside the building or one within the building. Sewage: 97% of families have homes that are connected to the main network.
70000
INFRASTRUCTURE, 2006 (Capmas)
60000
50000
40000
30000
20000
10000
0
Overall, the inhabitants of Qesm el-Khalifa have good basic infrastructure. 147
Research Phase II NO. OF MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION/ FAMILY 60000
NO. OF MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION/ FAMILY (Capmas)
Social aspects
Services in dwelling/ means of transportation
50000
40000
30000
Means of transportation refers to privately-owned vehicles, motorbikes or similar. 84% of the inhabitants have zero means of transportation available. 15% have a single means of transportation while very few enjoy more luxury.
20000
10000
0 ZERO MEANS
Surveying the available services in dwelling units, it was found that 87% of total area population have access to private kitchens, 3% have access to a shared kitchen and 1% families have to access to kitchens. Regarding sanitary services, about 80% have access to a separate bath and toilet, about 3.6% share toilet and bath services, and 16% have no access to any sanitary services.
As seen before, there is good basic infrastructure. There is high dependence on public transport. 148
70000
60000
50000
40000
30000
20000
10000
0
SINGLE MEANS A V A I L A B L E S E R V ITWO C E S I NMEANS DWELLING
THREE PLUS MEANS
AVAILABLE SERVICES IN DWELLING (Capmas)
Research Phase II STATUS EmploymentEMPLOYMENT status in El-Khalifa, 2006 (Capmas)
Economic aspects
Employment and sectors
Male
Female
70000 60000 50000 40000 30000
The majority of employed men are daily-wage workers (53%) which is equivalent to 14% of women 12.5% of men are unemployed students.
20000 10000 0
The majority of women are housewives (66%) which is typical of middle-class neighbourhoods. 13.7% of women are daily-wage workers. 33% of men are unemployed while 48% of men work in corporations. 86% of women are unemployed and 7% of women work in government.
SECTOR serviceSERVICE sectors, 2006 (Capmas) 80000
Male
Female
70000 60000 50000 40000
The high degree of unemployment and the prevalence of daily-wage workers implies that this area is in need of a project that can provide work opportunities for these men and women.
30000 20000 10000 0
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Research Phase II
Economic aspects Main economic activity
main economic activity, 2006 (Capmas) MAIN ECONOMIC AC TIVIT Y
The main activities that most men engage in are the manufacturing (12%) and construction (12%) industries. Following this are the sale/maintenance of motor vehicles (10%) and transportation/ storage (6%). Altogether these employ about 40% of men while 33% of them are unemployed.
80000
70000
60000
50000
40000
30000
As for women, a high percentage of them work in education (3%), the sale/ maintenance of motor vehicles (3%) the health sector (2%) and general administrative/ defence/ obligatory civic duty (2%).
Altogether this division accounts for about 10% of employment, while 86% are unemployed.
150
20000
10000
0
Male
Female
Research Phase II
Economic aspects Main occupations
OCCUPATIONS MAIN MAIN OCCUPATIONS, 2006 (Capmas) 80000
This chart depicts the main occupations for inhabitants of Qesm el-Khalifa., divided into men and women.
Male
Female
70000
60000
50000
The main occupations (for men) as craftsmen (20%), academics/ specialists (10%) and factory labour (8%). The glaring majority (33%) are unemployed.
40000
30000
20000
The main occupations (for women) as specialists/ academics (4%) and technicians/ assistant specialists (3.5%). Again, the vast majority (86%) are unemployed.
10000
0
20% of men are craftsmen and 33% are unemployed. 4% of women are specialists/ academics while 86% are unemployed. 151
Stakeholders
As our projecthas no residents and once the economic and social conditions of the surounding community is established, it was essential to start studying our main stakeholders in this project. It would be superficial to assume that the only stakeholder in a project of this scale in such a sensitive site is the immediate community and the tourists alone. Thus, a detailed study of the stakeholders was carried out and the following are the stakeholders that were identified: • UNESCO/ NGOs: There are many NGOs working in this area in fields related to architecture, archeology, heritage and community development. At the moment, UNESCO is carrying out a project- the Urban Rehabilitation of Historic Cairo in Bab Azab and its immediate context. There are other NGOs who have worked in El-Khalifa 152
which include Al-Athar lina who have been using participation to engage with the surrounding community and involve. The UNESCO was considered one of the most recent users of the area as they had restoration workshops inside Bab Al Azab
charge of the site of Bab Azab and the most recent user of the area as there were restoration workshops located inside. There are other related governmental authorities that include the army who are currently using the area for craft workshops
• Field professionals: This refers to both the professionals directly working on-site or in related fields of research or to entities such as architects, archeologists and similar. There are varying degrees of acceptance to the approach of adaptive re-use and these are all opinions that we will have to take into consideration
• Tourists: Tourists that visit the Citadel and the area of El-khalifa. Generally, we only think of including international tourists discovering Egypt for the first time but we are trying to address the local tourists as well which includes existing local tourists such as school children coming on trips, etc. and other potential local tourists. At this stage in Egypt, it is important to revive local tourism as much as international tourism.
• Academic partners: This includes us and our professors while working on this project who provide the academic persepective on the project, how it should be developped and who also have different degrees of acceptance of the approach of adaptive re-use • Institutional partners: This mainly addresses the Ministry of Antiquities which is legally in
• Business owners: These are important stakeholders as they are the ones who will provide funding and take the risk of investing money in our projects to revitalize the area. This includes current business owners from the local community such as shops and workshops’ owners and can in-
clude potential businerss owners from the greater context • Local community: The local community is an important stakeholder as they are the most affected by the changes that we propose, mainly those residents in Hattaba and Arab Yasar who have a strong connection to the Citadel as they work inside. The local community was addressed through surveying different samples around the area from the different local communities as well as studying the social, economic and cultural aspects of the community • Greater community: These are extremely important as the Citadel is not a minor landmark, but in fact is one of the landmarks of Egypt as a whole. Thus we need to keep in mind that we design for the entire Egyptian population • Volunteers: Volunteers are a key part of our stakeholders as they will be important to raise awareness and involve people in their heritage and history
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Social Revitalization Approach
“Engaging the different stakeholders as equal partners to change ”
154
Having no existing community in the area of Bab Al-Azab and having it a pivotal site that has an impact on the greater community of Egypt including the various types of stakeholders, led to the need of understanding the different stakeholders and engaging them as equal partners who are involved from the decision making and until the action planning to create a sustainable 24 hour cycle in which the project becomes part of the stakeholder’ daily lives. To be able to engage them in a way that they would actually be the ones who are active and in a continuous, flexible
and sustainable manner, participatory action research seems to be a key approach to create this social revitalization. Having this participatory approach would mean focusing on, engaging, empowering the different partners, changing their lives, the way they think and making them identify, understand and prioritize their own problems. They will be all engaged in the decision making, policy making and in the actions in which a balance needs to be achieved between the different partners. To do that, we have to build on the existing potential of
the different partners and of the site in order to utilize the strengths and the opportunities and excel on them rather than just fulfill needs. This means we would utilize the tangible and intangible heritage which includes the skills and capabilities of the partners as well as the potential in the site to be able to achieve a sustainable revitalization that integrates the “community” which does not mean only the locals or the tourists, but everyone to change the users to become citizens who constantly work on continuous revitalization of the area.
Our Participatory Framework
We had to create our own framework of participatory action research. Participatory should be site specific and context specific. We have set a general framework of participation for our project, however within our individual proposals, the framework can be applied differently as we can apply this participatory approach within each program depending on the context of each project including the stakeholders of each program. To be able to create our own framework, we had to research on different approaches such as CBPR (community based participatory research) which has been used before in conservation projects as well as other approaches such as feminist participatory theories (Refer to appendix for the details on the different throries). Our framework, started by researching the area and the context through literature review as we had to first understand the area very well
before we involve with the partners. We of course had to identify the stakeholders and through the different stages of our project we changed our identification of the “community� which changed from involving the local stakeholders only, but which developped to include the grearter context. We then identified certain individuals who act as entry points to the different partners and who we used for sampling the different communities. As we achieved this individual analysis, we started to analyze the individuals in the community, we then started to work on engaging in a dialogue with all the different partners to listen to them and understand the collective needs. We did not guide their discussions in any way, but we mainly targetted getting information on their connection to the area of bab Al-Azab and the site in general, on their needs and on
how they think the area should be developped. They had to proritize their own needs. In this process, our role changed from being mere facilitators to become partners in the project. To have a more effective participation, there had to be collaborative dialogue between the different types of partners in the form of focus groups so that there can be the achievement of transparency between the partners, common language, understanding and then prioritizing together to reach an action plan. This could not have been achieved in such a short term of the project, but was achieved on a smaller scale with two or three partners being involved in a dialogue in which they started to balance and prioritize their needs. This framework had to have a certain degree of flexibility that allows for the reflexive nature of
participatory, but within certain limits. The process was reflexive in terms of planning and replanning. Throughout the process starting with the literature review and as we strated to understand the site more, we have used asset mapping in order to identify the potentials in the area, the context and the stakeholders to be able to build on the potentials rather than just addressing the needs. We have used cross checking at several points in our project as we involved professional partners, authoritative partners etc in cross checking our concepts for the development of the area and sometimes we cross checked the designs if the partners had the technical skills. This cross checking with different partners allowed us to develop our project even more. 155
Implementation of Social Revitalization Approach NGO Partner
People from the local communities are threatened by the citadel because they feel segregated from it.
156
We have contacted some of the members of the URHC in order to ask some questions that are specific to the area of Bab Azab and in an attempt to start a dialogue. This can be considered as part of the first stages of participatory action research which Is identification of the stakeholders and an initiation of a dialogue with the URHC. The following is a summary of our discussion with them: First, they addressed the point that the authorities have been talking about renovation and rehabilitation, but there was no real implementation of those concepts, but instead they only suggested cultural activities that can be located in the area. They have addressed the issue that the people are always skeptical of the purpose of the rehabilitation as they perceive that it will be done for the personal gain of the authorities responsible such as the Minsitry of culture. The Ministry of culture in fact had law suits filed against it when they introduced hotels in the area.
the area more as they used to benefit from the citadel when the bab el gedeed was open, they used to make use of the touristic aspects and as a lot of them have jobs in the area of the citadel unlike Arab Yassar. When asked whether the communities would be willing to engage with students, their answer was that they would talk to students, but that they are frustrated from talking a lot and seeing no Regarding the functions and development or any action take whether there are any restrictions place. on functions, they explained that there are no functions that are restricted; however cultural functions would be considered as a safe option. that it is possible as long as we can take the consent of a permanent committee that is formed of 60 professors who are in their perspective: conservative and suspicious. They have informed us that we cannot built on the vacant land that is south of Bab el Azab that extends to Salah Salem as this area is considered to be part of Harm El-Athar and so it is illegal to build there.
However, regarding the local community, their point of view is that the people from the local communities in ‘Arab Yassar and in al Hattaba are actually threatened by the citadel because they feel segregated from it as they have not been allowed to build within Haram al-Athar and they have not been allowed to restore their homes or As we asked them about the build new ones. However, they also possibility of building extensions to informed us that people from al – the existing buildings, they stated Hattaba would see the potential of
Field Professional & Academic Partner
The area of Bab Al-Azab is under utilized. We have to have a more sensitive approach.
First, we created a similar dialogue with Dr. May El-Ibrahsi. The same open ended questions that were sent to the URHC were sent to her as both a field professional and an academic partner who is concerned about the area and the founder of AlAthar lina project which is a participatory project in the area of El-Khalifa. Her perception of the rehabilitation for the existing buildings is that the state of the conservation of the buildings within the area is very bad and there are only a few buildings that are used and the area is under utilized. Dr. May did not oppose the idea of having extensions to the existing buildings if it does not affect the heritage value of the area of Bab Azab, but she did not see why is it necessary to build an extension if there are buildings that still remain unused. She identified to us different ways in which the monuments are listed as there are monuments that are listed under the citadel decree and there are monuments that are listed individually which would require approvals for any changes as there are certain restrictions for that.
Regarding building in the area that surrounds Bab El- Azab, she has asked us to refer back to the URHC report, but she told us their recommendation of keeping the areas around the citadel without buildings to preserve the environmental asset and to correspond to the heritage value without affecting the skyline . Thus construction would be used in those areas only to improve pedestrian access and service vehicles. Regarding the different functions, she has asked us to consult the URHC. She also informed us that the community of Arab Yasser were previously helpful to two Italian students who studied the area so there is no reason that they would not be as helpful and engaging in our project. At the later stages, we cross checked with her our project at the stage of the prefinal in order to engage her through the whole process and to develop the design. We discussed with her our project proposals and what we have reached regarding the program as well as the the masterplan. At the
stage we showed her our masterplan, we had major interventions in the area such as changing the whole square in front of the citadel and Sultan Hassan and transforming it to a pedestrian space with the vehicular network underground. We hadn’t intervened much in the area of Bab Al-Azab. Her thoughts about this included that we have to be more sensitive to the area in designing the masterplan as the local communities are already used to the gardens and using the square as it is, having it all pedestrian would not be building on what is already there. Moreover, she showed us how the different local communities in the area are actually divided and segreated and that some of the areas we wanted to design were actually considered peripheral and a no man’s land and therefore had to be studied again. We were advised to study how each part of the project related to the “community”. This cross checking stage created a reflexive process as we had to replan again according to the involvement of Dr. May in the cross checking. 157
NGO & Academic Partner
We have to understand who is the client and who we represent. Enagaging the local community can be necessary so that the project is not considered as an invasion on their privacy.
158
We have also engaged in a dialogue with Dr. Dina Bakhoum as she has worked with the Agha Khan. The dialogue was mainly concerned about the Agha Khan’s work in Darb El-Ahmar and on how to involve the local community We started by explaining the project of Bab Azab to Dr. Dina in order for her to be able to understand the scope of our project and what we are asking about. We asked her regarding the involvement of the community of Darb El-Ahmar in the Azhar park project and whether it was successful as it is currently a developped area that is located very close to the area of El-Khalifa. She said that it is argued a lot whether it was successful or not, however this happened through different ways as one of the aims of the project was the socioeconomic development of the area. She explained that it was necessary to have the participation of the locals for the project to succeed and become part of their daily lives and this is because of having the local community very strong in terms of connection and identity. Building a park there without their involvement would have been considered
by them as an invasion of their area. One of the approaches that was used do address this issue was providing services to the community such as starting with the restoration of the houses so that the community could feel trust towards the project. However, one of the main points that Dr.Dina focused on was that we have to understand who is the owner and who is the client and who do we represent in the project. She explained that we have to be able to identify our role for example whether we are hired by the government or whether we are scholars etc. as this will affect our approach in addressing the issue. When designing if we truly intend to integrate the locals as part of the project and if we want the project to respond to them then we have to make sure that we actually understand their needs, their culture as those aspects have to be taken care off in any proposal we want to do.
Authorities Partner
In order to revitalize the area, the Egptian citized must be attached tohis culture and history.
As it was very difficult to approach any governmental partner in such a short time, it was hard to engage them in a dialogue, but we were able to engage the inspector of Antiquities that showed us the site . This dialogue was towards the end of the project. The dialogue was in the form of an open discussion in which he explained various aspects about the site, about his view on how development can happen in the area and he discussed our proposals and proposed new functions based on the minsitry of antiquitie’s views. First, he explained that the buildings are mainly administrative and that they were used as workshops, storgae areas and residential spaces fo r the army. This included Spanish workshops and ffactories and workshops for weapons.
to people culturally. However, as being a partner from the ministry of Antiquities, he said that Bab Azab has certain restrictions- 7aram el makan. (its nobuild zone). We should balance between revitalizing the area and reusing the space and at the same time protecting and preserving the heritage site. He was concerned with adding new layers of history to the site as he believes that there was a reason for everything to be the way it is so we should not be changing what is already there. We have to think first of why everything is the way it is.
He was very concerned with changing the form or demolishing any of the existing buildings on site, he advised us to try to build as minimum as possible, he thinks that In our dialogue, he expressed there is no real need to build inside his view that in order to revitalize the and said that we should re-use the area, the Egyptian citizen must be buildings more and tie the historic attached to his culture and history building to the space as the visitor therefore we have to have social re- is not coming to see the Western vitalization in the site. Moreover, We way of life; he is coming to see our must use the community and its po- way of life so we should have a protential in any development we do to gram inside that provides spaces for the area of Bab El-Azab. We, must tie activities that are realted to our cul-
ture such as moulids and dervishes and tannoura. He also talked about three different approaches that we could choose from and apply to the area, whether turning the area to an open museum for the heritage or to have museums and involve the crafts of the local communities such as traditional arts, wood and embroidery or we could have performance spaces inside that are related to Folk art or the culture in general, he gave the example of Mouled El Refaie that takes place from Salah Salem to Ahmed Maher Rd. at Bab El-Khalq as he thought we should integrate such events. We have to first look at the historic buildings and decide on which should be left as touristic spaces or museums to be visited.
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Research Phase II
Oportunities Assessment
The opportunities assessment or asset mapping is a method of analysis that is based on the strengths, potentials and the assets existing rather than the needs. This approach means that the gaps are identified through knowing the assets and then searching for what is needed to complement them. The central location of the site within the historical city of Cairo The connection to other developed nodes such as El-Azhar park The connection to the community as a means of community building The proximity to different services and mixed use facilities with users such as workshops, small shops, kiosks, a garden etc.
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The Tangible Heritage
The Intangible Heritage
The connection to the citadel The carved path The gateways leading to the area: Bab Azab ,El Bab El Gedeed and the inner gate The historical monuments: Al Azab Mosque, Blue Dome, Ablaq palace, Burj El Rafrafa The architectural features of the existing buildings The Arsenal Proximity to the Archive building Proximity to El Mostawsaf The citadel walls Proximity to Sultan Hassan complex and El Refai mosque Topography creating a landmark
The skills and the capabilities of the local communities living around the area The layers of history of the area including the Ayyubid history, the Mamluk, Mohamed Ali and the Ottomans The essence crearted by the existing buildings in the area of Bab Azab The legend of the Mamluk Massacre The essence of the citadel The history of the old users of the Bab Azab area The strong bond between the Shiakhas in the local community The site being a heritage site and thus any development will have an effect on the greater community of Egypt
Conclusion
As a conclusion, there is a lot of potential in the site and the potential users that has to be made use of. It is difficult to achieve a balance between the different stakeholders as partners, our own vision and the local community on the other hand, however creating this dialogue or partnership helps achieve this balance. It is agreed that we should use the analysis of the local community in targetting the locals. The dialogues helped identify certain things that have to be achieved such as opening the doors to create accessibility once again to the local community. There are a lot of program suggestions that came from those partnerships such as having a crafts center, shops for the local community to sell their products, performance activities, cultural activities in general, spaces for children, con-
servation facility, etc. Touristic activities seemed vital to create economic sustainability and the sensitivity and preservation of the heritage also seemed to be important and stressed upon as well as being sensitive towards the spaces that are used by the local communities which mean that we should build on the potentials of the area and of the stakeholders and not just have a superficial intervention. In general, the participation with the different partners were all concerned with social, cultural and economic aspects which are directly linked to the community’s and the context’s intangible heritage as well as the touristic potential of the area that involves local tourism as the heritage site has to be part of the greater communty’s culture and lives.
References
Arab Republic of Egypt. Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics (CAPMAS). Final Census Results for 2006. Cairo: CAPMAS, 2008. Print
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Research Phase II
According to Stewart Brand, there is an “order to civilization” that is composed of six levels. The six levels are fashion and commerce which mainly form the economic dimension and which are considered to be the fastest cycle of change. Then, there is infrastructure and governance which form together the social dimension and which are considered to change, but slowly with the passing generations. The governance and infrastructure are grouped to be under the social
dimension as they have similar structure. However, the social does not only include the governance and the infrastructure, but all other social factors as well. Then there is level of culture which remains although it is in fact a product of society. The culture has a long span that is even longer than human communities. Nature however forms the last layer which remains constant through time. Those six layers that form the four different dimensions of nature, cultural, social and economic and that have different rates
of change form the” order of civilization” 1. The order of civilization has been affected in the case of Bab Azab when the power was moved from the citadel to Abdeen Palace. A transition of the location of the economic factor took place: there was no commerce and also a transition of the location of the social aspect: location of the governance and the institution changed affecting the whole cycle of nature, cultural, economic and social.
“In the area of Bab Azab, the order of civilization kept deteriorating and eventually resulted in the creation of a lifeless abandoned node that has facilities with no users. Even those facilities started to deteriorate over time. “ 162
Problem Definition
Each layer of the citadel's history had one beneficiary which made the cycles of change dependent on that entity. Over time this led to the absolute DISCONNECTION of the community, forming a deserted site full of PIVOTAL POTENTIAL
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Proposed Cycle for Project
Diagram showing our proposed cycle of Development
To be able to return the area of Bab Azab to be inhabited again and to create a project that operates 24 hours a day, we will generate a cycle that would revitalize and rehabilitate the area by involving the different layers, that have different rates of change. The main constituents of this cycle are the social, cultural and economic aspects. This cycle will start by using the constant dimension of culture that is already existing and that includes the tangible and intangible heritage of Bab Azab in order to be able to create economic development that would depend mainly on tourism, commerce and entrepreneurship. This economic development would integrate the surrounding community and the different stakeholders in Bab Azab and utilize their potentials for the area of Bab azab to become part of their daily lives and to become re-inhabited. However, this cycle has to be continuous such that the social groups would keep utilizing the tangible and intangible heritage to recreate this cycle continuously leading to economic and cultural development in an open ended process.
“Creating a cycle of economic, cultural and social development through using the existing potentials“
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Area of Impact
Diagram showing area of impact of the proposed cycle of development
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There is another layer to this proposed cycle for the project which involves the area of impact of the proposed project. The intended purpose of the project is to create a sustainable developped node that connects to the surroundings unlike what happened in Darb El-Ahmar and El-Azhar Park. Therefore, the greater context wil be part of the project as it will be affected by the cycle of development that is created within the area of Bab Al Azab and its surroundings. In fact, the social, economic and cultural cycle would have to fall within another greater cycle with a larger area of impact that includes the heritage site of Old Cairo in general. This greater cycle would start with the social, economic and cultural cycle that is created to change the area of Bab Azab to a magnet. This magnet would then start to integrate with other nodes such as El-Azhar park or possibly the Khalfa area or Ibn Touloun etc. Therefore, the magnet created in Bab Azab would start impacting other surrounding lifeless nodes within Historical Cairo. This lifeless node would need the creation of the social, economic, cultural development cycle to be able to become another magnet
that would affect other nodes and so on. This greater cycle would therefore be open ended and would be continuous in integrating the different lifeless nodes and developing them to eventually develop the whole heritage context and even develop further than that through the on going process.
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This diagram shows the nodes within the citadel and the surrounding nodes that can be a first stage that is integrated in the development and that would later affect their surrounding nodes as well.
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Precedents
El-Azhar Park and Darb El Ahmar revitalization
General Information
A Participatory Governance model for the Sustainable Development of the Area
and the restoration of the 1.5 km The project mainly targeted the Ayyubid Wall as well as the launchtransformation of the rubble dump ing of a lot of restoration and rehain Old Cairo into a park that would bilitation projects to the surroundact as a catalyst of development in ing landmarks. the area. We studied this project because of the approach that they used The Ayyubid Wall is developping the area through the The Ayyubid wall is one of the most integration of the community and important features of El-Azhar Park because of the different approaches in relation to Darb El-Ahmar as it was the boundary that divided the of restoration they have applied. The project was based on a protocol site of the rubble dump and the lothat was signed between the Agha cal community of El-Darb El-Ahmar. Khan Trust for culture and the Gover- The Ayyubid wall was restored as nate of Cairo. The Agha Khan was to part of the project. What is interbuild the park and the governorate esting is the approach towards the provided the land. This is an example wall as the Agha Khan created light of involvement of both the govern- weight stairs on top of the wall to act ment and an NGO as stakeholders. as access points along the Ayyubid The project included the Urban Park Wall for the local community of El-
Information on project
Darb El-Ahmar to enter the Azhar park creating a direct connection which then achieved a sense of community towards the Park. The approach to the wall being a connecton rather than a boundary affected the development in the area. As the area of Bab Al Azab is segregated from the surroundings by the Citadel wall, we have to study an approach that would integrate the wall as part of the design and a part of developping the area.
Socio-economic status of ElDarb El-Ahmar
The status of the locals in Darb El-Ahmar especially before ElAzhar park was very poor although the area is very rich in Islamic heri-
Conservation-aimed building development plan
“This project is an example of conservation of heritage that focuses on different values including the aesthetic, cultural, social, psychological, political, environmental and educational values�1 168
tage. The houses needed restoration, job opportunities had to be offered. There was also inadequate sanitation and rubbish collection. A potential in the community was that the community and family life remained strong.
Development of Darb El-Ahmar
The removal of the rubble dump was a starting point of the development, however there had to be other interventions within the communities that would serve them in order for the park to become part of the daily lives of the people through cultural, social and eceonomic development of the site and the surroundings. This strated with the development plan of the restoration of the houses to achieve a connection with the locals, then creating training programs that included both the local and foreign experts for the locals to develop their skills be able to have different job opportunities. The development also included the use of the local skills in the implementation of the park through the use of the local carpenters and craftsmen for the architecture of the park. Moreover, the provision of employment opportunities as the 169
restoration of the landmarks and the Ayyubid walls created over 250 jobs on site. However, to ensure the sustainability of the heritage landmarks (the Islamic monuments), adaptive reuse was adopted. There was also the improvement of the health, education and sanitation through using contractors that collect the garbage and through the reuse of landmarks to create literary programs for the women in the area. Moreover, economic development was created through creating micro finance projects.
The conclusion by the Agha Khan
The Agha Khan’s conclusion included in the documentation of the project should be the starting point to develop any area within the heritage site of Old Cairo as their conclusion is a result of their work on developing a similar site to Bab Al-Azab, however there still has to be a way that ensures the sustainability and continaution of such a development so that it could develop the greater context as well as develop other aspects that would involve all the other stakeholders. Their conclusion inclueded the following points: 1-�Top-down� approach does not work: The best ideas came from the residents. This reflects back to the idea
View of the wall and surroundings from El Azhar Park
Birds eye view of El Azhar Park and its context
Boutique hotel/ bazaar
of having participatory approach as a method of achieving social revitalization to achieve heritage revitalization. 2-Tremedy to historic neighborhoods: There should be parts of the project putting the community as proiority to feel involved and integrated. 3-Aspects of development have to be integrated 4-Need for broker between the authorities and local community: There has to be a way of mediation between the government and the local authorities to ensure reaching a solution that would benefit both. Thus, creating a dialogue between the different partners. is important 5-Have to give successful example to 170
locals such as restoring their houses: For the locals to be integrated in the project they have to feel how this project would benefit them and therefore there has to be a successful example that fulfills their needs. 6-Historic monuments being vibrant: “Cultural assets can be
returned to their original function as integral parts of daily life�
Conservation Approach
The map shows that the development was along the strip of the Ayyu-
bid wall only. The development did not really branch into the whole area of El-Darb El-Ahmar which is a negative point. The different interventions in the area could be the base of interventions that we implement in Bab Al Azab, those include : 1-New developments that followed the same language such as following the height of the existing buildings 2-Demolition of some of the buildings that did not follow the language or that were deteriorated 3-Maintenance of different aspects such as sanitation in buildings 4-Restoration of the Ayyubid wall
5-Adaptive reuse by restoration of the Khayerbek complex located on site to provide a setting for recreation and cultural events and to provide a focal point to the area as the complex includes open spaces, a mosque, Sabil-Kuttab and a ruined Ottoman house. 6-Restoration of Umm Al-Sultan Shaaban mosque and minaret to be able to return it back as it was affected by the 1992 earthquake 7-Rehabilitaion of Darb Shoughlan mosque to be adaptively reused as a community centre and to accommodate offices. It is in an area that does not have public facilities.
Precedents It is a living Ottoman village that is considered as the best preserved Ottoman Empire rural architecture. It is a Unique Waqf village and a world Heritage site. What is different between it and Bab Al Azab is that there are still people living in the village. We can apply the idea of El Waqf to our project to ensure the economic sustainability.
Precedents CUMAlIKIZIKI
General Information
Architectural features1
It retains most of the original architectural texture. Of the original 270 historical houses, 180 still exist and 150 are used currently by the villagers as residential units. The houses are two to three stories high.
A Participatory Governance model for the Sustainable Development of the Area
Urban features1 Conservation-aimed building development plan
“This project is an example of conservation of heritage that focuses on different values including the aesthetic, cultural, social, psychological, political, environmental and educational values”1
Location1
Bursa in Turkey
Keywords1
“Collaboration/conservation/Cumalikizik/Ottoman/Participation/Revitalization/Sustainability”
Information on project1
It is located on the northern slopes of the mountain in Bursa and was used to provide military support before conquest of Bursa in 1362 which is similar to the area of Bab Al Azab which was used by the military through the different eras.
The squares, the streets and houses are following the natural topography and the material. It follows an organic settlement pattern. The width of the streets is from 2 to 2.5 meters wide.
Public Buildings1
Same as the area of Bab Al-Azab with historical buildings still existing, Cumalikiziki still has historical 171
Why this precedent?
Passageways on site
View of the traditional village houses
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tem, a fountain, public baths with a historical dome, remains of church and bridge from Byzantine times showing the different historical layers. This shows how although there are several historical layers in the area that need to be protected and preserved, there can still be adaptive reuse and continuous use of the existing potential without harming the heritage, but rather adding new layers to it. This is the same for Bab Al-Azab, as we will have to create a balance between protecting the area and reusing its potential as both do not have to be mutually exclusive to one another.
sustainable development of the area. The modern life and the rapid urbanization process have caused the younger inhabitants of the city to move to city centers. Inhabitants have decreased from 922 in 1940 to 580 in 1998. There are not enough funds to maintain and protect the traditional houses (Tas). Therefore, there was a need to ensure the sustainability and that leads to social and economic development in the area which is similar to Bab Al-Azab as the residents there have moved. This required the empowering of the people and the empowering of the stakeholders.
Social and Economic lifestyle
Approach
The main source of income is agriculture. The local economy depended on chestnut trees, however as the trees died the economy declined. The houses are now inhabited by old people as the youth have moved (Tas). Therefore, the order of civilization has been affected by the youth moved out which is similar to the case of Bab Al-Azab, but that has been abandoned completely.
To create a sustainable development of the existing human settlement, there were a lot of criteria that needed to be focused on which included the social, cultural, ecological and political aspects, they created a good governance model achieved that involved the different stakeholdres/ partners of the project including volunteers, the government, NGOs, current residents, academic partners, the youth, etc. This model is a movement from “government” Problem Such a living ottoman village requires to “governance” and in this model
“Mesaj.” Http://www.ilkdefagidiyorum.com/. N.p., n.d. Web. 08 Apr. 2014 “Cumalikizik village in Turkey_Bursa.” Karim74s Weblog. N.p., n.d. Web. 08 Apr. 2014.
there is participation in the policy making process (Tas). This shows how there should be a governance model applied in the development of Bab Al-Azab that would involve the different stakeholders together and that would involve them from planning to action where there is no government that enforces and imposes, but rather governance by all stakeholders. This would require in a complete understanding of all the stakeholders and having a program that targets them all to be able to involve them.
Strategies
The following strategies that they have applied should be applied to our proposal in Bab Al-Azab: Opportunities of the area: Building on the opportunities is a crucial pointto make use of what is already existing. The opportunities used in this project were the traditional lifestyle that still exists, the merger between the nature and the architecture, the historic texture, the international concern on the area, being signed as a World Heritage site etc (Tas). “Bottom –up planning”: They mainly targetted having
bottom-up planning rather than top-down through conduction of community surveys, focus groups, involvement of youth, public hearings and meetings, public awareness campaigns on the international level and having all stakeholders are cost-sharing. The plan for revitalization included a cooperation between the different partners (Tas).
Implementation
Conservation Development through infrastructure, urban design, conservation and restoration projects as well as development of socio cultural and economic structure (Tas). Having this cycle of revitalization is needed in the abandoned historical site of Bab Al-Azab. A program that addresses the need for conservation and restoration in Bab Al Azab could help generate this cycle of development.
Activities done
Research center for the restoration of the village houses (Tas). Annual festivals which take place every year and include competition, career, exhibition, children activities and handicraft courses (Tas). Management and foreign language courses, as well as opportunity to work
on restoration studies (Tas). Those are all examples of activities that we can involve in the program we propose in Bab Al-Azab as those activities serve both the community , tourists and other stakeholders.
Integrated Heritage management
Heritage integration is needed to ensure the continuity of cycle integrating the sub-components who are the partners. To be achievable there has to be involvement of the authorities and the policy making sector to ensure that the proposals are not mere suggestions. There is also the financial support from government for restoration (Tas). This has to be addressed in our proposal for development
View of the area o f Cumalikiziki
Action planning
The action planning in the proposal included having an identification of budget resources, a short term, middle term and long term action plan. This could be applied in the way we link the development to the immediate context and the greater context, always having
“heritage a priorit for public policies.�-Tas
Participatory Governance Model Diagram
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Precedents
Agha Khan Award Winning project: Revitalization of Birzeit Historic Centre
The project aimed to use the conservation of tangible and intangible heritage to create socio economic development. Location
General Information and why this precedent
Birzeit, Palestine
Keywords
Traditional crafts/conservation/Community/ Employment/Tangible and intangible heritage
Information on project
“Riwaq is an NGO mobilizing the stakeholders and local craftsmen into a process of political, Social and Economic healing “
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The project provided employment opportunities through the revival of traditional crafts and through conservation. In this project conservation was seen as the drive towards creating jobs, revitalizing local workshops and starting interest and investment in the historical area. This project is part of the revitalization of 50 other villages by Riwaq that involve conservation. This precedent shows how conservation can be used as an opportunity that can actually lead to socio-economic development rather than being a waste of economic resources. This took place through the adaptive reuse of the historic spaces to
be used as workshops. This can be applied in Bab Al-Azab as there can be adaptive reuse of the spaces that were once factories, workshops and storage areas to provide space for programs that might include crafts as well as job opportunities which can make Bab Al Azab part of the daily lives of the people, especially in the surrounding area leading to revitalization. There is the focus on the intangible heritage being the traditional crafts and the tangible heritage being the actual buildings. This is very important to consider in the project as both actually are important aspects of the heritage and of the culture.
Community involvement
The community involvement was encouraged from the start of the project by including different partners in the beginning that worked with the municipality. Those partners include local NGOs, the private sector, owners, tenants and users of the space.
rehabilitation of public space, the restoration of public and community buildings to fulfill international standards, the rehabilitation of the public spaces and historic buildings to create community activity hubs. However, to carry out this development traditional techniques and local materials were used so although they adaptively resued the space, they were still conservative, sensititive and they utilized the potential in the area. This development of the area was considered to be a model that inspires other developemts of other 50 villages which shows how they considered the greater context and having a greater area of impact
The images show the the architecture features after and before the development in order to conserve the area through using the same language, but still creating something new. This new language that is integrated with the old language creates a more practical use of the spaces so that Development The development that was done to they can be appropriated while the area included the conservation still having strong connection to of the facades, the creation and the heritage
Precedents
NET.WORK by Maxwan
Location
towards having a mixed use cultural building that focuses on the tangiPaphos, Cyprus ble and intangible heritage which Keywords Mixed-use/Agriculture/ should be the case in Bab Al-Azab Culture/ Conservation/ New/ Net/ as the main drive is cultural. Roof/ Historical vs. New
Program
General Information and why this precedent
“Historical and new programs and functions linked together with a net like roof structure“
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Typology
Mixed-used Cultural The project is based on the concept of rural Heritage. It acts as a platform to showcase contemporary and historic agri-culture. Specified program acts as a catalyst for sustainable tourism and local economy. Historic buildings frame a natural gathering space that acts as a central node that stretches to the surroundings which expresses the stretching out to the opportunities. The main activities of the project are all rural and natural such as the organic farming, handicraft, livestock, etc. Those activities lie within a context of vegetation and diverse landspcape that all together celebrate the agriculture. The use of open spaces for activities is what is interesting about this project as well as the cycle of cultural and economic development which can apply to our proposal. The intresting aspect of this project is that the functions are oriented
The project is mainly composed of a museum, gallery, hotel, theater, public space, restaurant and library as well as the land used for agriculture. There is a combination of educational facilities, recreational or entertainment, residential and cultural that are used to create a touristic attraction to enhance the economic status of the area and thus, develop the area further. However, all of this falls under a common theme which is cultural as the main aim of the project was to revive the essence of the agriculture. The diversity of program typologies falling under the same theme would be the same for Bab Al-Azab.
Network
The network is used to connect the buildings and the different areas to create a shadow that creates a cooled public space underneath. This public space is formed by an interesting combination between
modernity and heritage in terms of architectural language and in terms of the historical program that is preserved and emphasized in combination with the modern network. Moreover, the network creates a sense of orientation within the space and that creates new functions and new spaces that can be appropriated with the current users of the site. Having this network which is a light structure does not create an obstacle and does not affect the existing historical buildings. What is also interesting in the project is the language that they have created in integrating the existing buildings or walls and adpatively reusing the structures. There are four different ways in which the structures were used that provide a variety of different functions as seen in the images. This balance between the protection of the heritage, reusing the spaces and historical context as well as having a new addition should be implemented in the deisgn of Bab Al-Azab, but should be well thought of to make sure the new does not affect th heritage, but rather complement it.
Proposals for Bab Azab
1990s: In the early 1990s, a proposal was put forward by then-Minister of Culture Farouk Hosni, with a possible Italian grant, to develop the abandoned area of Bab el-Azab. The proposal was for a luxury hotel, a shopping complex, a conference hall, an Islamic art museum and a restoration school Although the Permanent Committee for Coptic and Islamic Monuments approved the proposal, it was met with fierce opposition and frozen in May 1998, following which it was taken to court. The court ruled that according to Law 117 of Heritage Protection, year 1983, it was illegal. (El176
Aref, “Second Chance”) 2001: The Bab el-Azab proposal is revised by the Ministry of Culture to become a specialized restoration school, Islamic museum, centre for traditional arts and crafts as well as a meeting hall while restoring surviving monuments such as the Azab gate, mosque of Ahmed Katkhuda alAzab and other Ottoman sites while removing Ottoman and British army garrisons. 2004: Following a fire in Bab el-Azab in 2002 caused by a children’s firework and fuelled by the prevalent trash in the area, talks about developing Bab Azab were once again re-opened. While opinions conflict on the matter, Ayman Abdelmoneim, director of Historic Cairo documentation center states that “the only way to keep Bab el-Azab safe is to develop it.” while intellectuals fear that the project would set a precedent for the use of historic sites for commercial purposes. (El-Aref, “Historic Cairo...”)
In this spirit, Hosni formed a technical committee to overview the development of this area. The result was an international conference center, a cultural center with centers for visual and architectural arts as well as a thought center, public libraries and IT facilities, restaurants, cafes and handicraft centers. The target audience were local and international tourists. (aawsat.com...) 2006: Hosni re-ignites proposal to build a conference complex in Bab el-Azab 2011: In early January 2011, a decision was issued by the Cairo Governorate and the SCA to remove over 2000 families resident in Arab Yasar in Qesm el-Khalifa to convert it into a tourist attraction related to the Citadel, although this is, in fact, private property. (masress.com)
The development and reuse of Bab al’Azab area project by the ministry of culture The project visions The Citadel as one of the three biggest cultural centers in the capital of Cairo. The project is considered the first of its kind to recognize the area’s full potential including it cultural, economic and social aspects. The project aims to rehabilitate the all of Bab al’Azab’s Buildings to create a cultural touristic complex that would be recognized internationally.
The project’s objectives
Rehabilitate and restore the entire architectural heritage inside Bab al’Azab without any demolition or change in the existing urban fabric and to use it to create a node for cultural and touristic activities that would resemble the area’s unique history.
The Main Components
1.The Citadel’s court and Arrival piazza
•Contains a number of open courtyards •Information center •Cafes and restaurants 2.Performing arts center •Multiuse halls •concert hall •Cinema •Theater 3.Visual arts center •Revive traditional folk tales and way of life through art •Exhibition for orientalists paintings of Historic Cairo like David Roberts and Pascal •Galleries •Cultural Salons •Cafes 4.Culture and intellect institute •Revive Islamic arts and sciences like philosophy and literature •Research center for Islamic studies •Lecture halls •Heritage libraries including children’s libraries 5.The heritage life area •Represents a central node inside Bab al’Azab area •Hosts festivals and national and re-
gional celebrations •Heritage museum that uses interactive media to show traditional popular arts, sciences and military media •Exhibition for pioneers of Egyptian architecture by showing physical models of their most important works •A large piazza that hosts different folkloric performances •Amphitheater for 1500 spectators •Cafes and restaurants that have a panoramic view all over cairo •Includes the historic mosque of Katkhuda al’Azab 6.Conferences center •An adaptable conference hall for 1000 users, it could be divided into smaller halls based on need •Meeting rooms •Auxiliary functions for the conference center 7.Traditional market area – Bazars •Revives historic markets, wekalas and khans •Traditional handmade crafts workshops and showcasing for textiles, copper and mother of pearl work •100 bazars with various areas •40 workshops
•A restaurant and a café with an exquisite panoramic view •An academy for developing traditional and handmade crafts •Information center for crafts and folk arts which is associated with interested stakeholder •Doors and traditional crafts museum to be located in al Ablaq museum
The project’s aspects and expected results 1.Cultural aspect The ministry of culture is interested in preserving the historic value of all the existing building and to restore them. The restored structures would be used to create a vibrant cultural center as a whole for the entire. 2.Touristic aspect The project aims to create a touristic attraction node through three main methods; a.Cultural tourism b.Entraining tourism c.Raising awareness about the art and culture of Egypt and the Egyptian people 3.Financial and economic aspect 177
The project reuses a very important but neglected area to create a project that would represent a permanent source of national income 4.Social aspect The project aims to connect between local and international tourists to create an environment for social interaction. Also the social aspect of the project depends on creating many employment opportunities for the community and to develop the surrounding communities’ living conditions. The project represents a positive step towards respecting the deteriorating tangible and intangible heritage of area; it priorities the rehabilitation of the structures and the preservation of their historic value. However the project could have used adding programs that creates a more diversifies cultural center; meaning that the area of Bab al’Azab should not be purely cultural and entertainment. Educational, commercial and administrative areas should be presented as main projects not as secondary projects, given that they would attract different types of users and stakeholders which would increase the area of impact of the project 178
Urban Regeneration of Historic Cairo (URHC) action plan for Bab Azab
This is a study of the action plan of URHC based on a report that they have written on their current work in Bab Azab area -Their approach is based on the idea of “rehabilitation” and “regeneration”. They work towards development of a Conservation plan for the Historic Cairo World heritage site. Main aim: The way they are thinking of the project is in fact a mixed used development as they are working on: -Improving public space -Residential: Rehabilitating the housing stock -Cultural: Enhancing the cultural aspects -Touristic: Enhancing tourism-related activities. - Commercial: Revitalizing areas of commercial and craft activity -Community development: Improving the environmental and living conditions Major issues affecting the area: 1-Lack of appropriate planning and framework to protect and revitalize urban fabric (Not giving importance to the urban heritage) 2-Unused building stock that could
be used to develop housing and to provide services and facilities. (So buildings with no services and no users) 3-Environmental situation: heavy traffic, poor wastage disposal
they include the surrounding community somehow, but their surveying technique included things that we do not have in our site. Their considerations: 1-Presence of outstanding heritage features and underutilized urban assets which is the citadel “that is separated from the historic fabric, but is a potential “hinge” between historic Cairo and metropolitan area” 2-Anchor monuments 3-Presence of poor conditioned areas with high potential 4-Presence of economic activities such as markets and scattered touristic attractions 5-Surrounding areas have been subject to rehabilitation such as Darb Labanah 6-No comprehensive planning studies
Their action project includes thinking of a long term solution and a change in rehabilitation and conservation and not just finding a specific solution to that area only as they want it to be extended to the rest of the historical WH site (this could be part of our approach). They are setting tools and procedure that could be applied which include the following goals: 1-Establising a comprehensive information system for urban rehabilitation 2-Promoting effective collaboration amongst the different administrations and institutional stakeholders that are concerned 3-Awaraness raising and partici- Area includes different types of urpation initiatives (their approach ban fabric in diverse state of conmore of awareness than involve- servation and physical conditions. ment of people in decision making) Their project includes large area Urban Regeneration of Historic around Ban Azab and not just the Cairo. “Action Project Layout.” Web. area included within the citadel, so Sept. 2013.
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References
Tas, M., N. Tas, and A. Cahantimur. “A Participatory Governance Model for the Sustainable Development of Cumalikizik, a Heritage Site in Turkey.” Environment and Urbanization 21.1 (2009): 161-84. Print.
Egypt. Ministry of Culture. Historic Cairo Studies and Development Center. Rehabilitation of Bab Al’Azab Area: Development of the Spatial Configuration inside the Citadel of Salah ElDin in Cairo. Cairo: Ministry of Culture. Print. Agha Khan Trust for Culture. “Agha Khan Award for Architecture.” (2013). Web. 8 Apr. 2014.
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http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/78071.stm http://www.aawsat.com/details.asp?issueno=8070&article=68016#.Ux8w8Pl_taR http://weekly.ahram.org.eg/1999/450/eg11.htm 2001: http://weekly.ahram.org.eg/2001/557/cu7.htm http://mandor81.arabblogs.com/archive/2006/7/74912.html http://www.aawsat.com/details.asp?section=19&article=251007&issueno=9397#.Ux85Tfl_taR http://www.aawsat.com/details.asp?issueno=8070&article=68016#.Ux8w8Pl_taR 8%B1%D9%8A%D8%A9.html
Research Phase II
Thesis Statement
OPENING the DOOR to vitalize the tangible and intangible forgotten heritage by Sustainable Tourism: a process of involving the community, investing in local economy, and re-inhabiting the ruins to regenerate the historic city.
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analysis
poor structural conditions incompatible functions decay of infrastructure lack of maintenance
social structure changed high vacancy rates absence of new developments
obsolescence
physical - functional - locational - image
development dynamics
declining
short term strategy
refurbishment - conversion
physical revitalization
long term strategy
functional restructuring
economic revitalization
CAPTION - Contextual attributes and revitalization strategy for bab al-’Azab
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10%
Research Phase I
30%
Research Phase II
60%
Master Plan
90%
100% 183
Approach in masterplan design
Initial concepts for masterplan
The design of the masterplan was first addressed in a conceptual manner as we thought of what experience we would like the user to go through as they pass through the various projects we propose. As these areas especially lack public spaces of use to the community, our focus was on creating the connections between our projects through the use of public open space. We started with three possible conceptual alternatives for the design of the masterplan which, combined with an initial zoning, produced our first proposal. Following critique (as being too aggressive an intervention and far too dense) and development of the conceptual approach, a second proposal was generated. This too was criticized and further developed, on both the conceptual and physical level, into a third, final proposal. All conceptual approaches and physical development is outlined in the following pages. Alternative 1: Fine-grain, street-level intervention • Focus on journey- natural (organic) and continuous along carved path • Fine-grain: Activities strewn
in many small nodes on the street-level Alternative 2: Coarse-grain, community-level intervention • Integration of all stakeholders into a single collective communal space (main node) Alternative 3: Human-scale nodes, on both street and community levels • Network of integrated human-scale nodes connecting different parts of the project together, capable of hosting a series of activities Each of these alternatives was integrated at different levels in the masterplan design. Within Bab Azab, the focus was on small nodes and a single main node. On the communal level, we provided several nodes at different places, to host different activities and continually engage the user as they move throughout the development. Zoning: Initially, we attempted to place all seven projects within the Citadel walls, in the 7-feddan area of Bab el-Azab. This was because the area is completely deserted- an empty space in a city that is entirely builtup and is full of potential to be-
come a landmark in its own right. In addition, we hoped that a development such as this would raise fundraising for the area around it and for future heritage development projects. Criticism: The main criticism that we found in this proposal were its disconnection from the community- it would not be realistic to effectively develop the area while remaining inside Bab Azab. Also, there was the fear of causing too much density within Bab al-Azab and adversely affecting the monuments inside in the long-run. Proposal I: In this proposal, we addressed the issues of disconnection from the community by placing “extensions” to our projects in the areas directly around the Citadel wall such as a book market and a children’s park. There were attempts to develop a “historic park” in which the entire area from Sultan Hassan to Bab el-Azab down part of Saleh el-din Street was pedestrianized to enable easy pedestrian access. Cars and the entire roundabout were driven underground in attempts to develop spines such as Salah 184
and the entire roundabout were driven underground in attempts to develop spines such as Salah el-din street, Bab el-Wazir street and Sekket el-Mahgar street. Concerns about density started to be addressed by moving one of the denser projects outside- the residence/hammam. This was addressed through both Phase II and Phase II- developed, both of which proposed two slightly different but just as drastic changes to the area along Salah el-din Street. Criticism: The main criticisms we found in this proposal is the drastic changes it made in a landscape that had been static for far too long. It seemed too aggressive an intervention in such a historic context and we feared non-acceptance from the community. Also, there were still too many projects within the walls of the Citadel Proposal II: The main changes in this phase was the development of criteria, according to which several projects were moved outside the citadel walls- the workshop/ vocational center, the residence/hammam and the community center/??-due to their relation to the community, presence of pollut185
ing activities or similar. Also, the incentive of re-using land plots also has an economic factor as it acts as a catalyst for the entire community while providing a start to explore future opportunities to extend the Bab el-Azab development. In addition, the intervention in the community was revised to be much less aggressive and much more sensitive to the existing spaces while providing a “natural� road network in which many small nodes and seating spaces are provided for the community. Proposal III: In this proposal, we addressed the logistical issues of moving projects into the community. Thus, we decided that the development of Bab el-Azab and the surrounding community would be undertaken on three phases. Phase 1: This phase would include only four projects within Bab Azab: conservation center/ capacity building, cultural think tank/ fundraising/ administrative center, boutique hotel/ bazaar and library/ rare books center. Together these projects would develop the 7 feddans of Bab Azab which are cur-
rently a stumbling block in the way of development and full of potential. Once attention is brought to this space, funds can be raised for maintenance of the proposals as well as future development in the area. Phase 2: This would be the community hub which provides a cultural branch out from Bab el-Azab to the community, allowing them to express themselves in a constructive manner. Located directly next to the Citadel wall in al-Hattaba, this is the start of developing the proposed historic park as a whole. It is an intermediate in which the main spine entering el Bab el-Gedid is developed to attract visitors and acts as a catalyst for further development of the community through developing Sekket el-Mahgar and Salah el-din streets. Phase 3: This stage involves the addition of the last two projects of this proposed development- the residency/hammam and workshop/ vocational center. The projects are located on the periphery of the area to connect with the entire community in between them- mainly the Salah el-din and Bab el-Wazir streets. The re-use of
dilapidated land plots in such a dense location has its economic advantage, connects with the community and can also set a precedent for future development opportunities in this site.
In this option, we developed on the ideas laid out by Jane Jacobs in ?? In historic cities generally, the city was composed of many streets along which were laid many small nodes which developed organically with the development of the city. Here, the fine-grain characteristic of the city comes to life as all the activity on all the streets is entirely different from the one before it, lending each a particular flavor and identity.
In this option, the creation of a single communal space was proposed to integrate all stakeholders together. This is the complete opposite of the option laid above.
In this option, a network of integrated human-scale nodes connecting different parts of the project capable of holding a series of activities. At the same time, many minor nodes are laid out along certain streets, lending them identity and creating activity and vitality on all scales of the project.
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Monument Identification
Using Nicholas Warner’s Histoic Cairo Map 1, from 2001, monuments have been identified in the immediate surrounding that will be considered as part of the masterplan immediate effect circumference. Depending on their conditions, if needed, these will be restored under the jurisdiction of the conservation school over the years. The phasing for restoration of the monuments will be determined by the center based on urgency of needed intervention, imposing danger of sprawl and proximity to integral masterplan. It will also be the job of the conservation center to monitor these monuments.
Historic Cairo Map, by Nicholas Warner, from 2001, published 2005.
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Monuments in the impact zone:
gasi 255 - Door, tomb, and sabil-kuttab 113 - Tomb of Azdumur of Tarabay al-Sharifi 133 - Madrasa of Sultan Hasan 256 - Qubbat al-Komi 134 - Madrasa of Gawhar al-Lala 257 - Bimaristan of al-Mu’ayyad 135 - Mosque al-Mahmudiya Shaykh 136 - Mosque of Qanibay al-Sayfi 258 - Zawiya of Hasan al-Rumi (Amir Akhur) 260 - Sabil and hawd of ‘Abd al-Rah138 - Mosque of Mangak al-Yusufi man Katkhuda 139 - Mausoleum of Yunus al-Dawa- 266 - Palace of Yashbak dar 278 - Bab Qaytbay (al-Qarafa) 140 - Khanqah of Nizam al-Din 288 - North minaret of al-Sultaniya 142 - Mosque of Sulayman Pasha 289 - Mausoleum of al-Sultaniya 143 - Mosque of al-Nasir Muhammad 290 - Khanqah and minaret of 144 - Sabil of Shaykhu Qawsun 145 - Mosque of Ahmad Katkhuda 291 - Mausoleum of Qawsun al-‘Azab 303 - Mausoleum of Yakub Shah 148 - Mosque of al-Ghuri al-Mihmandar 151 - Mosque of Qanibay al-Muham- 305 - Well of Salah al-Din (Bir Yusuf ) madi 324 - Sabil-kuttab of Qaytbay 153 - Mosque of Kushqadam al-Ah325 - Gate of the Darb al-Labbana madi 326 - Takiya of Taqi al-Din al-Bistami 154 - Minaret of Qanibay al-Sharkasi 327 - Tomb of Sandal al-Mangaki 155 - Zawiya of Mustafa Pasha 357 - Tomb of al-Shurafa 156 - Minaret of the mosque of 360 - Mausoleum of Qansuh Abu al-Baqli Sa‘id 159 - Minaret of the mosque of 369 - Waterwheel al-Ghuri 370 - Mausoleum of Aqtay al-Farisi 160 - Mosque of Messih Pasha 376 - Sabil of the amir Khalil 245 - Ribat of Ahmad ibn Sulayman 377 - Mosque of Qara Muhammad 247 - Gate of Mangak al-Yusufi Pasha 250 - Mosque of Aytmish al-Bagasi 405 - Sabil-kuttab of Hasan Katkhu251- Hawd-kuttab of Aytmish al-Bada
413 - Qubba of Shaykh ‘Abdallah 476 - Mausoleum of Ragab al-Shirazi 497 - House of ‘Ali Effendi Labib 503 - Mosque of Muhammad ‘Ali 505 - The Gawhara Palace 549 - Remains of the palace of al-Nasir Muhammad 555 - Bab al-‘Azab 556 - Bab al-Mudarrag 569 - Cistern in the Citadel 605 - The Archives Building 606 - The Mint 612 - The Harim Palace 617 - Wall of the Qaramidan U51 - The Citadel, wall of the Northern Enclosure U52 - Tomb of Shaykh Ibrahim al-Giza U53 - Tomb of Shaykh ‘Uthman al-Fathi U54 - The Citadel Army Barracks U55 - Tomb of al-Marghani U56 - House, no.45, Shari’ al-Mahgar U57 - House, no.2, ‘Atfat al-Zelahi U70 - Mosque of ‘Ali al-Tarrabi U71 - Well, quarry, and ancillary structures U76 - Wikala, no. 4, Suq al-Silah U80 - Tomb of Muhammad alKa‘aki U81 - Wall of the southern enclo188
sure and Bab al-Gabal U82 - Archaeological Garden and Theater U83 - Diwan of Schools U84 - Mamluk kitchens U85 - Bab al-Gedid U86 - Bab al-Alam, Military Prison, and School of Artillery U87 - Burg al-Siba‘ U88 - Qa‘at al-Ashrafiya U89 - Burg al-Rafraf U90 - House of Hasan Pasha Rashid U91- The Double-Cross Hall U92 - The Arsenal U93 - Inner Gate U94 - Qubbat al-Biraqdar U96 - Corbeled façade U97 - Well of the Hawsh U98 - Madrasa of Sidi Shahin U99 - Tomb of Muhammad Agha U100 - Palace of Muhammad ‘Ali U101 - Burg al-Zawiya U103 - Mosque of Sidi Ahmad al-Rifa‘i U104 - Tomb of Mustafa Kamil U109 - Kitchens of Muhammad ‘Ali U110 - Tomb and zawiya of Sidi Galal al-Assiuti U111 - Minaret of the mosque of Muhammad al-Burdayni U112 - Wikala of Hasan Katkhuda U113 - Hammam of Kushqadam U114 - Mosque of Kalamtay 189
al-Gamali U115 - Tomb of Ibrahim al-Fawwar U127 - Citadel retaining wall The monuments highlighted in red are those that are located within the walls of the Citadel. After a preliminary survey of the area the monuments currently undergoing restoration (including those that have been undergoing restoration for an extended period of time), the following are currently undergoing restoration: 136 - Mosque of Qanibay al-Sayfi (Amir Akhur) 257 - Bimaristan of al-Mu’ayyad Shaykh 325 - Gate of the Darb al-Labbana 326 - Takiya of Taqi al-Din al-Bistami U83 - Diwan of Schools The Diwan of Schools is being rehabilitated into an Islamic Museum; joining the ranks of the museums located in the Northern and Southern Enclosures of the Citadel: Police Museum, Military Museum, Carriages Museum, Antique Fire Engines Museum.
1. Warner, N. (2005). The monuments of historic Cairo: A map and descriptive catalogue. Cairo: American University in Cairo Press.
Base Map
Map of existing urban context prior to intervention. PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK EDUCATIONAL PRODUCT
PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK EDUCATIONAL PRODUCT
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Initial Zoning
• •
•
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PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK EDUCATIONAL PRODUCT
•
Return open public places to Midan al-Qala’a Emphasis path between Sultan Hassna and al-Rifai mosque Emphasise connectivity in masterplan of the area of Bab al-’Azab Redesign stairs of inner path next to Archives building to make more comfortable for pedestrians and better visual connection - inspired by Campidoglio ramped stairs
PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK EDUCATIONAL PRODUCT
Interventions:
Spines and Landmarks
Legend
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Land Use
Emphasised the paths and spines, which provide access to nodes that are to be used as outdoor activity spaces. The activity spaces would host activities such as cafes, Qahwas, stall vendors, etc. The paths are identified on the map as light brown, and the activity nodes as dark brown spaces. Whilst providing diversity, there are still areas of typological focus.
Legend
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Legend PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK EDUCATIONAL PRODUCT
Land Use
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Alternative 1
Interventions: •
• • • • • • • • 195
Reinstating public open spaces through the removal of the circular midan and reinstatement of the Sahn Pedestrianising the streets leading up to and the Midan al-Qala’a Visually emphasising monuments in Midan al-Qala’a Creating additional paths within Bab al-’Azab and activity nodes Emphasise paths with water features Emphasise important spines Design of public spaces through activities like Qahwas, cafes, stalls, bazaar Masterplan has elements of stitching or rooting into the urban context Underground parking & vehicular circulation
Land Use
Legend
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Diagram shows highlighted spines. The proposal makes hierachy and network pattern of paths clear. The Carved Path remains the main path and spine inside the Lower Enclosure with secondary paths leading to other areas in the Enclosure, tertiary paths are not spines. The Carved Path leads to the Midan al-Qala’a which has been pedestrianised. The main pedestrian paths are spines that emphasis historic spines of importance: Saliba street, which used to be on of the major streets in Cairo, now it remains a major street of
Historic Cairo; the path between Sultan Hassan and al-Rifai, leading to Muhammad Ali street, which is emphasised by the monumentality of the monuments it is flanked by; Salah al-Din street, which connects to Salah Salem, Magr al-’Aiyoun and al-Qarafa. In the second diagram the pedestrian path leading from the Bab al-Jadid, leads to the main entrance of al-Rifai mosque through Sikat al-Mahgar - as a Sufi procession path that can compliment that of the Carved Path.
Concept Development
Introduction
The assigned theme for the thesis, Mixed-use-developments for revitalization of Egyptian city districts, was explored through attempting to acquire a thorough understanding of the context, the history of the site, the site potential, constraints and spaces. The aim was to produce not just a mixed-use project on the individual level but also on the master plan level to create a harmonious development that complimented each other. Through the project the site of Bab al-窶連zab will be revitalized and through it the citadel and the area of al-Khalifa simultaneously, whilst focusing on certain shiyakat.
Masterplan mandate
The project will extend beyond the walls and set roots in the context to ground the project. The different areas of focus of the functions will be located based on main accessibility of majority of target users. Overlay the circulation of the locals, the tourists and the people seeking the cultural activities based on the functions they will predominantly seek for different purposes, where the paths overlap these will be the activity nodes. Overall the site should address heritage management through establishing a balance of cultural, social and economic impact.
Proposed structural intervention
To not disturb the foundations that may have remains underneath of other buildings, the interventions will be done in light structures, either wood or steel. These will be fixed into the ground with minimum drilling. For a contrasting effect that will add the contemporary layer steel and glass light structures would be the optimum intervention, particularly for dealing with the rehabilitation of the large span buildings that will be treated as a shell or envelope which will be infilled with a two or three storeys of light structure
Chosen alternative
After comparing the three alternatives, it was found that the third alternative (shown next) is the most suitable one in meeting the proposed objectives. It was found that it creates a porous accessibility from all sides with vehicular circulation which integrates both local community and tourists. It was also found that it achieves porosity between the different programmatic destinations. The third alternative ensures the site would be a vibrant mixed use project because unlike the first two alternatives, all the closed and open spaces are integrated and used for activities, meaning that no spaces are left for strict functions and maximum flexibility is achieved. 198
Alternative 2
Interventions: •
• • • • • • • • 199
Reinstating public open spaces through the removal of the circular midan and reinstatement of the Sahn Pedestrianising the streets leading up to and the Midan al-Qala’a Visually emphasising monuments in Midan al-Qala’a Creating additional paths within Bab al-’Azab and activity nodes Emphasise paths with water features Emphasise important spines Design of public spaces through activities like Qahwas, cafes, stalls, bazaar Masterplan has elements of stitching or rooting into the urban context Underground parking & vehicular circulation
Spines
200
Landuse
201
Alternative 3 Selected Alternative
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Approach- Conservation Protection and prevention (preservation): This is accomplished for countering the different factors of damage on monuments and historic buildings: natural factors, human urban factors, technological factors. This process is defined as preservation, which means isolating the building from external factors, and this is simply applied to high value art works that can be kept in museums and showcases but this cannot be the case in preserving a building. In a preservation process no modification can be added or any kind of restoration. Restoration and Repair: These are processes targeting the upkeep and presentation of aesthetic, historic and heritage values of an artwork or a building through its materials that is written in authentic documentations. In these processes, it is required to bring back the monument to its original shape, keep the structure in good shape, preserving the building mass, decorations, ornaments, details and elements and this requires deep research and exploration. Consolidation and structural strengthening: Development on this processes is still on going but it is mainly targeting structural soundness of monumental buildings and those of heritage values. It includes many constructional ways to keep the buildings in its shape and protect it from falling for example wooden or metal scaffolding to tie walls and there are also ways to strengthen the building foundations. Renovation and modernization: This takes place where old buildings need to be renovated to be functional and used for certain activities such as houses, museums but this process does not reach the level of historic buildings. Rebuilding: It happens rarely within every restricted limits in case of partial collapse of monumental or heritage buildings. This requires high level of accuracy in building in order to get the same building with same building materials Recycling: Another opportunity is given to the building to function within its surrounding conditions, which is exactly what we are doing in the whole project. Sometimes, it requires extensions, modifications or modernization by getting rid of some of the internal building components. Conversion and reuse: it turns an old un used building to functional, vital, usable one but all the building’s original features and symptoms are conserved. Success of the conservation process is based of the community understanding of the how valuable these monuments are. 203
Conservation
This diagram shows where the different conservation approaches previously outlined have been applied. The majority of spaces within Bab el-Azab have been adapted to other uses or rehabilitated whereas in the community projects, upgrading and infill were preferred because of the dense urban fabric. In all cases, monuments in good condition have been restored for purposes of visitation by tourists.
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Service Path
This diagram deals with the focus of servicing projects inside Bab el-Azab. Currently, the workshops inside Bab elAzab use pick-up trucks to move materials and products in and out of Bab el-Azab along the road from the Citadel and the carved path. In our case, service will be much more sensitive- only dolly carts or similar light wheeled equipment will be used. With minimal impact on-site, transfer of materials to the spaces inside Bab elAzab will be facilitated. Also, the path is restricted to the much-shorter access between Bab el-Azab and the node.
Visitor’s Path
The proposed visitor path passes along the main restored monuments both within Bab el-Azab and in the immediate community. It starts from within the Citadel and moves along the historic carved path passing along the Azab mosque, Rafraf tower, Ablaq palace and Blue Dome. Exiting from the Bab el-Azab itself, Sultan Hassan mosque, al-Mahmudiya and other less-known monuments and important buildings in the context can be visited such as Dar el-Mimar and Gawhar el-Lala. It also extends along Salah el-din street and Sekket el-Mahgar to access Bab elAzab from the other end. 206
Initial Zoning
Proposed activity spaces are flexible and can house a variety of activities such as a qahwa (with traditional seating), a temporary book market along the road between Bab elGedid and Bab el-Wasatany, open exhibitions, kiosks and so on. Also, light and sound shows can be played on the buildings between the main node and El-Sahn to be viewed from the deck of the Citadel. The community garden in front of the workshop may host open-air performances, play areas or food stalls, selling traditional food. Also, the terrace in front of the boutique hotel is excellent for viewing the rest of Cairo. 207
LandUse
208
The Conservation Learning Center/ Capacity Building Marina Ibrahim
Individual Projects
Conservation Center and Learning Hub
The Conservation Learning Center and The Capacity Building
The Blue Dome
The Ablaq Palace
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Considering the area of Bab al-窶連zab located in the middle of a highly condensed heritage site and knowing also that this highly valuable yet not appreciated site consists of a huge amount of heritage artifacts within the site itself. A conservation movement is going to create a great impact on how people would look at their heritage in the future. A conservation learning center/school will succeed only if it gets the attention of the smaller and larger community to the great value of the heritage living and forgotten around them. From that issue came the idea of the Conservation learning center, and the learning capacity building which will act as a nucleus that has the following objectives:
Objectives: 1)Heritage around the site is lost within the huge amount of delapidation remainings within the site and all over many archeological sites in our country. Solving this problem will require a focus on teaching the individuals how to appreciate their tangible and intangible heritage.
2)Knowledge of how to deal with these higly appreciated elementa would be required and provided in the project. 3)Connecting the past elements with the present and future generations will create a sense of belonging towards these forgotten heritage and will give value. 4)By getting to know the heritage, a coomon ground is once created.
Individual projects
Conservation Center and Learning Hub
The Conservation Center and Learning hub Impact: The center will lead to an active movement in conserving and preserving the heritage lost artifacts as a primary goal, as well as, helping the surrounding community to learn the techniques of conservation that will help them improve their living conditions and preserve their registered houses that are located around Bab al-窶連zab. How this movement will be implemented on site? Impact on Immediate community: There will be a development cycle for the project as well as all the other projects as well, specialized to Bab al-窶連zab. Conservation as a concept and as acquired techniques will be reviving again the tangible and intangible heritage of the culture, which will lead to an economic development within the area and by time affecting larger areas. Benefiting from the revival of the culture and the economic development there will be a better change in the social classes living
condition in the community. Impact on larger community: Moving to the larger community, the project will be acting as a magnet of conserving what has been left from the history and preserving it to the future generations. From creating a magnet, another will be affected after then within a larger perimeter and this will result to reviving lifeless nodes by impacting
reviving lifeless nodes by impacting them with different aspects, for example: creating new job opportunities, raise the awareness of the lost heritage.
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Individual Projects
Site Analysis
The project plot is located at the most southern part of Bab el’Azab area facing Salah el-Din Street and Arab el-Yasar residential areaCriteria for site selection: 1)Presence of monuments like the blue dome and Ablaq facade 2)Size of plot and form of plot which can accommodate the project 3)Open plan, no need to demolish walls or columns and it allows sub-division of spaces without difficulty 4)Re-use of existing truss to be used as a land mark 5)The project’s location beside the Library and the Bazar area strengthen the relation between the different projects.
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Conservation Center and Learning Hub
Conservation Center and Learning Hub
Site Accessibility:
The project plot has two accessibility points. One from outside through the opening that was already there in the past. The opening has stairs that lead to the old Khedieve resthouse. The inner access point is from the main carved path, it is a long path that has a truss covering half of it.
213
Individual Projects
Photographic Documentation
The project’s plot has so many potential that can be used for the use of the whole project. First: there is an old truss system covering the open space but it does not continue till the end, probably it is fallen. On the Western façade, there are two different halls; its stat is slightly poor. There is an old historical dome named the Blue Dome. On the Eastern facade, there are three halls accessible from inside to each other.
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Conservation Center and Learning Hub
Individual projects
Conservation Center and Learning Hub
On-site Conservation case studies
There are certain spots on site that are considered historical sites but it is in a very bad state and it need restoration so the remaining of it can be exhibited. Such a chance can be well used in the Center as a huge live example of restoration. First, the Ablaq Palace, which stands on the Northern-Eastern part after my land plot. The palace was built by al-Nasir Mohamed 1313-1314. It was one of a series of four palaces. The name comes from the exterior walls, which was built of successive courses of black and white stones.
Al-Ablaq Palace
Al-Ablaq Palace
AlAblaq Palace plan
AlAblaq Palace (inner shots)
Second, There is also the Dome of al-’Azab, known also as the Blue Dome. It was built during the Ottoman period at the end of the seventeenth century. It is located in the Southern Western part of the project’s land plot.
The blue dome
The blue dome
The blue dome (inside)
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Conservation Center and Learning Hub
On-site Conservation of Artifactas
There are a lot of artifacts that are found on site, scattered in many different spots. Artifacts like: Capital columns, carved patterns, doors, windows. These are elements that can be used in the conservation process in the school and then exhibited in the gallery that will be built especially for original pieces, these could be later displayed in Bab Al-’Azab museum.
Old metal work
Stone window
Stone Mashrabeya
Stone/granite column capital Wooden door and iron work
216
Restoration of an old column
Column head
Stone arc
Conservation Center and Learning Hub
Thesis Statement
Create a platform for urban, architectural and cultural conservation through preserving the past by the future.
217
Conservation Center and Learning Hub
Thesis Statement
CONSERVATION actions in all its forms reinforce the importance of shared COMMUNITY activities and values. Keywords
Conservation: Conserving and preserving heritage through learning the techniques. Connection: Connection of the past with the present and the future meaning that the project will be responsible for conserving and preserving the heritage by the future. Heritage:Preserving the heritage of different ages. Knowledge: The knowledge of the heritage value will raise the connection between different levels of people and will also raise the awareness that these monuments must be conserved.
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Conservation Center and Learning Hub
A. The project stakeholder will vary from students till ministries. The owner of the project will be the Ministry of Antiquities, which will be greatly involved in the work done in the school because the school will mainly be dealing with original pieces. B. Another part of the stakeholder will be the NGOs working in the field and interested in conserving heritage; for example, NOUH, the National Organization for Urban Harmony, the Agha Khan foundation and the American Research center in Egypt. These organizations are already working on a lot of projects that are concerned with conservation and preservation of cultural heritages. C. Students of Engineering and conservation universities will be highly appreciated as volunteers and working in the project as part of their internship program. D. Ministry of Waqf, Ministry of Culture and Ministry of Tourism will be the main Governmental authorities that will be the decision makers as well as the technical support of the project because of the sensitive nature of the project. E. Linking the project to the local community, a great opportunity of work and of acquiring new job will be available in the conservation center and the capacity building. Adding to the job opportunities available, there are many chances to the community owning shops and bazars around the site, especially in Hattaba area, to work again and benefit from the copies made in the center. In the project, the approach of turning the community from being users of the space to citizens who can develop the area they are living in and conserve each part of it.
219
D. Ministry of Waqf, Ministry of Culture and Ministry of Tourism will be the main Governmental authorities that will be the decision makers as well as the technical support of the project because of the sensitive nature of the project. E. Linking the project to the local community, a great opportunity of work and of acquiring new job will be available in the conservation center and the capacity building. Adding to the job opportunities available, there are many chances to the community owning shops and bazars around the site, especially in Hattaba area, to workagain and benefit from the copies made in the center. In the project, the approach of turning the community from being users of the space to citizens who can develop the area they are living in and conserve each part of it. F.
Larger communities will contribute in the project, as they are being part of the historic Cairo.
G. Tourists are considered one the main source of income to the project. Tourists will find a great interest in the conservation center because they are very attracted to knowing the origin of heritage and also exploring how it is being conserved.
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Design Criteria
1- Layering the functions of the Conservation Center & The Learning Hub 2- Preserving the existing structure systems 3- Connection between levels & between inside and outside Bab el-’Azab 4- Keeping the traces of the original carved path 5-Architectural Design Criteria: -Maintaining layout and external boundaries -Highlighting monuments -Maintaining no polluting activities -Reflecting Bab ‘Azab style but in nowadays needs 221
The project Cycle:
The two components of the project will form a cycle which starts by the learning hub and continued by the conservation center. The learning hub will start teaching the conservation techniques. The hub will target all members who are interested in learning specially the surrounding communities. There will be a specialized section teaching the surroundng community how to preserve parts of their houses because most of their houses are considered under the control of the ministry of antiquities. The learning hub will also contain workshops used to practice making replicas to be able to move to the professional work in the conservation center. In the conservation center, there will real work on actual artifacts.
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Programmatic Precedents: The Conservation Center in the Grand Egyptian Museum
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Space program and activities distrebution:
Outdoor classrooms 14%
The project
Computer labs 9% Meeting rooms 2% Classrooms 3% Outdoor labs 11%
Gallery space 16%
Replica workshops 2% Conservation Labs 14% Storage spaces 15% Registeration office 2% Documentati Examination on office 1% & Analysis 11%
The conserva,on Center The Learning Hub Total
224
Conserva,on Labs: Wood Stone Copper Storage Spaces: Wood Stone Copper Registera,on office
m 3x5 5x5 5x5
6 6 5 2 5
54 384 600 400 2552 125 70 312.5 500
10
90 1097.5
3x3
Quan,ty 8 8 8 2 2 2 6
3x3 5x5 5x5 5x7 5x12
9 25 25 35 62.5
Documenta,on office Examina,on & Analysis Gallery space Outdoor labs Total Classrooms Mee,ng/Lecture rooms Computer labs Outdoor classrooms Replica workshops/ retail Total
Total (m sq.) 120 200 200 200 200 140 54
m sq. 15 25 25 100 100 70 9
9
2384
Space program and activities distrebution: Space program of the conservation center
The conservation center is divided into: Conservation Labs (outdoor and indoor), Storage, Registeration, Documentation and Analysis, and Exhibition.
The conservation center Outdoor labs 16%
Gallery space 24%
Examinati on & Analysis 15%
Conservat ion Labs 20%
The conserva,on Center
Conserva,on Labs: Wood Stone Copper Storage Spaces: Wood Stone Copper Registera,on office Documenta,on office Examina,on & Analysis Gallery space Outdoor labs Total
m 3x5 5x5 5x5 3x3 3x3 5x5
m sq. 15 25 25 100 100 70 9 9 25
Quan,ty 8 8 8 2 2 2 6 6 6
Total (m sq.) 120 200 200 200 200 140 54 54 384 600 400 2552
Storage spaces 21% Registerat ion office Documen tation2% office 2%
225
Conservation Center stages
226
Space program and activities distrebution: Space program of the Learning hub
The learning program consists of: -Traditional classrooms -Lecture rooms -Outdoor classrooms (roofs) -Replica workshop/retail
Replica workshops/ retail 8%
The Learning Hub
Classrooms Mee8ng/Lecture rooms Computer labs Outdoor classrooms Replica workshops/retail Total
5x5 5x7 5x12
25 35 62.5
5 2 5
9
10
125 70 312.5 500 90 1097.5
The Learning Hub Classrooms 11% Meeting/ Lecture rooms 6%
Outdoor classrooms 46%
Computer labs 29%
227
Learning Hub stages:
228
Zoning: The project zoning in composed of one main ground floor, the roof and between both, there will be a mezzanine floor adapting to the 5 meter high of the buildings.
229
Zoning: Ground floor The project ground floor zoning is introduced to provide at the begining of the project a retail strip selling the replicas and copies made by the students in the learning hub that is located behind the strip. Beside the learning hub, a huge gallery containing the blue dome inside. The gallery has a large prepared storage area serving the gallery. On the other side, there is the conservation center. In the middle, there is an open space covered with a truss. The arrows indicated on the plot show the accessibility to the site from the ground floor.
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Zoning: Mezzanine floor The mezzanine floor is used to fully utilize all of the plot potentials because the maximum height is 5 meters.
231
Zoning: Roof The roof will be completely utilized for the outdoor classes and large spaces needed for conservation.
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Sectional Zoning:
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Relation to masterplan: Physical basis: The project will have a vital effect on the community on a physical basis.There are many hidden and unknown monuments within the area of the project and on a larger area. The conservation center will use these hidden monuments as onsite workshops in order to conserve show there history to the community and let them know the value of these buildings. Community basis: The learning hub will train people from the community and all the interested people on how to conserve and preserve monuments and also there is an activity in the project that will teach the community how to preserve parts of their houses.
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Relation to other projects:
Boutique hotel and bazar: The project will have a strong relation to the Boutique hotel and the bazar because the bazar will be selling some of the products and replicas made in the workshops. Library and rare book collection: The library and rare book collection will be having a special collection for conservation and reservation of monuments and artifacts Al-Waqf: All of the monuments and on-site workshops which are going to be consereved within the conservation center will be related to the Waqf.
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How the project is related to the main theme: Thesis Statement Opening the door to vitalize the tangible and intangible forgotten heritage by Sustainable Tourism: a process of involving the community, investing in local economy, and re-inhabiting the ruins to regenerate the historic city.
The Conservation Learning Center and The Capacity Building will be involved greatly in the process of opening the doors by the conservation and restoration work which is going to be done in the project, even to the door itself (tangible heritage) which will raise the awareness of people toward how to appreciate their heritage and save it. The main aim if the school is to conserve and restore the heritage, going deeper, the project is trying to restore every aspect of the heritage from the act of restoring monuments till restoring the culture and values, which will lead to sustainable tourism. In order to keep the cycle going, the engagement of local and larger community will be required. 236
Citation “CCAHA.” Conservation Center for Arts and Historic Artifacts. N.p., n.d. Web. 1 Apr. 2014. <http://www.ccaha.org/>. N.p., n.d. Web. <http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dezeen.com%2F2011%2F12%2F04%2Fnatural-history-museum-of-utah-by-ennead-architects-and-gsbs-architects%2F>. “Natural History Museum of Utah.” Home. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Apr. 2014. <http://nhmu.utah.edu/>. International Architectural Competition Development and Rehabilitation of Bab- El Azab Area in the Citadel. Working paper. N.p.: n.p., n.d. Print. “Economic Development.” Egypt. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Apr. 2014. <http://www.akdn.org/egypt>. N.p., n.d. Web. <http%3A%2F%2Fwww.akdn.org%2Fegypt_social.asp%23darb_alahmar>.
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El Sahn: Integrated Heritage Management Salma El-Lakany 238
L
LOCAL AUTHORITIES & ASSOCIATIONS
CENTRAL URBAN POOR & ORGANIZATIONS SUBSIDIARITY
Scope
Objectives
EQUITY
EFFICIENCY
CREATES
FORMAL CENTRAL CENTRAL ACCOUNTABILITY CENTRAL CITY
CIVIC INFORMAL CENTRAL CENTRAL ENGAGEMENT CITY CITIZENSH
Objectives of an Integrated Heritage Management CenterPRIVATE PUBLIC PARTNERSHIPS
MANAGEMENT The main scope of El-Sahn is to enSTRUCTURE sure the achievement of the long term BALANCES goals of the project. BETWEEN It focuses on ensuring the sustainPARTNERS ability of the development and CENTRAL INTEGRATED the continuous revitalization in Bab CENTRAL HERITAGE Al-Azab area without having to rely MANAGEMENT on a sole entity. DEFINES It focuses on ensuring the creation BALANCES STRATEGIES & BETWEEN ALL of a magnet POLICIES that stimulates development in other heritage nodes STUDIES through creating the self generated HERITAGE cycle of heritage revitalization. NEEDS This can be achieved through creating a platform for integrated heritage management to take place which involved different layers that have to be implemented.
CENTRAL
TRANSPARENCY
CENTRAL CENTRAL TOURISTIC ATTRACTIONS
CENTRAL REGIONAL CENTRAL TOURISTIC ATTRACTIONS
Creating an Integrated Heritage Management system is the main objective of my components. BILATERAL & ECONOMIC NATIONAL MULTLATERAL It aimsSYSTEM to create aGOVERNMENT cycle that can create a balance between the “com-AGENCIES munity’s” needs and the heritage’s needs as well as a balance between development whether cultural, social or economic and preservation. It RAISES AWARENESS mainly works on conserving the past and using it to improve the present. Each component in the project will be targetting a specific aspect or integrating between different aspects of the integrated heritage management objectives.
SUSTAINABILITY LOCAL AUTHORITIES & ASSOCIATIONS
NATIONAL
CIVIL CENTRAL SOCIETY
CENTRAL
LOCAL
BAB AL-AZAB
CENTRAL URBAN POOR & ORGANIZATIONS
CENTRAL INTEGRATED CENTRAL HERITAGE MANAGEMENT
KHALIFA AREA
SELF GENERATED DEVELOPMENT
OLD CAIRO
CREATES MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE BALANCES BETWEEN PARTNERS
ECONOMIC SYSTEM CENTRAL INTEGRATED CENTRAL HERITAGE MANAGEMENT
ECONOMIC EL WAQF SYSTEM CREATES MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE
DEFINES BALANCES STRATEGIES & BETWEEN ALL POLICIES
RAISES AWARENESS STUDIES HERITAGE CREATES NEEDS
MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE BALANCES
ECONOMIC EL W SYSTEM
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Justification
This scope is essential to the rest of the project as first our poroposal is in the form of a cycle and thus any factor would have a direct impact on the following one. Second, a part of the integrated heritage magnagement center is the component that will be managing all the economic aspects on site and thus will be generating and ensuring the continuity within the Bab Azab social, cultural, economic cycle. However, it will be also affecting the cultural aspect through the protection, policy making and raising awareness towards heritage. As this cycle is generated and a magnet is created, then my project would also have a role in steering the larger cycle of a larger area of impact as it will be a dynamo for developing ideas and policies that would ensure the contuinuity of this development in the surrounding touristic nodes.
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Proposed Cycle of revitalization
El-Sahn
Differentiating Aspect
“An inviting setting that is part of our intangible heritage that creates visibility, openess and equality between the people gathered”
The idea of the Sahn is the main focus or differentiating aspects in designing my components because it is based on the intangible heritage of islamic architecture in which the Sahn acts as the gathering area for the different people regardless of their social group, status, community, etc. It was a main feature in mosques as
well as residential houses. The Sahn was the main space for having the family Magles. The main conceptual and architectural language that the Sahn inspires is the idea of having an open couryard that creates natural lighting and ventilation and thus is sustainable, that is open, inviting and creates a connection to the
different spaces and most importantly the visibility it creates and the equality between the different people who are gathered in which there can be transparency. I could appropriate the concepts and the architectural language of the Sahn to the different components of the project.
Stakeholders
“The integrated heritage management center integrates all the stakeholders as equal partners through creating a participatory platform to stimulate visibility between the different partners who together can sustainably revitalize the heritage and lead it to become part of their daily lives”
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Concept Statement
Integrated Heritage Management creates self-sustained mechanisms; that provide an open platform - interwoven with the heritage site - to allow stakeholders to experience the context, revitalize it, and manage its urban economy, by appropriating tangible and intangible heritage.
Approach Creating a new model of an open platform to the different stakeholders as well as creating a new definition for the management and administrative functions that creates an inviting, open, flexible and transparent system
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EL-SAHN Heritage Think Tank BALANCES BETWEEN PARTNERS
Background
DEFINES BALANCES STRATEGIES & BETWEEN ALL POLICIES
Creating an open, transparent and inviting setting that acts as a platform for participation to engage all the equal partners in a dialogue that will enable them to prioritize and manage the developments that take place. The think tank will mainly study the heritage needs and will aim for creating a balance between the different partners to find ways to ensure the sustainability of the heritage starting with the development in Bab Al-Azab and then targetting the greater context of the whole heritage site of old cairo. This addresses the fact that the problem with the heritage sites is the huge gap that is formed between the decision makers meaning the government and the other stakeholders who are directly affected by the site. 243
ECONOMIC EL WAQF SYSTEM
ECONOMIC EL WAQF SYSTEM
This think tank creates a model ofCREATES a heritage think tank that focuses MANAGEMENT mainly STRUCTUREon all the aspects related to heritage development, management ECONOMIC SYSTEM and sustainability. This think tank will notINTEGRATED be political as most of the existCENTRAL CENTRAL HERITAGEtanks. ingMANAGEMENT think The different stakeholders RAISES will be working inAWARENESS the think tank as equal partners who will together be STUDIES the source HERITAGE for policy making and will NEEDS ensure implementation of policies as the authorities will be engaged in the dialogues created in the think tank throughout the whole process as partners which will be the same for any group of stakeholders.
Al Athar Lina
CREATES MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE
THINK TANK
BALANCES BETWEEN PARTNERS
ECONOMIC SYSTEM CENTRAL INTEGRATED CENTRAL HERITAGE MANAGEMENT
DEFINES BALANCES STRATEGIES & BETWEEN ALL POLICIES
RAISES AWARENESS STUDIES HERITAGE NEEDS
The think tank will be working on policy making, defining the approach, creating a management structure for the whole area, raising awareness, studying the heritage needs and creating the balance between all the stakeholders.
A participatory project in El-Khalifa that consists of workshops, seminars, debates and meetings that create a dialogue on the relation between monuments and their surrounding neighborhood. “An environment of communication of different points of view of three main stakeholders: residents, government and civil society”
THI
Think tank
Precedent The Why Factory by MVRDV Nature and location: Acts as a research center that was created within the courtyard of the Delft university. It acts as a separate entity. Awarded lai prize in 2009. Use: Think tank concerned with urban features and urban solutions. Architects: Dutch architects MVRDV and designer Richard Hutten Program: Three-storey orange structure that is in the form of steps that the people used in different ways such as meetings, working together, sitting etc. Lecture halls, meeting rooms and research facilities Steps that allow to be used as an auditorium Flexible furniture to be used as workspaces or exhibition areas or for lectures
What is interesting about this precedent is the location of it as the think tank was incorporated into the court of the Delft Research Institute which is an old building. The merge between the old and the modern style creates an interesting merge. However the idea of having such myultifunctional flexible spaces makes it a strong precedent as this can allow for the accomodation of a wide range of activities in the same area.
Think tank
Precedent Dutch Think Tank by KAAN
Program: Public environment with seminar rooms, conference rooms, a library, flexplace workstations, a restaurant and espresso bar and an office environment with work areas, concentration rooms, social hotspots and executive clusters.
“Transformation of a heritage site into a Dutch think tank” They aimed to create a modern day think tank that is open to the public on the ground floor through transforming the hierarchy created in the monumental building to an “open, transparent and inviting setting” that is “interwoven with the massive architecture of the monumental building to create a unified complex”
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EL-SAHN Language and Space Program
Main think tank El-‐Sahn Courtyards
Area/ sq m
Seminar rooms
Flexible Workspace Social Hotspots Conference rooms AdministraGon offices CirculaGon Total Area
No.
160 120 465 30 50 15 20%
Total area/ sq.m
3 4 1 3 4 4
480 480 465 90 200 60 355 2130
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NEEDS
STUDIES HERITAGE NEEDS
NGO HEADQUARTERS
The NGO EL WAQF Headquarters ECONOMIC SYSTEM
ECONOMIC SYSTEM
THINK TANK
ECONOMIC EL WAQF SYSTEM
ECONOMIC EL WAQF SYSTEM CREATES MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE
CREATES MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE BALANCES BETWEEN PARTNERS
ECONOMIC SYSTEM
THINK TANK
CENTRAL INTEGRATED CENTRAL HERITAGE MANAGEMENT
Innovative Planning Unit
NGO HUBS
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NGO HQ Model Heritage Research
TH
ECONOMIC SYSTEM CENTRAL INTEGRATED CENTRAL HERITAGE MANAGEMENT
DEFINES BALANCES STRATEGIES & BETWEEN ALL POLICIES
DEFINES RAISES BALANCES Creating the dynamo for the NGOsSTRATEGIES especially scholars, forAWARENESS cultural train& BETWEEN ALL RAISES POLICIES concerned with heritage and the ing, NGOs’ creative hubs and identiAWARENESS STUDIES communities that are located in fication and planning of the NGOs HERITAGE NEEDS the heritage site starting with the entry points to the surrounding local surrounding community to the “community.” citadel. The component will provide a location that is the center for research on heritage that will be involving all the stakeholders
Cultural Training
BALANCES BETWEEN PARTNERS
RAISES AWARENESS STUDIES HERITAGE NEEDS
NGO HEADQUARTERS
NGO HQ NGO Hubs
Area/ sq m
Innova3ve planning workspace
Lecture Halls Research workspaces Research Mee3ng Rooms Informal Lounges Circula3on Total Area
No.
35 300 150 350 50 45 20%
Total area/ sq.m
8 1 4 1 4 3
280 300 600 350 200 135 373 2238
Visitor’s centerSalamlak
In order to have the economical cycle initiated, there has to be better access to the tourists through creating a visitor’s center that mainly focuses on the tourists and raising awareness about the whole heritage area. Having no visitor’s center in the citadel nd creatinh a new one starting from Bab Al-Azab would create touristic attraction at the entrance from Bab Al-Azab that would serve the whole area
MultiPurpose Hall
Offices
Tourist Information Center
Conference Room Cafe
Gallery
Vistor's center Tourist Informa.on Center
Area/ sq m
Exhibi.on space
Gi> shops Qahwa Viewing Deck Passages Heritage lounge areas Offices Bathrooms and circla.on Total Area
No.
Total area/ sq.m
450 270 150 170
1
50 15 20%
4 5
1
450 270 150 170 400 0 200 75 343 2058
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Individual projects
Economic System: Waqf System
The Waqf system is considered to be intangible heritage as the idea of the Waqf formed a huge oart of the Islamic culture and the Islamic law was first to implement it. The waqf mainly revolves around the idea of the endowment in which the waqif who is the person who pays this endowments decides on a beneficiary of any object that is of ckear value. This beneficiary can be a person or can be anything, which in this case is the site itself. As soon as the waqf is done, you can not take it back., you are not in control anymore. Therefore,mthe waqf can gurantee that the site would remain without having to rely on anyone. This waqf system in the project can act as a manager that ensures that the econom248
Linkage to the project: The waqf system would ensure that the economic cycle is continuous nd that there is enough money to [preserve the existing tangibe heritage as well. Implementation: The waqf system is divided into two parts which are the adminsitrative or management part that is called al Muatwili and the actual reatil shops or any other implementation means. However, the integrated heritage managament will be focusing on the management of el waqf rather than the shops. This is because there will be an integration of a modern aspect in the waqf system in order to snure the evolution of the waqf and for it to be successfull and continuous nowadays. This new idea is the branding of the products. The waqf will be mainly branding any
Waqf System
Precedent Saleh Talei-Aqmar Mosque
Precedent-Studio Bennett’s office in London
Project: Single storey Architecture studio created as a retrofit in a 18th century barn. Program: Flexible workspace, dinning area, model making workshops, crit room and event space. Created using contemporary soft furniture. “A hub for creativity, interaction and discourse affecting a positive charge” They have emphasized the creation of layers of history as the barn was used to create the hub for the space, the original dimensions and atmosphere was preserved and the original structure was used to create the language.
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Area/ sq m No.
Total area/sq.m
El Mutawali Crea&ve management workspaces Presenta&on/ Conference rooms Archive Services and circla&on Total Area
200
1
200
4 1
60 30 20%
240 30 94 564
Branding Collabora&ve open Studios Informal Lounge "Thinking Hubs" Prototype studio Flexible Workspace Services and Circula&on Total area
400 100 20 135 300 20%
1 2 10 1 1
Total Area
250
400 200 200 135 300 247 1482 2046
El-BUSTAN The green node
Bustan Event Space
Area/ sq m
High Class Restaurant/Café
The green node has a different typology than the rest of the componenets as it will mainly be used for Recreation. The green node will start from the roofd of the buildings using Xeriscape technology to use the minimum amount of water and to avoid causing any problems to the structure. The green node will be a continuation to El-Azhar park urban park by civering the roofs with green areas that will be used to host dufferent events that are mainly of a fundraisning nature that are realted to the Waqf and that would be mainly targetting the high class to come and rent the space or pay money that will then be used in the development of the heritage and ensuring the sustainability of the monuments. However, having this green node starting on the roof as a recreation space does not mean that green node will stop there, but would
continue to integrate with the rest of the buildings in order to complement the development that happened in El Azhar park and extend further to change the ideology to be towards having green areas. integrated within the different functions. However to ensure that the green node is used throughout the day and that it fits within the 24 hours cycle, the gree node will have to be open to the different stalkeholders and there have to be other actvities that take place on the roof that would generate the cycle.
Green Viewing Deck Bathrooms and circlaEon Total Area
No.
400 300 300 20%
Total area/ sq.m
1 1 0
400 300 300 140 1140
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Plot Analysis
AVERAGE POOR DELAPIDATED
Built-up Area= 9313x1.5=13970
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Site Analysis
253
CONNECTED TO LOCA TOURISTIC PATH CONNECTED TO CITAD ACCESSIBILITY
Site Analysis
1
MAIN ACCESS SECONDARY ACCESS PLOT AREA MASTER PLAN PLOT PATHS
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Preliminary Zoning
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The buildings on the left shows the musrtawsaf that is adjacent to the wall and that will be used as a first entry point to the community as the NGO will restore it and adaptively reuse it according to the problems of the community that they prioritize
This following two images show the iwans that are located inside the walls and that are located on the path adjacent to the wall which will be utilized for several activities aong the path that will be recreational. The iwans are a very important Islamic feature that creates a certain essence to the project and will be integrated with the high class green node area to provide seating areas for the users of the space.
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The images on the left show the large halls that are located in the plot that can be used in volume to create different spaces and platforms that can be used for El-Sahn and the think tanks as well as for creating communal spaces that can be used by all the different functions on the site. The image on the top shows a visual of how the communal spaces could form a flexible open space that can fit for the different functions.
Area of Impact
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Differentitation than other projects
1-Courtyards creating the communal spaces of El-Sahn 2-Overlapping of the functions in the communal spaces 3-Approach more of retrofit as the buildings are in good condition 4-The integration of the mustawsaf as an entry point 5-All projects complement each other to create together an integrated heritage management cycle 6-Relation to the curved path and the accessibility to the site and other projects 7-Visual connection with the urban development in Azhar park
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References
“KAAN Architecten Wins Bezuidenhoutseweg 30 PPP Contract.” KAAN Architecten. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 May 2014. “KAAN Tapped to Transform Heritage Site into Dutch Think Tank.” ArchDaily. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 May 2014. “Atharlina | Contents.” Atharlina. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 May 2014
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Design Criteria
Architecture Concepts Creation of El-Sahn Adaptive Reuse Heritage Preservation Relation to Wall and Paths Appropriation Integration of functions Favorable Atmosphere Platforms for participation Spines and nodes Integration of Carved path Integration of paths in plot
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Using the courtyards to create open public spaces Reusing the existing buildings Preserving the tangible and intangible heritage and using it as a potential Emphasizing the relation to the wall, as well as the use of the Iwans Appropriation of the space to the modern day use Creating connection, openness and transparency between the different functions “Creating a favorable atmosphere through strategically designed spaces” simulating visibility, flexibility, opennes and an inviting setting. Creating spaces that are inviting to all stakeholders
Creating “Natural street”
Emphasizing and integrating of the carved path Continuing the paths and the nodes within my components to create a unified complex, create identity to the different spaces and connect with the rest of the master plan Having all the paths in the plot following Jane Jacob’s concept of a natural street
Language New complementing language Identity
Creating a new language that would complement the existing heritage rather than oppose it Creating a distinguishable identity to the different spaces and interventions
Zoning Proximity Integration of functions Respecting other projects
Achieving good proximity between related activities within my site Ensuring the integration between the different functions within the plot (they should all be continuing the cycle) Respecting the other individual projects in terms of zoning of activities
Height Utilizing same heights
Utilizing the existing skyline in order to create an interesting design
Al Halqa Reham Hamad 261
Individual Projects
Scope
The scope of the project is to create a community hub that communicates the revitalization happening inside bab al’Azab Heritage site to the surrounding community. The second phase of the revitalization of Bab azzab project deals with the wall of the citadel and inflicting development on the outer side of the wall similar to the development along the By reviving intangible cul- inside of the wall. Thus the wall runs tural heritage, the local identity of in an urban developed zone of landthe community is revived as well. scape and hard-scape. Through providing a programmatic The components of my projsolution that essentially responds to This is essentially due to the the historic culture of the Bab al’Azab, ect are part of the second phase of absence of the integration of cul- the program should provide oppor- development to bab Azzab; it will ture within the community; which tunities for community participation act as an extension to the activities is in its pure essence, is an essential through traditional performances, that are already implemented inside component of sustainable develop- interactive learning and knowledge Bab al’Azab. The three main aspects of my project are cultural, economment. Culture creates a way for reviv- exchange. ic and social which responds to the ing communities’ sense of belonging proposed cycle of revitalization. and sense of place. As communities start to develop a sense of belonging to their physical and cultural As was mentioned previously in the problem definition, that one of the main causes leading to the decay of Bab al’Azab, is the disconnection of the people from it. There is an absence of any sense of belonging by the surrounding community for the area, because they are not integrated with it and it does not present an integral part to their daily lives. The community does not feel that they are owners of their own heritage, there is a belief that it is not their heritage, it’s the governments.
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environment, they start to develop it and maintain it as part of their social and cultural values. To revive the community surrounding Bab al’Azab, there should be a setting for cultural expression of the layers of the context, and on the other hand this expression will serves the community socially and economically.
The priority of the scope is developing a sense of place to the community; which is enhanced through the following 1. Reveal and expose the historic and cultural context of the heritage site 2. implementation of policies; programs and activities that could reinforce the community’s sense of place 3. Raise awareness to the community’s identity and character
Components
the project would act as initiative to ensure that the community surrounding the project will be directly addressed and developed, given that it plays an important in role in affecting the outcomes of our project in revitalizing Bab al’Azab this will be achieved through creating the following services and activities 1.Cultural and Awareness center 2.Communal bank 3.Children’s center The project is part of the implementation of the second phase which is mainly targeting developments directly connected to the outer periphery of the walls of the site. After the gates of Bab al’Azab and Bab al Jedid were closed, the surrounding communities were negatively affected as the commercial activity in the
whole district decreased. They were denied access to the citadel district as a whole since the citadel access gate from Salah Salem Street is too far from their neighborhood, accordingly they were shut out of the touristic citadel district and the job opportunities associated with it. Now that our project will be opening the gates to Bab al’Azab, it became important that the development projects inside would reach the community to reflect what is happening inside the walls and to revive their sense of place. Without inviting the members of the community physically inside the gates. In this manner the effect of the development project would reach the population without their moving in masses inside the gates which could lead to the deterioration of bab al’Azab because of dense use of space.
Concept Statement
Creating a cultural continuum that promotes creative economy through raising awareness and sustaining tangible and intangible heritage through making it an integral part of the community’s daily life.
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Cultural center
The cultural center will be responsible for helping the community to become fully aware of their historic and cultural context. Moreover it will reveal and rearticulate it to other communities to increase the area’s attractiveness as a cultural node. Also given that youth center located adjacent to the site, lack cultural and entertaining activities, the cultural center will fill in this need through the following 1.Creating a space for the practice of the various forms of art related to the intangible heritage which will accordingly sustain these forms of art. 2.Creating a small community informal theater for live performances
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Based on studying the development of performing arts in Islamic history, it was found that dramatic performance were based on the participation between the audience and the performances. The most important forms that were found to have continued until now 1. Storytelling 2. Sufi Zikr 3. Shadow plays 4. Poetry 5. ritual reenactments Incorporating these arts forms in the cultural center would create a cultural/entertainment outlet venue
Children’s center Given that after surveying, we found that the children are mainly playing in the streets and there were not any activities dedicated to children in the site, the children’s center is created as a response to combine between education and culture to teach the children about their heritage. The project will be monitored through the cultural center. The project will also include a children’s nursery
Communal Bank
Inspired from the concept of Bait al Mal (house of wealth which is similar to the treasury department) which was an essential part of the Islamic economic life and that kept evolving through the different of dynasties of Islam. Bait al Mal is basically is a financial institution that was responsible for gathering oof the money of Zakat which is tax money collected from the wealthier population and redistributed to the poor and those in need. The zakat money was also used to create public services and facilities that benefit of the entire Muslim community. Communal banks were first developed by the UNICEF organization to empower poor communities which don’t have access to credit loans to start and own small businesses for income generating.
The difference between the traditional bank and a communal bank is that, “unlike the microcredit schemes of traditional banks, which charge high interest rates, the communal bank project offers very low rates and is entirely directed and driven by the community”. The loan sizes that poor people need are too small, ranging from 3000 pounds to 5000 pounds with a yearly interest of 2%. Similar to Bait al Mal, local residents own the communal banks, so money and capital stay in the community which minimizes risk of debt. Communal bank would be created to ensure the revitalization of the Bab al’Azab is reaching out to the deteriorating communities around the area. As part of the second phase of development, the communal bank will get its money from the capital generated from projects of Phase 1.
it will focus on creating a community that enables citizens to become more independent and that would create a network of entrepreneurs that keeps the community financially sustainable. Microcredit programs increase the community’s self-esteem and sense of place because it provides them with opportunities to become financially independent.
will be responsible for providing training to its member in microcredit finances, leadership and informal education workshops. The NGO will conduct lectures for raising awareness about various topics like health, social values and legal affairs.
The priorities of the NGO are first raising awareness of the community for social and cultural matters and secondly to provide trainings and informal education NGO center workshops for the residents. zThe After surveying the area we NGO center will also provide capifound that there is not any facility tal for the communal bank through that serve the community or that raising fundraisers help alleviate their living conditions. The NGO is created as one of the prototypes of the NGO HQ created inside Bab al’Azab during the first phase of development. The NGO
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Objectives
1. Enhances the community’s sense of place through reviving the historical and cultural context of the area 2. Compensates the community of the absence of recreational areas and some of the main services 3. To create to community hub that serves as an educational, cultural and entertainment center that also develops creative economy through its microcredit program 4. Supplement the youth center of al Hattaba located directly next to the site 5. Act as the community’s gateway to Bab al’Azab
6. To promote creative economic through various forms of artistic expressions, as “culture is a powerful contributor to economic development, social stability and environmental protection”
Project cycle
the project aims to integrate between the community residents and their own heritage to support the creation of a participatory oriented cultural hub.
To sustain the programmatic relation between my components that following should be ensured
The project also aims to create the 24 hour cycle through creating programs that are in balance between complementing each other and between being efficient as stand-alone structures, each with its own sustaining source.
2.The cultural center would also support the communal bank with fund and the NGO will be responsible for raising fundraisers
1.The communal bank would receive funding from the capital raised by the projects inside Bab al’Azab that were implemented during phase 1
3.The NGO center will be monitored by the NGO HQ inside Bab al’Azab that was implemented during phase 1 4.The NGO will provide the members of the communal bank with the necessary training that they need and also it would provide the general public with essential trainings 5.The children’s center will be supported by the cultural center
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Target user groups and stakeholders Artists Storytellers Actors Financial managers Social and cultural activists
Local and Ministry of international culture tourists interested in inter- Ministry of acting with the Insurance and community Social Affairs Social travelers
Local entreArtists Al Hattaba Social activpreneurs Entreprecommunity ists neurs Al Mahgar PhilanthroCultural community pists researchers The communi- Proactive Social work- ty of al Khalifa citizens ers in general
Relationship between project and main theme: OPENING the DOOR to vitalize the tangible and intangible forgotten heritage by Sustainable Tourism: a process of involving the commuÂŹnity, investing in local economy, and re-inhabiting the ruins to reÂŹgenerate the historic city. 1. A community hub which responsible for connecting the local community with their tangible and intangible heritage 2. Promotes sustainable tourism by targeting local tourism 3. Revives intangible heritage through the communal bank (house of wealth) 4. Revives the communityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s local economy 5. Empowers the community members to become more aware of various social, cultural, political and social aspects 6. Infill architecture approach and upgrading of existing architecture 267
al Halqa
Site Location
The plot of my location is located outside bab al’azab. It is lies at an intersection between al Mahgar street and al bab al jedid street. the choice of this plot was due to its location next to the walls of the citadel and as part of the second phase of Bab al’Azab development , it was chosen to connect between the community and Bab al’Azab. The plot acts as a gateway for the community especially the community of Shiakha al Hattaba which contains in its premises the Citadel and several important monuments
Plot Area= 3257 sqm Built up Area= 10275.75 sqm
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Site Accessability
The site is accessed from three main points. . The first access point is from Bab al Jedid Street which is connected to Salah elDin Square. . The second access point is through al Mahgar Street which is connected to Salah Salem Street.
2
. The third access is through al bab al jedid gate of the citadel which is part of Bab alâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Azab. Being the three different access points lie on different levels making it an integral part of the design process. The height access point is the one from Bab al jedid gate and the lowest access point is on the level of al Mahgar street.
al M
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Bab
al J
edi
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Building Conditions Dilapidated
1
4
2
2 3
Poor Dilapidated
Diagram showing dilapidated building conditions Dilapidated buildings on site which will be removed
4 270
Building Conditions Poor
4
2 1
3
Poor Dilapidated
Diagram showing poor building conditions Poor buildings on site which will be upgraded and renovated
271
Site Documentation
1
2 2
3
4
5
1
5 272
Site Documentation
7
6
8
9
7
9 273
Architectural Language in Ste
Site potential
Architectural language on site
•Existing stairs used by the community that passes through my site •Scenic view due to the site’s high elevation •Surrounded by important monuments as the mosque of Mangak al yusfi and Sabil and hawd of ‘Abd alRah¬man Katkhuda •Existing trees •Located next to the youth center •Close from al Bab al Jedid gate of the citadel
Elements that were found on site and that would affect the design criteria 1. Tunnel next to the mosque of Mangak al yusfi is used by the residents of al Hattaba to go in and out 2. Stairs existing in the site is also used regularly by the residents instead of using the vehicular street 3. Hierarchy of open spaces in the neighbors around the site
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2 274
3
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5
4
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1 2
5
Important landmarks around the site 275
Individual Projects
Programmatic Precedent: Atharlina participatory design.
Atharlina is a participatory design project by Megwara where all stakeholders are brought together in order to narrow the gap between the residents of al Khalifa street and the monuments. One of the outcomes of the project was orientated towards creative development of the children in the area, which is Athar Lina Children’s Heritage School. The school sessions aim to raise children’s awareness to the t heritage in their immediate neighborhood, and this was applied through means of creative expression. The first sessions were Drama and theater where children played stories from the Islamic history for example Shagret al Durr. The second aspect was art sessions, using a wide range of different medium; children were 276
Programmatic Precedent: Darb Ahmar Arts School
asked to draw stories and legends inspired from the historical context.
Culture Resource, a nonprofit organization that supports creative industry in the Arab re The ending of this program gion, it initiated the Darb Al Ahmar was a performance of traditional sto- Arts School project in 2010 in colrytelling that integrated the history laboration with the Aga Khan Trust. of the area along with the present of its current residents. The school aims to protect children from Darb Al Ahmar disThe project made the communi- trict from exposure to unsuitable ty more unified and it also made working conditions. The school’s them appreciate their heritage. The mean to do this, is by training the community’s sence of place was en- children in aspects of creativity and hanced and the creative children culture. The children train in circus program became a permenant part arts or music. Simultaneously the of the School’s curriculum school integrates the community in becoming more aware of their heritage and the role of art in their daily lives. The school targets children and young adults (ranging age from 8-18). The school is specialized in circus arts, percussion and brass instruments. The curriculum is basically a two year program,
which also provides the children with supplementary subjects as computer skills, English and physical theater. The school also provides counseling services to the children. The children also are engaged in making the customs and tools used by them during performances for example puppets for shadow plays. The school proved to be a successful initiative as the students became professional participants in live performances, and especially in the ones hosted at El Genina Theater which is located inside Al Azhar Park.
Individual projects
Precedent: Cultural Park for Children, Sayeda Zeinab, Cairo. A cultural facility and park in el Hud el Marsoud garden which was suffering from great deterioration, being violated by illegal activities. The architect’s proposal was inspired from seeing “growth” as a common aspect between the children and the park. The architect used spiral forms as a representation for this idea along with other principals as formal and organizational aspects which will be discussed in the design criteria
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al Halqa
Precedent: Cultural Park for Children, Sayeda Zeinab, Cairo.
Key features
Space program
1.Rich architectural character inspired from the surroundings 2.Preserves as much as possible of the existing trees and garden area 3.Creates a cultural facility amidst an area suffering from urban deterioration 4.Creates a series of open spaces such as kiosks and vendor shops around the project to invite the community
Similar aspects 1.Similar program components for cultural facilities for children 2.Building on remains of al hud al marsud garden which dates back to mamluk era 3.Site lies in a context rich with historic monuments 4.Same target users 5.Aims to develop the surrounding community as a whole
Lobby = 55 sqm Observatory =110 sqm Reading room = 95 sqm Services =105 sqm Outdoor performance area= 192 sqm Entrance = 40 sqm Children’s Atelier= 180 sqm Administration= 110 sqm Computer/ video room = 163 sqm
Individual projects
al Halqa
Precedent: St. Albans School - Marriott Hall Washington D.C., US
Precedent: St. Albans School - Marriott Hall Washington D.C., US Similar aspects to my project
The project was developed as an extension to the school of St.Alban that was founded in 1909. The project is located within a picturesque landscape. New program 1. Performing arts theater 2. Classrooms 3. Offices 4. Athletic fields
Key Features 1.Respecting existing structure through creating an interesting extension 2.The extension is seamlessly blending between modern architecture and the architectural style already existing in the site which is neo-gothic 278
1.Educational/cultural programmatic 3.The building is considered mod- typologies ernist however the use of stone cladding similar to that used in the exist- 2.Historic site that includes importing cathedral, fits the project within ant historic buildings the context 4.The project connects between different internal levels and create outdoor public spaces on various levels 5.The design was inspired from the context given that the site exists on a very high elevation, the design enhances views to the surrounding forested hill and other landmarks
3.Site with high topography 4.Site with panoramic views over the city given its high elevation 5.Ensures connectivity between existing and new structures
6.Blends between the existing architectural style and new one which creates a project that balances be6.The design uses elements such tween respecting the existing and as cantilevered volumes to create that promotes for a new contrasting outdoor gathering areas and public approach spaces
Individual projects
al Halqa
Bridge School Xiashi, Fujian Province, China
Bridge School Xiashi, Fujian Province, China
Brief
Key features
•A steel structure that is composed of two steel trusses that connect between two sides of the village
•The school connects between two ancient fortresses •Although the structure is modern and is using new materials however it blends very well with the landscape and the historical context •The use of materials makes the project natural and playful
•The structure passes over a small creek that passes through the village
•There is a pedestrian bridge which is suspended from the structure, that is used by the people of the village
•The school creates a physical and spiritual center for the village Similar aspects
Program
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•Library •Two classrooms •Public library •Outdoor stages integrated with the landscape
•Circulation feature that makes the people use interact with the project even if there are not intending to do so. •Lies in a historical site •Creation of an educational/ cultural and entertainment center for the community •Blending with the historical and physical context
Precedent: Raiffeisenbank Kirchberg Communal Bank, Switzerland. Rebuilding a communal bank that was originally founded 30 years ago. Key features: 1. Ground floor in a residential building 2. Places importance on personal consultation and advice 3. Creates special partitions to enclose each part of the function Space Program • Safety zone 75sqm • Offices for discrete consulta tion 55 sqm • Consultant zone 60 sqm • Mixed zone 65 sqm • Public zone 15 sqm Similar aspects A unique type of bank that requires balance between openness to the community and privacy given the function’s nature 280
Space
space and functional program
communal bank
m2/user capacity dimensions area
area (sqm)
reception
130
public lobby
60
administrative offices
15
2
30
4
120
treasurer office
25
chairperson
30
assistant offices
15
2
consultation rooms large meeting rooms
1.2
50
30
2
60
15
4
60
60
60
archival room
30
public restrooms
40
staff restrooms
NGO Center
quantity
2
20
safety zone
80
mixed zone
95
services
60
reception/lobby
150
small meeting rooms
20
5
100
large meeting rooms
50
2
100
110
2
220
6
270
lecture room
1.1
100
offices
15
3
45
outdoor meeting area
110
exhibition
80
lounge
120
training rooms staff rooms
1.1
20
22
6
132
20
3
60
staff restrooms
25
public restrooms
40
services
60
communal cafĂŠ
250
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space and functional program
terrace
1
15
15
4
60
outdoor gathering node Cultural Center
500 reception lobby
220
indoor theater with auxiliary functions
1160
offices
15
2
30
2
60
poetry room
1.8
50
90
1
90
traditional music room
2.4
50
120
1
120
2
60
120
1
120
2
100
200
2
400
1.8
60
108
1
108
puppetry
1
75
lounge/cafĂŠ
1
400
shadow play room storytelling workshop/ event room Sufi Zikr room
preparation rooms
20
6
120
bathrooms
40
3
80
services Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s center
70
lobby/reception
170
activity room
3
25
75
acting rooms
3
25
75
3
95
reading room Music room computer labs
75 1.8
50
90
90 1
165
observatory
120
nursery
230
outdoor playing area
200
kitchenette
282
225
35
space and functional program
bathrooms
40
teachers’ offices
110
teachers’ bathroom
30
teacher’s lounge
95
storage room
15
4
60
bathrooms
15
3
45
services
60
connection to youth center
500
landscape stairs
60
garden
360 8935 circulation
1340.25 10275.25
communal bank NGO center Cultural center children's center outdoor spaces circulation
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Program Zoning
Given the site topography, the program is mainly divided on three levels, where the lowest level will be responding to the ground level and the highest level will be adjacent to al Bab al Jedid Street. Key aspects 1. Using existing trees to create a garden 2. Cultural center is placed to get maximized view 3. The cultural center and the childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s center will share open spaces in between that will use for communal gathering 4. The NGO center will be connected to the communal bank 5. The communal bank is placed on high level to provide it with privacy 6. Public entrances will be treated as open lobbies where they lead to different components of the project 7. Service exits were placed to minimize cross circulation with public circulation
Lowest level 284
Intermediate level
heighest level
Area of Impact
1.Upgrading and renovation of existing youth center 2.Upgrading of buildings in poor conditions in front of my site 3.Clearing dilapidated plots and replacing them with open spaces 4.Development of al mahgar street and bab al jedid street
Existing condition
Proposed development 285
Differentiating Aspects
1. Located outside of bab al azab next to al hattaba youth center
3. Respond and connect to the gate of Bab al Jedid with the community
2. Combination cultural/ commer- 4. Ensure continuity between all projcial / offices/ entertainment typol- ect components inside and outside the walls of the citadel ogies
Design Criteria
3. Connection to al mahgar street 5. Some components would require specific treatment given accessibility 4. The project will be the start for and privacy as the communal bank the urban renewal and upgrading that will be initiated in the third 6. Use existing architectural lanphase of our development, which guage to perpetuate it and upgrade will start with the buildings at the the urban fabric of the district other side of my project 7. Respect and perpetuate the site 1. Ensure that the project fits con- topography by respecting the steep textually within the monuments slope and adapting to it located around the site 2. Create a space that encourage cultural creativity and knowledge exchange
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Design Criteria
According to abdelhalim Ibrahim, he identified four principles that define the framework for creating the cultural park project, and I will be using these principles for the design of my project 1.Symbolic Identifying a common theme between the architecture and the target users, for the cultural park this theme was growth. Growth represented the relation between the children and the nature of the park. Symbols as spiral geometries were used to create this notion
2.Formal Using the identifies symbolic aspect to create a general scheme for the design layout, for the cultural park this was created through using the spiral rhythms to create the parkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s landscape
4.Ritual Perceiving each building in a context of an existing community as a series of processes which are connected together by a series of events and ceremonies
3.Organizational Using co-ordinates of existing structures and elements on site to create an organizational grid, in the cultural park the grid was drawn from the dimensions between each 4 palm trees existing on site
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Relation to Other Activities
• Conservation Center and Training School . My project will serve the community with the required fund that would enable them to restore their homes. Also part of the children’s center could use the conservation school professionals for giving lectures and raising awareness in the NGO.
Approach towards heritage in Architectural design infill architecture allows deteriorating sensitive sites and structures to be reborn to meet the people’s needs. This approach is acceptable within the premises of the proposed plot as it contains dilapadated structures that are unusable
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• Boutique Hotel & Bazar/ Funduq-khan .it will indirectly raise funds for my project, also users of my project would find employment opportunities related to the boutique hotel and the bazar • Heritage management Center/ El Sahn . Al wakf system will be used to generate funds for the initiation of my project and it will have a connection with the communal bank . As the NGO HQ will serve as a
main focal point that will spread into the surrounding community in the future, one of its prototypes will be implemented in my project as part of the second phase of the project. • Heritage Diwan (library and rare book collection) . Researchers, writers and professionals would come to give lectures in the cultural center and the users of the children’s center would use the library as part of their activities • Madrasa and hammam/ Maq’ad el-mutajaweleen . Artists and researchers using the madrasa would be interested in visiting the cultural center to know the various forms of performing arts inspired from the intangible heritage
• Crafts Center and learning center . Users of the crafts center who want to open their own business would use the communal bank for fund and support.
Bibliography
“Aga Khan Award for Architecture.” Bridge School. Web. 2014. “Aga Khan Award for Architecture.” Cultural Park for Children. Web. 2014. Al Mawred Al Thaqafy [Culture Resource], CUIP. Amin, D. (2006). Egyptian Theater: Reconstructing Performance Spaces. Arab Studies Journal, 14(2), 78-100. Retrieved April, 2014. “Atharlina | Contents.” Atharlina “Communal Banks Extend Credit, Empower Women and Build Equity in Rural Bolivia.” UNICEF. N.p., 6 May 2011. Web. 2014. “Creative Economy Report 2008 - The Challenge of Assessing the Creative Economy: towards Informed Policy-making”, United Nations, 2008. “Crossing Borders: Al-halqa performance From the Open Space to the Theater Building.” Khalid Amine. Web. 2014. SOM. “SOM : St. Albans School – Marriott Hall.” SOM : St. Albans School – Marriott Hall. SOM.com. Web. 2014. “Raiffeisenbank Kirchberg.” GWJARCHITEKTUR. 2013. Web. 2014.
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Maqâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ad al-MutaJawaleen Ehsan AbouShadi 290
Concept
Reinstate intellectual gatherings and social interactions through traditional spaces that up until the last century have been an integral part of Cairene culture.
Objectives
• Reinventing the traditional forms of education, inspired by artist residency programs, to become a platform for the debate and development of a monthly topic or theme • To serve as a platform of cultural exchange o Locals – Other Egyptians – Foreigners – Experts – Tourists • Reinventing the traditional hammam, as a spa with a focus on natural and traditional treatments • To serve as ‘authentic’ functions that visitors will be drawn to due to its unique specializations
Background
Modern life has greatly impacted traditional institutions and habits. Once the education system did not mark understanding or knowledge by years spent studying. People would study to their hearts’ content. One chose the theme of study and focused on that which one wanted to learn. Today schools impose a number of years, impose topics and impose standardization. The only remnants of this old approach in “mainstream trends” are through the pursuit of PhDs and even then, it is regulated by an institution. It is also found in residency programs, where people that share an interest in a topic can come together and explore it for a period of time. In residency programs they coexist making it a continuous experience of learning. This was the case in traditional Madrasas where students would live together and study together, creating a continuous experience. This is an intangible heritage that has slowly gotten lost in Egypt. Likewise, the Hammam is a socio-cultural heritage as “there is a vivid social life and specific washing ceremonies and festive rituals that are still being practiced.” 1
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Tawfikia
Philosophical Approach
Relation to thesis
The area of the Citadel acted as a city with a variety of learning programs ranging from military music band training to soldier training to embroidery. The citadel itself is adjacent to the Madrasa of Sultan Hassan and the remains of the Madrasa of Sidi Shahin. A program that explores different approaches to learning with a focus on communal learning suits the learning identity that has been lost. It is even reinventing these learning methods, integrating the modern concept of residency programs.
none remains. Establishing a Hammam brings in a wellbeing function to the site adding to the diversity of the Mixed-Use scheme that according to our problem definition is required to maintain the site alive.
The Hammams of the area have mostly been demolished, it is a culture that is dying, just as the site is currently dying. In the citadel where an entire army was housed would have needed a great bathhouse yet
To abide by the thesis statement and problem definition and have the enclosure connected with the rest of the city and the rest of the complex my program will be reflected outside the walls. I will re-
These two functions complement each other as the Hammams were also a place for socialising and meditation â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a feature that all learners appreciate. In many cultures, bathhouses were the place where intellectuals would continue talking and developing ideas.
instate the Sultan Hassan Madrasa as a place of religious education but I will readapt the education system to instead of teaching the four different schools of Islam, to teach about different beliefs and religions so that people can learn about the different beliefs in Islam (sunni, shia, sufi) and other religions as there are many people that segregate and are prejudice based on religion. The remains of the Madrasa of Sidi Shahin, although barely make up two rooms, will be used as a learning space for the community of Hattaba for special activities that want to be in the midst of its community. It will also service the Creative Development Center.
Integrates the inside and outside of the wall, acting as a anchor point for the project whilst reviving tangible and intangible heritage.
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Components Boarding House
Boarding Residence Background
Provides the setting for continuous learning to take place amongst people with different experiences so that there is mutual learning. Not quantitative.
Features • • • •
Explorative learning Exchange and development of ideas Workspace Continuous interaction through co-habitation
Hammam Background
Hammam
Hammams have been a prominent feature of public space in Islamic cities and is one of the rare places where culture, economy and politics are merged. Epitome of combined tangible and intangible heritage. Today, only four Hammams remain operational in Cairo.
Features • • • • • • •
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Hammam Tambali
a place for relaxation and meditation, a support for health care and hygiene, a meeting place for travellers and merchants and their negotiations, a provider of drinking water, one of the rare public meeting places for women in the Islamic context, a place for confidential political discussions a place for artistic and ceremonial activities such as story telling, music and pre-wedding celebrations.
Project Plot
Footprint Area= 4,262 sqm Built-up Area= 12,878 sqm This is an infill project consisting of an agglomeration of different plots. These plots are either vacant, or full of depris or heavily dilapidated buildings. There are a few monuments that are undergoing restoration, these will be integrated through adaptive re-use to try and maintain the entity as a whole. Other plots contain monument ruins and so these will be rehabilitaed Vacant or greatly dilapidated buildings Adaptive reuse Rebuild & rehabilitation
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Plot Analysis
Main Entrances: 1 - Remains of Gate of the Darb al-Labbana, will be integrated into project as main entrance to studio area 2 - Remains of the Takiya of Taqi alDin al-Bistami, will be restored and rehabilitated to contain the lounge related functions of the project, integrating its standing entrance as the main access to that 3 - Side entrance from Sikat al Mahgar to the studi area 4 - Entrance to the Hammam from the main street: Sikat al Mahgar. This entrance will be incorporated into an existing building so that the entrance to the building provides upstairs access as well as acting as a hall that leads to the back of the building, entering the Hammam. 5- Main entrance to Bimaristan, the public performance and discussion space.
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Plot Analysis
Site documentation
296
Precedents
Hammam al Andalus Madrid, Cordoba, Granada & Malaga6
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The concept of this chain of facilities is to establish an urban oasis which “resurrects the magic of the Al Andalus period with an authentic recreation of the senses”. Despite being influenced by the Arab Hammams,
its facilities and design is based on contemporary spas. The baths are designed following Islamic geometric patterns, indirect lighting through pierced vaults and domes as well as artificial lighting. The interior plays with light intensity and colour of light.
10 am to 2 am. As mentioned, the hammam functions on set visiting hours. During the time slot, clients are free to circuit the hammam, exploring it as they use the facilities.
Their services include: • Use of Baths Its goal is to become a cul- • Relaxing massage – contural and touristic recreation center temporary massaging method that is sustainable and environmen- • Traditional massage – ustally friendly. It uses new technolo- ing Kessa glove & red grape soap gies for energy efficiency. • Almudaina ritual – traditional hot stone massage It operates in such a way that prevents crowdedness to ensure a Their baths are mixed gender. They relaxing environment, by having a make the use of swimsuits comquota to the number of people that pulsory. No underwear is allowed. can use the facility at once. This is regulated by making reservations Program: compulsory. However, the reserva- • Warm water room 36° tion system is very organized as they • Hot water room 40° have divided the day into 1 hour • Cold water room 18° and 30 minutes time slots and you • Steam room reserve a visiting time slot. Between • Relaxation room (that each time slot is a 30 minute win- serves tea with mint) dow to ensure clients can change • Massage Rooms in the dressing rooms and leave be- • WC fore the next session starts, and for a • Dressing room (with lockround of cleaning to maintain high ers) hygienic standards. It operates from • Gift store
Space & Circulation Analysis: Cordoba
This Hammam is small in relation to the others. The changing rooms and bathrooms are located prior to the entrance to the bathing area of the hammam. When entering the bathing area visitors enter the cold room which contains two small pools, which leads to a hall that opens onto the warm room. The warm room has a large pool surrounded by an arcade. Behind this aracde are the massage and ritual areas. The warm room the opens up to the hot room which contains two medium sized pools. Here the bathing process is in reverse circulation. The bathers must start in the hot or warm pool and then end at the cold pool. Massaging may ocur before or after a cold soaking. The reverse circulation may be something interesting to implement in the project. Furthermore, the hierarchy of bathing pools is clear and tells clients which is the most popular and in which more time is spent.
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Space & Circulation Analysis: Granada
In this hammam the experience is quite unique as the addition of fountains creates a different essence in the hammam. Fountains are not a typical feature of hammams. Here there are elements of reverse circulation by having the last activities at the entrance. It is not complete reverse circulation as the hot room lies between the warm and cold room. However, the warm room is closer to the massage area showing a path for the clients, particularly as the hot room - despite being the same size as the warm room - has a central position in the hammam. Through this arrangment the clients know to start at the hot room then make their way inwards to the warm and massages rooms. Then near the exit are the cold and relax rooms. This arrangement of spaces would be interesting to implement due to the wayfinding qualities of the plan.
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Space & Circulation Analysis: Malaga
The most interesting feature of this hammam is that it is a two storey hammam. Usually hammams are a flat structure, having their facilities entirely on the ground floor. This trend was a result of the water heating and carrying technology, given the old systems of heating water and transporting it underneath the floor, it would have been hard to implement on a first floor that would require lifting of water, a complex system of transportation between the floor and ceiling of the first floor and a very strong structure system that would withstand the weight of water. Nowadays it is an easy feat with modern plumbing, pumps and reinforced concrete structures. However, there were hammams that had a mezzanine floor used as the relaxation area. It would be interesting to explore the possibility of a second floor in the project. To compromise between the lengthy paths and the proximity of services this hammam has opted for having two warm rooms, one on each floor as it is the main step in the hammam bathing process. However, in order to do this, the cold room is inexistent.
Space & Circulation Analysis: Madrid
This hammam was circulation that is not aligned with the process of bathing. The clients will go to the hot or warm or steam rooms then go around the floor plan to the ritual rooms and massage rooms to then return to the center where the cold room is located. The location of the relax room is logical as after the bathing process the clients will relax and be located near the entrance/exit of the hammam. The lower half of the plan provides easy access as all rooms open up onto each other whilst also mainting a linear visual path. The location of the relax room and the visual paths are components that would be interesting to implement in the project.
Precedents
Sengül Hammam, Ankara Turkey
Qualities of Sengül Hammam, from Mahdavi & Orehounig 7
This is a 15th century bathhouse that was restored in the 19th century.8 Though it is of purely Ottoman style and has barely any resemblence to Ottoman hammams in Egypt, it is an important precedent as the areas are approximately the same as what will be implemented in the project. However, the project will have a two part hammam: a female and a male section. Usually there are special women hours but due to the intent of wanting to encourage social interaction all the time, there will be
hammams for both genders opperating simultaneously. The areas this precedent gives are for each of the sections. With the exception that a cold room will be added as well as some other functions that other hammams provide. This is a starting point for the size of funstions. This precedent also mentions the annual water use of the hammam. This is important information as it gives the project a rough estimate of water used per visitor per day.
Changing Room
266 sqm
Cold Room
-
Warm Room
73.1 sqm
Hot Room
202.3 sqm
Total Area
541.4 sqm
Average Temp. Outdoor 11.3°C Average Temp. Indoor
28.2°C
Visitors per day
84
Annual water use
21,700 cubic metres
Water efficieny becomes an important factor. It is also worth noting the additional services this hammam provides to its clientel: • Henna • Manicure / pedicure • Eyebrow treatment • Hairdresser • Barber
Integration to project These are the types of additional features and services that the project’s Hammam will adopt. A way of tackling water efficieny would be have a grey water system that feeds toilets and irrigation in nearby areas. Energy efficieny will be handled in such a way that all cotainers will be insulated. To reduce the loss of energy there will be a sequence in how the rooms are separated and connected. The cold room will be closed off from the warm and hot room to reduce cooling of air in those rooms. The warm and hot room can open up onto each other as they both heat the air.
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Precedents
Wikalat al-Ghuri
The wikalas are an interesting typological precedent, particularly how they’re used today. In the past the upper floors were the rooms for the merchants but nowadays, particularly Wikalat al-Ghuri, those rooms are rented by craftsmen and artists that have their stores or workshops downstairs. In some ways this is what the project wants to achieve but differently. Rather than just being a place of residence and work for the artisist, it is a place for interactions. The artists will collaborate and take feedback from each other, the residence acts as a community rather than a ‘hotel’.
Features of interest • •
Ground & 1st Floor public activities (commercial), upstairs private (apartments) Different artists reside in the rooms upstairs, often renting
301
•
workshops downstairs Worked as part of al-Ghuri complex waqf, generating income for other installations and activities such as the madrasa
First Floor Plan
Space Program • • • • • •
55 storage rooms 2 “latrines” on top floor Gallery Small platform Courtyard 30 apartments
Precedents
Delfina Foundation Expansion, London5
Residency Program that focuses on cultural exchange with a special focus on the MENA region. Architecture: • Typical Town House of London • Peels back house to show layers • Contemporary retrofitting Program: • 1650 square feet of exhibition and event space • Flexible artist workspaces • 8 bedrooms • Small kitchen • Living room • Dining room • Study Target user: 32 residencies a year for artists, curators and writers
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The most interesting feature of this project to be used as a precedent for the Maq’ad al-MutaJaweleen how it rehabilitates the building architecturally. Whilst celebrating the urban architectural heritage of the building, the architect has skillfully applied today’s layer to the building. The interventions are clear, making the beholder appreciate the original parts more, particulrly as they are clear to see.
Precedents
Potter’s House, Ramses Wissa Wassef
Perspective, from Regional Architecture Collections, Rare Books and Special Collections Library, AUC Elevation, from Regional Architecture Collections, Rare Books and Special Collections Library, AUC
Potter’s House was designed for Potters to live together in the same building to meet their artistic needs. The site of the unbuilt project is in Fustat, an area that is infamous for its pottery work. The project aimed to house potters and apprentices to preserve this intangible heritage.
Ground floor plan, from Regional Architecture Collections, Rare Books and Special Collections Library, AUC
Program: • Boarding rooms • Communal work area/study • Kitchen • Lounge • Entrance hall • Reception/Salon • Individual workstations/ rooms • WCs • Garden • Terrace The importance of this project as a precedent is that it captures perfectly the function of the boarding house as an artists’ residency program. The ways in which public vs. private circulation is resolved within the building would serve as an inspiration with how to clearly define the areas open to visitors and which are not.
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Differentiating Characteristics of Project Relation between project and main theme
The preservation of the intangible heritage of Hammam culture and residence learning is the main distinctive characteristic of the project. The one that will make it known outside the area and draw people in.
Due to the historic nature of the site, one would not be able to use Reinforced Concrete as a building material. Furthermore, the uncertainty of what is beneath the floor restricts the building system
to a light structure that does not need deep foundations. The Hammam would have to have the latest technology to ensure that the water system does not damage the monument and have a water leak safety system.
• Opening the door to cultural exchange • Promotes the continuity and reinterpretation of the tangible and intangible arts: o Poetry o Playwriting o Literature o Philosophy o Illustration o Film makers o Painting o Intellectuals • Creates a community of artists and intellectuals that are attached to the area • ProjectAttracts Title other artists to those in the residency program • Rent fees contribute to income of project Stakeholders • Preserves the culture of the Arab bath
Artistic NGOs Children Developme nt Programs
Painters
Local
Writers
Foreign
Poets
Art enthusiasts
Potters
Ministry of Culture
Shop owners Galleries
Artists
Children Artists Youth
Photograph ers Critics Curators Artists
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Space Program
Total Area # of Residence Area (sqm) Spaces (sqm) Qahwa
200
1
200
Stores
35
4
140
Studios
50
50
2500
Lounge
500
1
500
Dining Hall
200
1
200
Workshops
300
5
1500
Rooms
30
50
1500
Gallery
500
1
500 7040
Based on precedents areas and number of spaces were determined. For example, the residency programâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s precedents all had approximately 30 boarding rooms so that number was used.
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Total Area # of Hammam Area (sqm) Spaces (sqm) 2 500 Hot Rooms 250 3 525 Cold Rooms 175 3 225 Warm Rooms 75 1 150 Entrance 150 2 300 Relax Room 150 2 200 Dressing Rooms 100 Check Desk & Gift store Soap & Perfume distillery Alternative Medicine Center Ritual/Massage Areas
30
1
30
625
1
625
314
1
314
50
2
100 2969
Program Zoning
Hammam
In areas of the male and female hammams there will be mezzanines for the relax and health/ grooming areas. On top of the changing rooms will be located the distillery. Changing rooms & store Female warm room Female cold room Female hot room Male warm room Male cold room Male hot room
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Boarding House
The boarding house will have a variety of activities throughout the different floors of the building, with the residential at the very top. The activites on the ground floor are as shown in the diagram opposite. Downstairs access to apartments Studios Store Communal Workshops Lounge & Dining Hall Gallery space
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Qahwa
&
Performance
Design Criteria
Based on the conservation approaches discussed earlier, the conservation approach I will use is a combination of “Restoration and Repair” in the buildings facing the Carved Path which had a strong architectural identity and heritage, and use a “Renovation and modernization” approach in the building at the back of my site which have little or no heritage value as they are dilapidated, service areas such as bathrooms or a 20th century pitched roof factory following an English brick style. In terms of the involvement of participation in my project, participation will be used to establish the acceptable and unacceptable framework for the “renovation and modernization” approach. Participation will also be used in the operation of the project by choosing together the theme for the residency program to ensure that the programs address different topics that relate to different things in different manners and that if the stakeholders so desire, that the residents contribute to the stakeholders in some way. Dalila el Kerdany sets a guide with “suggestions and orientations
ened by extinction. On the long that may help y help to regain the run, this would help attract the vitality of the intangible heritage 2 other categories. of the hammām.” I will take these guides into strong consideration in the design phase of the Hammam 3) Hammām, whether in the past or present, depends on the supfor my project: port of certain social classes 1) “The economies of operation, and professions. They control restoration and maintenance relevant sustainability dynamof the hammām are evidently ics. Thus, the social, cultural, playing a major role in retaining economic and developmental its tangible and intangible heristudy of those is essential for tage. Given that it is used to be the determination of sustaindependent on certain religious, ability factors. social and economic institutions, 4) The technology for the operathe need today is to define new tion of conventional hammāms relevant associations. Old associneeds to be modernized as far ations are currently confi ned to as methods of operation, mainmaintain its heritage and renew tenance, environmental perforits function as a result of social, mance, hydraulics, sanitation economic and cultural change. and restoration of such exclusive archeological building type. 2) It is important to conduct necThis requires more research and essary studies on ways to proexperimentation, particularly mote the hammām activity with as regards sustainability, proviopen-mindedness without presion of energy and water, relaconceived ideas regarding target tion with the surrounding socigroups. It may be best to start ety; in addition to methods of with a study of the social caterestoration and maintenance, gories that are more prone to especially retaining the materichange in order to achieve quick als and techniques that proved outcomes that maintain the tansuccessful in the traditional gible heritage currently threatpractices of the past.”4
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Average Energy Consumption of Hammams, Mahdavi & Orehounig
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Hammam:
Boarding Residence:
• • • • • •
•
Sustainable: ecologically, economically, culturally, socially Efficient water system – reduce water loss and energy loss Insulation for reduced energy loss Solar energy for water heating Consider both the structural as well as geometric possibilities Uses systems that are not detrimental to the existing site
Energy use for
[kWh.m-2.a-1]
Water heating
2,000
Space heating
600
Water & space heating
2,600
Electrical equipment
30
•
•
Sustainable: ecologically, economically, culturally, socially Follows Islamic architecture with prominent domestic features such as the Qa’a, Maq’ad, and Hosh Follows a modular system for the individual boarding rooms like a Rab’
Relation between project and other projects
1. The boarding house and hammam will draw in local tourism as well as specialised tourism, these will then be drawn into the rest of the project 2. The intellectuals will use the diwan for research and literary exploration, and the researchers that go to the diwan will come to the boarding house o discuss their research 3. Some of the temporary residents of the boarding house may explore ideas at the Halqa project as a form of implementation 4. Artists will be immersed in an area rich in crafts production where they can discuss techniques, develop and learn new things 5. Tourists at the Boutique hotel may come to the Hammam for the added experience of living in culture and history 6. The Hammam will provide a relaxing healthy experience for all after work 7. External visitors will come to the Hammam, the same way people and tourists go to the Hammams in Istanbul â&#x20AC;&#x201C; for the cultural experience, for the relaxing effect, or for health purposes or for polticial or intelectual discourse
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1. Kolb, B., & Dumreicher, H. (2008). The Hammam - A Living Cultural Heritage. International Journal of Architectural Research, 2(3), 17-28. Retrieved from http://archnet.org/system/publications/contents/5165/original/DPC1902. pdf?1384788578 2. El Kerdany, D. (2008). Hammām Folklore Dynamics in Cairo: Lessons from Operation to Regeneration. International Journal of Architectural Research, 2(3), 2941. Retrieved from http://archnet.org/system/publications/contents/5165/original/ DPC1902.pdf?1384788578 3. Ibid. 4. Ibid. 5. Cilento, Karen. “Delfina Foundation Expansion / Studio Octopi + Shahira Fahmy Architects” 10 Aug 2012.ArchDaily. Accessed 20 Mar 2014. http://www.archdaily.com/?p=262318 6. Hammam al Andalus. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.hammamalandalus.com/en/ 7. Mahdavi, A., & Orehounig, K. (2012). Energy and thermal performance of hammams. In H. Dumreicher, R. S. Levine, & M. Sibley-Behloul (Eds.),Hammam rehabilitation reader (pp. 81-94). Austria: Sonderzahl. Retrieved from http://mimar-architects.com/wp-content/themes/mimar/ research/Research-hammam-reader.pdf 8. Sengul Hamami. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://sengulhamami.com/
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Heritage diwan Menna Afify
Heritage 312
Individual Projects
Outline Diwan library and gallery Concept and justification Scope of project and aim stakeholders site Analysis site selection site accessibility building Conditions Zoning Space program Program functions Micro level impact and relation to other projects Macro level impact Differentiating characteristics of the project Design Criteria Precedents: AUC Main Library AUC Rare books library Pasarelle library Sour Al-Azbakeya
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Individual projects
Heritage Diwan
Concept Statment
â&#x20AC;&#x153;Utlilizing the forgotten heritage to become an integral part in the greater development of historic cairo, through re-linking the tangible monuments of Bab-Azab and historic Cairo with its intangible historic value through a Data collection heritage library and cultural book market.â&#x20AC;?
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Individual Projects
Approach Th heritage revitalization depends primarily on physical and economic upgrading. The social aspect which is the neighboring communities should be part of the of the heritage upgrading process as they act as a major contributor in the success of the project. The community restitches the revived meaning of the heritage back with the existing fabric of the area. It facilitates the process of the project integration to become an efficient part in the existing cycle of the entire place. The economic upgrade is a major factor in achieving and maintainig Sustainable Heritage. The economic generation affects the continuity of the project as well as influence the social engagment in the project; it is necessary for both the heritage maintainance and structure of the entire complex. The economic aspects is the insighted benefit and gain that the community persues as a result of being part of a poor / average economic community. The integration approach that the project holds requires the provision of understanding to the social aspects of the project to evaluate the cultural heritage and finally achieve the economic base on which the project will run.
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Individual projects
Heritage Diwan
Scope of the project:
â&#x20AC;&#x153;Creating an integrated and a rooted knowledge Hub , a Book Market and a Heritage library, to achieve and Maintain the cycle of creating sustainable heritage as an integral part of the urban revitalization of the entire areaâ&#x20AC;?
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Heritage revitalization approach
Based on the idea of promoting a sustainable heritage project, all the included programs should complement one another as they will contribute in achieving the three main aspects which are the social, cultural and economic. The heritage diwan will use the cultural aspect through integrating the social aspect to finally generate the economic basis. the Diwanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s main goal is to revive the forgotten heritage and preserve its identity through integrating the community by providing them with job opportunities as well as educate them concerning their heritage. the proposed two aspects, cultural and social, will be the two main drives for generating the economic basis that act as the last part of the chain to complete the cycle. The economic base keeps and preserves the mainatainance of the heritage and prevent its deterioration as well as benefits the community in order to provide it with the sense of belonging to the space as it also focuses on their own needs, not only serving other stakeholders.
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Stake holders:
Stakeholders engaging in the library : Ministry of culture: the most important stakeholder as it is the potential client and wil be the most active stakeholder interested in the documents that the library holds. Ministry of antiquities: The complex of the project is one of the most important antiquities in historic Cairo and also the official owner of the site. NGOs: URHC- UNESCO- NOAH : use the libarary for educationaland academic researching as a knowledge database. Local and international tourists: drawn to the library as part of cultural tourism Local community: the knowledge transmission should reach the locals to appreciate the value of their monument and understand the value of heritage in order to conserve it themselves later on, also enrolled in the book market buying and selling of books. Local and international architects Historians scholars and researchers Client: Ministry of culture Owner: Ministry of Antiquities.
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Site Analysis: Site Selection: The Heritage Diwan will be located at the northern plart of Bab elazab, It is a peripheral site that overlooks a panoramic view of old cairo and the citadel area. The location of the site is considered a huge opportunity where the diwan would be located as it is next to dar almahfouzat which is a historic archival building. Dar almahfouzat is one of the site selection elements that accomodated the presence of a historic library and situated the introduction of a cultural node. The plot area is also well integrated in the entire journey of bab azab because its location is part of the historic carved path. Also the most proximate to bab elgdeed, bab alqaa makes it a permeable plot, despite the fact that it is the inner most plot in the entire complex. The site topography is an interesting design element that can be restrictive or an edge to an interesting design. Foot Print Area= 3385 m2
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Site Analysis: Accessibility Although the site is considered to be the furthset plot from the gate, it has many access points which make the site very permeable. There are main four access points to the site, the first is Elbabalgedeed which gives the site access to the outer community, the second is bab elwalaa which is an access point that allows visitors from the citadel to enter. The third is the carved path that allows access to the plot through the complex of bab azab itself. The fourth is a door that is located at one of the site buildings to the outside ofthe complex.
Albab Algdeed
Bab AlQalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;a
Bab AlQalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;a
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Site Analysis: Building Conditions The site has a various degrees of building conditions that ranges from dilapitated, average and good conditions. The building conditions of the site allow for adifferent range of considerations that will take place in the design phase. The general conditions of the site building allow for new interventions and some others only restrict to adaptive reuse.
Structure systems used visible through walls
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Average condition Remaining Building
Site Analysis: Building Conditions
Empty plot, fallen structure
Deteriorated stair case
Deteriorated building conditions
Dilapitated structures
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Zoning Approach The zoning is approached conceptually to determine the proximity of each fuction to the other based on the relevance of the programs activities. The situation of each function onsite is based on the relation of its activities in relation to the entire masterplan organization. The main library is part of the journey of bab azab along with the visualization of the heritage that is showcased and displayed inside the exhibitions and gallery spaces on the ground level. The quite reading areas and study rooms are on the Mezannine floor at a higher level in the main library for a more calm environment and the Rare books library and restoration center are placed underground for a stabilized and an environmentally controlled space. The Book Market is accessible and linked to the site through elbab algdeed as an extentable strip that reaches for the community and dar alMa7fouzat. The exterior activities inside bab azab include outdoors exhibition spaces and reading cafes and lounges along with recreational green spaces. The Topographic Variations in the site promotes complexity that provides an interesting design building spaces that are manipulated through the different leveling overlooking historic Cairo and Carved path, also connected to the exterior community.
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Conceptual zoning
Zoning
Ground Floor Zoning: Includes The main library collections that can have a leveled access to the Gallery rooms inside exhibition spaces in the lower level . The outside plots in the site contain temporary exhibition spaces and outside reading lounges and cafes with green recreational spaces. The book
Mezannine Floor Zoning: The Mezzanine floor is where the upper reading quite floors are placed
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Zoning Level -3: the upper most underground level contains the rest of the main library along with a direct access to the gallery rooms and the interior exhibition spaces.
325
Zoning Level -6: The intermediate underground level contains the rare books library.
Zoning Level -9: The bottom level contains the books restoration center, as the most secured and environmentally controlled space.
Space program: The space program is based on the distribution of areas that are refrenced from the precedents but adjusted to the scale of this project. The library accomodated the space program divided among floors of the potential built up spaces and the already existing buildings that will be adjusted accordingly based on using the adaptive reuse approach
Conceptual zoning 326
Program Functions: Main book library: The main books library is the center of information that shelters all the historic data and heitage back-
ground information of bab elazab and historic Cairo, it has the master permenant book collections, periodicalls and Master work Refrence collections. The library enjoys the interesting scene and view of historic Cairo from the upper level reading spaces. It is an integral part of introducing the heritage of historic cairo as well as babelazab. It is owned by the ministry of Antiquities and intended to serve people interested in history allover the world, scholars, reseasrches and tourists exploring hitorical sites, they would for sure consider this Diwan as major contributor in their journey. Library Reading Spaces: provide the readers with the calm and educational atmosphere that overlooks the monumets of bab azab and old historic cairo and away from the dense and loud environment of the outside
Gallery and exhibition spaces: Gallery spaces for tourists to showcase the rare archival maps, drawings, belongings as well
as old manuscripts and books that are being preserved in the restoration labs of the library. The inside and the outside exhibition spaces will be introducing the different art collections and works of touring exhibitions that can stop to showcase their works in an important historical site like bab azab
Book Market: The book market function is selected for community and social integration aspects that focus on raising awar-
ness of the community through educating it with affordable means by buying and selling second hand and recycled books. Based on the conducted analysis, there were very few amout of illitrates,most of the residents were enrolled in schools and can read and write, but not vey well educated. The community will also be given job oppoortunities through the book market that contributes economically and helps is developing the socio-cultural aspects of the community and extending the cultural activities to become part of the lives of those communities that live among this great amount of cultural heritage.
Rare books library: The rarebooks library contains the most important and delicatedocuments, It hols that Manuscripts and heritage collections, Archives and a photocopying and printing station.
327
Program Functions: Restoration Center: collects, restores and preserves all the heritage documents
this department will perform similar programs similar to the ones done by “Dar AlKutub Al-Masreya”. Therefore, Restoration of the old damaged heritage documents through several methods such as binding, recovering, plastering, freeze drying, vacuum drying as well as waxing and concealing books, requiring certain spaces for machinery and equipment. The goal of conservation treatment is to physically and chemically stabilize objects and improve their appearance in a manner, which is appropriate to the historic and artistic integrity of the artifact. The goal is not to make something old look “new” again, and in this respect, “conservation” differs from “restoration.” A completed conservation treatment may or may not dramatically improve appearance. Our goal is to increase the life of the object taking into account its original purpose and aesthetics as well as its current use. The conservation center is one of the main departments of heritage revitalization, it focuses on restoring old historic books, documents, manuscripts, maps and architectural drawings of old monuments and artifacts. The main goal of the restoration center is extending the lifetime of these documents because they are considered the gateway to exploring the past and understanding the value of the physical heritage that remains now. Books are mainly made of a variety of organic materials that include paper, leather, glue, paste and cloth, therefore their preservation and restoration processes require environmental control in order for them to survive as much as possible. The restoration center should be a place that accommodates environmentally controlled conditions and an appropriate space in order for the restoration processes to take place. These controlled spaces should be sensitive, rather resistant to light, temperature and humidity. Books are sensitive and shouldn’t be exposed to a huge amount such as fluorescent and daylight, ultraviolet radiation, as they result in deterioration of paper and cause the material to fade out quicker than expected. The provision of incandescent dim light is safer and the use of curtains, shades and plastic filters.
328
Program Functions: Environmental Conditions Books should not be exposed to excessive amounts of light. Daylight and fluorescent light, which have high levels of ultraviolet radiation, cause the most rapid deterioration and fading. Normal incandescent house lights are less harmful, although all light causes some damage. Keep lights turned off in rooms that are not in use. Daylight will be blocked using curtains, shades, or plastic filtering films. Books should also be kept in places that are not exposed to rapid changes of environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity. The hot and dry conditions will desiccate and brittle the leather and the paper of the books; also the moist conditions would lead to the growth of mold. They stacking and the shelving of books should be located apart from the exterior walls that can develop pockets of humid cold air and instead should be placed next to heat radiators. The inclusion of air conditioning, dehumidifiers, humidifiers might be necessary to stabilize the temperature and provide moderate conditions in the shelving spaces, in specific 70 degrees Fahrenheit and 50 % humidity. Preservation Proper shelving books must be shelved in proper ways that include less stress on the material and shall be stacked in a way that doesnt expose the book physically to carying any weight even itself. The shelving should be seperated from excessive environmental conditions that may affect the stacking of books. Handling and Use Storage Cleaning and maintainance
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Micro-scale Impact The location of the library is determined through its proximity to some of the functions that require the presence of documentational documents such as the sahn project an its linkage to Dar AlMahfouzat. -The library has a huge impact on the entire complex as it becomes the understanding node and the knowledge spot on which the entire experience of the complex takes place. The library is a critical and a necessary part in the experience of the place, as it becomes the awareness and the introductory node that if the user cannot get introduced to bab azab without passing buy it and addressing the layers of history that the place holds, so they would eventually properly evaluate the experience and interpret it in their own way. The location of the library enjoys a view that overlooks old Cairo, creating a mental connection between what the users are experiencing inside and the visual manifestation of it in the scenery of the city. The book Market link to the rest of the project is implemented through the physical access point of albab algdeed, and the other gate that allows for accessing the community through one of its doors to view the historic galleries and exhibitions are also meant to educate the community culturally as well.
Relation with other projects:
ALsahn: Professionals at the heritage managment project will be interested in documents and archival data that the library holds. Madrasa and hammam/ Maqaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d al mutajawleen: The madrasa will defintley include the library in its educational activities. Boutique hotel: The hotel experience is for high profile educated tourists that will be culturally interested in heritage books to complete the experience of the place. Conservation school: the library provides the school with infromation andknowledge about the importance of the monuments and their conservation.
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Macro-scale Impact The project resonates not only in bab azab but also in the greater context, The libraryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s area of impact extends far beyond the complex alone because a knowledge database and an information platform will influence the local and the international awareness of the culture of the all of historic Cairo and its neglected monuments. The presence of the library will make a huge difference as it will be the only library in the entire area of Old cairo that holds the lost heritage that the place contains. The library will have an imporant future for the children and the future users of it not only from inetrnational and national tourists, but also from the community as the library along with the book market will contribute majorly in the cultural awarness of the surrounding community based on the conducted studies that reveal the huge number of students and educated future community. The Project itself will have more added value by having this library which will invite and become a headqarters for islamic- cultural tourism in egypt. This drive will become the catalyst for upgrading the entire area of the citadel because it has the potential heritage needed for a cultural touristic hub.
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Heritage Diwan
Differentiating characteristics of the project: Rooted: linked to entire experience of the rest of the complex, reviving the experience and preserving its old value and representing it in a readable way as the library is a crucial complementary element in the entire program. Heritage library in a heritage site, adds more value to both the site as well as the project Integrated program: focusing on the community based benefits, provision of jobs, raising awarness and cultural education through the cultural book market extended outside the walls of bab azab. Sustainable heritage cycle, considering the social, cultural and economic aspects that maintain the circulation of the project. Raise awareness of the community about their heritage and its value The exterior link of the project with Dar Al-mahfouzat, an old archival building, reinforces the type of activities and creates a strong cultural node. Adding to the economic base of the project through buying and selling second hand old books to the community.
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Design criteria Historic Approach
Preservation of all historic layers Preserve the existing foot print highlighting the historic carved path through the Placement of activity spaces. Delicacy in intervention Removal of ruins and outlining the existing buildings. the Adaptive Reuse approach will take part in average conditions buildings, the new light structures will be added to the delapidated buildings. The use of Retrofitting approach, inwhich all total renovations will not take place, only simple fixations and repairs that preserves and maintains the original essence of the place without any kind of aggressive interventions will also be one of the approaches.
Existing building footprints
no excavations will take place on site to preserve the underneath infrastructure of the monumnet The new intervention willl not by any means meant to copy or impose new architectural features to the site, instead it will preserve the existing ones, not try to compete with them.
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Existing Architectire language of the site
Design criteria Architectural Approach Utilizing the View panoramic view of historic Cairo. The topographic manipulations: creates a design based on the manipulation of levels and the change in a typical plan organizations. Utilizing the space: using the huge interior height spaces in the provision of appropriate space inrespect to the functions. Mezzanine Levels, dividing the 5 meters floor into 2.3- 2.7 meters heigh in the library and the reading spaces. The low reading spaces heights is meant to create an intimate reading setting similar to that of old diwans. Placing the secured functions such as the rare books library and the restoration center in the underground spaces of the project.
Building Levels and different heights
Phenomenological experience of the place creating a visual connectivity between the inside reading and documented historical records with the outside scene of the old historic place where history took place and still has its remains. Integrating the site features : using the existing access points as part of the connectivity of the project, and the link between the diwan and the book market. Using the existing gate in the buildings for outside access to the library to welcome the community and introduce it to its heritage.
Panoramic scenes from site of historic Cairo
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precedents Program Precedents: Main collextions library areas and program implementation.
AUC Main Library Architect: Hardy Holzman Pfeiffer & Associates (USA), Stephen Johnson (now with Cannon Design) Completion Date: 2008 Size: 204,000 s.f. User: Mainly an academic library serving the students on campus but there are some external visitors for the rare books collection. Location: Cairo, Egypt. Program: -Rare books special collection library (RBSCL); main heritage library -Main collections library -Reading areas -Quite reading spaces -Group study rooms
program areas:
Main collections library: 6,000 m2 Reading areas: 1500 m2 Quite Reading/ studying Areas: 500 m2 Group Study Rooms: 200 m2
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Program Precedents: Main collections library areas and program prece-
dent.
AUC Main Library zoning:
Plaza floor plan: The plaza floor has multiple access points and is the most permeable of the rest of the floors, it has several different activities and services along with very few room for the books shelving and stacking.
First floor plan: The first floor area holds the main collections, reading areas and group study rooms are also provided is a more calming environment than that of the plaza.
336
Program Precedents: Main collections library areas and program precedent.
Heritage Diwan
AUC Main Library zoning:
Second floor plan: Is the silent/ quite floor where a more reading and calm environment is provided, as privacy increases as the floors go up.
337
Third floor plan: The RBCL is located on the last floor as a more secure place, because it is the furthest from the library busy activities and the most environmentally secured location of the library due to its thick walls, therefore the conservation labs and the rare books are more secured. The rare books is very close to an exhibition space and hassome gallerys that contain old documents such as le Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;escription delâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Egypte, and part of the collections and maps of Creswell.
Restoration labs and preservation labs: The rare books collection is an important section in the program of the entire library. It takes an entire floor on its own where it accommodates spaces Restoration Labs: where all the restoration, repair, preservation and maintenance of the old documents take place. The restoration labs accommodates machinery such as: Binding Machine, plastering and recovering equipment, freeze drying machines, vacuum drying machines, as well as spaces where waxing and concealing of books take place.
Sink with a special heating system
Maps temporary storage spaces
Binding Machine
Freeze drying Machine
Archives: includes old architectural plans and drawings, rare periodicals and books, manuscripts, records, maps, photographs and postcards. The archive spaces are the storage places in which all the important and sensitive documents should be kept in places that are protected and secures physically and environmentally. Gallery spaces: showcasing some of the most important documented heritage documents, along with old furniture of historic libraries and offices such as that of Creswell. Exhibition spaces: exhibition spaces display cultural works of other heritage collections of books and documents that tour the most important exhibitions. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The RBSCL has extensive collections of 19th and 20th century photographs and postcards of Egypt, Cairo, and other travels, architecture and construction, archaeology and anthropology, celebrity portraits, and more--including the largest single collection of albumen photographs in the country.â&#x20AC;? Approach: The zoning and organization of spaces show the strong connection between the Gallery and exhibition spaces with the rare books collection and its proximity with restoration and preservation labs Preservation and conservation lab for old books
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Paper cart
Paper pressing Machine
Heritage Diwan
precedent Architectural precedent: conservative approach of contemporary projects towards Architectural Heritage
La Passerelle in Trevoux “creating a blend between the history and the contemporary city” Architects: Pierre Vurpas el Associes Architectes Location: Trevoux, southern France Project Manager: Pierre VURPAS et Associés Architectes Structural Engineering: Tecbat Year: 2013
Exterior shot of the passerelle campus
The project is very creative in terms of displaying the old heritage through contarsting with its architecture with modern additions and showcasing the historic layers that contribute in the construction of the library. Creating a heritage library in a heritage site Architectural Essence: showcasing and displaying the historic layers without competing with them, by contrasting with the original architecture in terms of Materials and style, so it highlight the existing heritage.
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The additions of the new project
The old Architecture in blending contrast with the new
The Precedent Architectural Design guidelines: •It combines memory, culture and education. •The project accommodates renovation, infill, retrofitting as well as conservation of historical building. •The project was very sensitive and conservative in applying interventions that might affect the nature of the existing heritage buildings. •The project program is based on the mixed program connections, through passageways and open courts. •The proximity of location between every function and its neighboring one depends on the relevance of the activities. •The library is the element that characterizes the whole project because it acts as an integral connection between the other components of the project. •Clarity and fluidity were the watchwords for the design approach of the project. •The importance of vertical lighting features and top ventilation through the overhead glass windows from the top. •The provision of mot important functions in the heart of the building, where the environmental conditions are mostly secured and controlled from light and humidity, and also helps in the creation of the calm atmosphere of reading rooms. •The connection of the heritage components of the project with old historical town is one of the strong elements of the project, creating a connection between the existing heritage and the town itself makes the local history testify its past and become apart of it. •The integration of Exterior open spaces and seating areas into the project to capture the essence of the architectural heritage onsite and reflect the historic atmosphere.
A floor plan in the campus emphasizing the connections and links between projects
An overview of the campus harmonical design and flow of forms relative to one another
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Clear differentiation:
•The discretely obvious connection between the new and the old is presented in permanent contact that does not clash with one another. •The adapted style is differentiated form the old one in a complementary yet intermediate, considerate, modern style that accommodates a lot of the existing features, materials and color, but still includes a mild introduction of modern style and glass facades. •All additions were respecting the existing geometrical forms and are intended to be simple in order to avoid the additions of any complexity that might threaten the essence of the existing heritage or cause its loss. •The choice of materials was intended to harmonically match the existing but still can be differentiated from it. “Showing patina rather than age.” •Transparency, clarity and finesse characterize the ambience of the project to blend with the context. • All the engaged additions used in the projects were inspired from its original architecture that is manifested the project through the materials chosen for coatings, the stones, the dyed concrete flooring, the pebbles, all in shades of “sand”.
Elevation of the project showing the balance created by the transparency and the reflection of the historical heritage on the new additions
Opacity, transparency, reflections
•The contrasts between opaque and transparent, smooth and rough, thick and thin, the materials that make up the facades, is symbolic of the connection between past and present. •There is no intention to imitate the site’s heritage, but rather to express it simply and subtly.
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Sectional elevation revealing the differentiation between the old and the added infill structures
Implementation criteria inspired by the precedent: •Preservation of the old heritage buildings footprints •All new additions don’t imitate or compete with the heritage rather compliment it in a distinguished approach. •The differentiation between the old and the new could be the link between the past and the future, rather than the separator between both of them. •The achieved contrast will be the link through some elements and features that add up to the display and the reinforcement of the existing architecture rather than its denial and opposition. •All new additions are meant to reveal a certain mood and essence not age. •The creation of new spaces that are correctly designed in a way that allows for ventilation and lightning using the already existing language onsite such as wind catchers and glass overhead windows. •The correct location adjustments that accommodates environmentally controlled spaces to be located at the heart of the project as a secure and a stabilized space. •The proximity between projects and their connections that are based on the relevance of activities. • The connection of the project to the outside, the town, is a strong element in the project that allows the project to become an integrated heritage with its surroundings and exposes the local city life to its historical origins.
Exterior shot of the library
Interior shot of the library
Interior shot of the library
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precedents Program precedent: For the book market
Sour Alazbakeya Location: Midan alattaba, azbakeya Date: initiated 1933 Program: Buying and selling cheep books as second hand. The book Market Targets social aspects through utilizing and benefiting from the cultural base in order to economic generation. Book fairs and Tours The inspired idea/ program: is the creation of a cultural/ commercial hub that targets the community through providing them with feasibable educational resources such as second hand/ recycled books. The sour also created an instituational collaborative community activities that is engaged in many book fairs and tours that targets cultural awarness through providing the community with reachable and sustainable reading awarness material, benefiting the social aspect (community), throught the cultural heritage to generate income for the owners of he small businessesand sustain the economic base. The Sour Architecture: is a thin extendable strip of book small booths and several libraries that creates the essence of a cultural pedestrian spine.
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sour Alazbakeya second hand/ recycled books
sour Alazbakeya pedestrianisation of the cultural spine
sour Alazbakeya presence in Egyptâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s national book Fair
sour Alazbakeya book boothes and libraries spines
Heritage Diwan
References:
http://www.archdaily.com/459028/la-passerelle-pierre-vurpas-et-associes-architectes/52af93a4e8e44ec8db000068_la-passerelle-pierre-vurpas-etassoci-s-architectes_floor-png/ http://libguides.aucegypt.edu/content.php?pid=152321&sid=1292938 http://www.qnl.qa/app/media/549 http://www.grouporigin.com/clients/qatarfoundation/chapter4_2_3.html Link: http://www.archdaily.com/459028/la-passerelle-pierre-vurpas-et-associes-architectes/ http://www.philobiblon.com/bkrepair/BookRepair.html http://www.conservation-us.org/about-conservation/caring-for-your-treasures/books#.U39h79wxGFI
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Crafts center/ Museum Nada Hany
Individual Projects
Crafts Center/ Museum
Scope
Rehabilitating the space following its former function as industry and workshops, to ensure the continuation of the intangible heritage vitalization.
Proposal
From all the previous analysis upgrading the original function essence of the function and integrating with new aspects that would revive sthe site , and integrating the community and to give the community more sense of belonging towards the site.
Concept
Bringing functions of the space back to life, workshops that would vitalize the space economically and socially by investing in human potential through education and capacity building programs that will allow the participants for self-promotion.
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Crafts Center/ Museum
Problem:
Looking in the previous analysis of the surroundings were problems identified out and shown through the surrounding districts after interviewing the people of the community neighboring the site of Bab Al-Azab. And also according to the analysis of social infrastructure of the community problem were raised from this analysis that helped in the choice of the functions of my project, the surrounding helped to solidify the function as not being strange on the community as to be part of the community. The first main problem is the scarcity of the job opportunities within the community that lead to great decrease in the income level and the economic level of the community that leading to deterioration of the social level.
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Also there another factor beside the Problems:
site nature that lead to the proposed function of the site is the extinction of the these hand crafts that according to interviews with some crafts men in khan el khalili is that these crafts are being substituted by so many imported products that have the same feature but with absent essence, because the idea of experiencing the making of these crafts are not there anymore. So consequently; the hand crafts are a solution to the proposed problems from the community and the neigh-
boring districts. The chosen plat is filled with deteriorated amount of workshops that need renewal and upgrading of the whole plot that could result in a new crafts node that gives the area social, economic and touristic nourishment.
â&#x20AC;˘ The scarcity of the job opportunities o Great decrease in the income level o Economic level of the community o Deterioration of the social level. â&#x20AC;˘ Extinction of hand crafts â&#x20AC;˘ Deteriorated amount of workshops within the plot
Function Studying the whole community problems and the history of the complex of Bab Al-Azab, the function of a crafts center and learning crafts center came. Due to the problem of the community a kind of economic upgrading needed to the nourishment of the community and giving it the chance to sustain itself economically by providing a well-designed workshops. To connect to Bab Al-Azab the main touristic node that already existed as its former function. Bab el azab already had the industry of metal and textile as it former function. To sustain the crafts and continue the stopped cycle of these rare authentic crafts, a learning center for crafts is the solution of rebuilding the broken chain of these crafts. Besides, these crafts are considered as very touristic attraction for their authenticity and their originality. So concluding a crafts center connected to a learning center would revive the area economically, touristic ally and culturally.
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Individual Projects
Metal work:
History : According to the history written in the book named ”kaleaet ” and the old function of the place Bab El Azzab was mainly in hold of the military forces of this time. Since it was military workshops it was all connected to the military activities and industry and development of the soldier’s life.It this place the first main industry was weapon in all its kinds. They made guns, mechanical guns, and swords. And all these type of industry wasn’t just dependent on the skill of the weapon maker but also dependent on how he used the metal and shaped it and carved it and the quality of the metal itself. Some of these swords were of steel or silver or brass and it varies.
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Hand Forging stage
Forging :
Heat Treating Stage
this kind of technique is not always used as it has waste of the raw ma It starts by the forging shapes terial. the metal in varied shapes with variable techniques to gets the shape Heat Treating: of the metal in shape. Some forging depends on the heat as to transform Then come the second stage the metal easily and to get it into heat treating, this sensitive stage as malleable state to start shaping it it heats up the blade evenly and then with hammering it to reach its partic- cooling it slowly so that to normalular shape. ize the stresses within the body that resulted from the previous stage.e. The second technique is re- Then the finishing stage start with moval; preparing a larger stock ma- polishing the blade that it gives a terial larger than the targeted di- royal look and decorating it earthier mension of the sword and the start by engraving or adding stones to it if cutting that excessive amount of the it is a royal sword. material to reach the final shape, it is like carving from a big volume to reach the targeted shape. Although
Individual Projects
Crafts Center/ Museum
Decorating: It just could be for artistic purposes and house decoration. So connecting to the industry one of the function that is introduced within the site is metal work and engraving on metals for artistic authentic decorations. This is the first craft introduced in my project. Some of the engraving decoration is either writing Quran scriptures or names of the holder of the sword in calligraphy form rich Arabic calligraphy art. Also the engraving could be in form in floral pattern or Islamic pattern that gives the sword an authentic style. From this history and the elaboration of one the industry that took place within the citadel walls; the function of silver and brass engraving raised from the roots of the site. Of course no one will enforce the industry of swords again for military
Final Product of jewelary box
Final Product of authentic plates
The decorating stage
Final Product of Historic army weapons
Final product decorated Jug
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Individual Projects
Textiles
History: The second crafts are textile. According to the historic books of the description of the citadel and as mentioned above that is the area of Bab al-azab was an area for the development of the army of Mohamed Aly and they didn’t only do the swords but also the clothes for the army from scratch. They manufacture the textiles and they start the fabrication of all the army clothes in this area. That is why that area is considered a military incubator in the history timeline of the place. Since this place was a significant place for the textile manufacturing, it was a place where they made in the cover of the Kaaba in the Mohamed Aly dynasty. So according to this history that is grounded in the place one of the activities that could as a really grounded activity according to the original activity within the site is textiles manufacturing beside the metal work.
esting. The Islamic rulers were concerned with the textiles industry as they considered it as valuable gifts between rulers. Importance of Textiles: Besides it was important to the international trade, as it was considered of the good that were exported. There were a well know trade of silk in the Fustat and that insure the production of the silk cover of Kaaba that Egypt used to manufacture years ago.
Stages: Textiles have various stages. First, spinning that extract the threads from the bunch of cotton or silk or any fabric material and transform it to threads. Then these threads go to the second stage which dyeing the thread giving it colors.then weaving stage, that gathers the thread to transform to a large fabric piece that Also since the high quality of is used after that in manufacturing cotton that was in Egypt across the whatever is needed, such as clothes, ages from the time of ancient Egyp- curtains, table clothes, depends the tian civilization. The manufacturing need. Then sweing the the weavd peof textiles is very complex and not iced into a specfic design. Khaymeya easy and at the same time inter- industry out the weaved cloths, that 351
Textile Making
The industry of cover of Kaaba
is very authentic and one of the traditional industry that revive the authentic atmosphere. The textile that would be produced within the site is either silk or linen, because these are the materials that are grounded to the history of the Islamic Egyptian culture. •Spinning: Area containing the spinners facilities as to first extract the threads out of the wool •Dyeing: this are doesn’t have to
Crafts Center/ Museum
be complicated facilities, as dyeing somehow could be polluting process so the process would be on non-manual stage as to avoid any pollution that could affect the site. â&#x20AC;˘Weaving: the weaving machines that needs big room that facilitate for this manual interesting process. Weaving is the final stage and that is the stage that all visitor like to get experience of how to gather the colored thread forming the pattern on the piece of fabric.
Spining stage
Weaving stage
Final Project
Dyeing Satge
Sweing stage
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Individual Projects
Learning Center
Through interviewing number of crafts men that had their own shop in khan el khalili a long while ago, they said that they learnt these crafts through generations. A father had this crafts from his father and he inherit it to his boy and his boy by years inherit it to his son and then to his grandson and so on the cycle. The problem is that this chain of the learning is broken due to several reasons. Such increase of imported products and growth in technology and most important of all that these products are just learnt through skilled teaching unskilled, but there is no certificate for such knowledge and that is one of the reason for breaking the chain the increase of demand for learning certificates due to the nature of the social standards now a days. Consequently, the proposed learning center would function to sustain knowledge and also providing a learning certificate for the students.
there will classes for adults to learn all levels within, workshops for metal ad textile learning. A lecture Halls are for guest speakers for awareness of the community o for a theoretical kind of teaching. And to encourage all the participants a show casing outlet than is merged with the showcasing of the former workshops that are mainly in the area. Children classrooms: to up root the crafts within the children and ensure their feeling of the authenticity of these crafts and its importance and originality Adultâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s classrooms: To give them the chance for economic improvements and upraise by teaching them a new crafts that they could increase their income level within. There will be two types of adults teaching of metal work and textile industry. Lecture Hall: for multipurpose usage for the community and teaching theoretical kind of teaching.
Providing workshops for children to get exposed to the crafts of their ancestors, to learn basic prin- Showcasing outlet: a space merged ciples of the crafts and have a more with the public to encourage stuchance of jumping to more ad- dents for the selling of their products. vanced classes of the crafts. Surely, 353
Childern learning weaving
Adults learning metal work
Crafts Center/ Museum
Precedants: Ramses Wissa Wassef Arts Center
What Ramsis Wissa Wassef did in his project is a form of reviving intangible through reviving an extinct crafts of textiles. He started to teach the community and give the community the chance of learning a new craft that would help in there increase of their income level. And give a new development to the area where the project was established. Also he revived the tangible heritage of the vernacular architecture and the essence of the architecture styles that was forgotten same as the forgotten crafts.
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Individual projects
Boutique hotel/ bazaar
In analysis of the precedent that I found in similar of my proposed project is â&#x20AC;&#x153;Ramses WissaWassef Art Centerâ&#x20AC;? it had the crafts center where the local community learned the skill of the doing handmade textiles that look very artistic. They learned and started to teach each other of this skill and started to reach a level of professionalism in this skill. Besides these spaces for textile making it had a place where sell their products and people can watch and get the experience of how they reached this product and also seeing the final product for sale. Also there is a place where the workers live and be beside of their work spaces to fulfill the experience of the living and working at the same place; changing a place of work to a comfort zone so the worker could excel more. Beside there is a The type of archiecture in the complex
very important component that is giving more value of their artistic products and making the victors more aware of how this place grown, Wissa deiced to add a museum to the place that it could give more experience to the visitors of the place and the treasure within. One of the aspects that Ramsis Wissa wassef adopted is teaching the children about the weaving and the pottery to root in them these skills and the sense of belong to the complex as to ensure the continuation of these old crafts through generations. Wissa didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t just provide for the children a new skill that could help them in their daily life but also he provided from them a residency complex with modest material and atmosphere that gives for them the same essence they had within their own houses besides their farm at Giza. Not just by building for them, but teaching them how to built following the line of thought of the continuation of the old components; So he taught the young boys how to build with mud bricks with the vernacular style to ensure the continuation
Residence weaving for living
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of this style.
Crafts Center/ Museum
project components
-Farm building: building for the workers with the same vernacular trend that gives the same essence they were used for living within. -Children’s workshops: The workshops where the children learn the crafts of weaving or pottery. -Tapestry showrooms: the showrooms where the products that the workers produce put in sale for the public. That people could go watch these product and gets essence of the whole process of these crafts. • • • •
Average workshop area: 25-45m2 Average storage area : 15-20 m2 Average class rooms area: 20-30 m2 Average show casing area: 15 m2
From the study of the program and the zoning it shows how a precedent as the arts center has a w inspiration and visualization of how the cycle of my project will function in areas and zoning.
Interior spaces of the complex
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Individual Projects
Space Program
From the study of the program and the zoning it shows how a precedent as the arts center has a w inspiration and visualization of how the cycle of my project will function in areas and zoning.
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Crafts Center/ Museum
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Crafts Center/ Museum
Stake Holders
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Individual projects Who will visit?
Who will own? the workshops
learning Center
The target for the visitors is local tourists that would encourage international tourists and that are one of the main sources of revenue to my project. Also Local community would be interacted with such project for as form of intertainment and a job opportuinity.
Since it has a very important to the coomunity to feel the sence of belonging to the whol crafts center people will own of these workshop and buissnes owners that would have a share in the workshops
It will be mainly used by the local community as they are the ones that wil benefit from such learning experience. The educational cycle will will be run professional crfts men.
Who will work?
These are the stakeholder that will work and earn living from the proposed functions. And these two stake holders are interrelated in a sense that one will learn from the other and the other will give knowledge for the local community.
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Crafts Center/ Museum
Relation : Relation to the outer community: Adopting the approach of participatory, we decided to have a rough survey about these crafts and how they are related to the community and how the community will be interacted with these crafts. After interviewing the local community around the site, we concluded that they have the handy crafts skills that could be overlapping with the proposed function. From the interviewing the handicrafts that are related are aluminum and nickel art work that could be used as roots to my proposed crafts of metal work. Drawing a line of connection between my crafts; that are very authentic, and the crafts at khan el kahlili. Kahn el khalili presents similar crafts that people from all districts love to watch them or buy them as souvenirs from the place. That is one of the ideas that inspired the proposed crafts and function as people love to visit the citadel as an important Islamic sightseeing monument. That would influence the crafts project by attracting the visitors more into non-tangible heritage that lies within the atmospheres of the handy made crafts of metal and textiles. This atmosphere that this crafts introduce helps in the continuation of the cycle of sustaining the heritage intangibly.Reviving the community through upgrading the whole plot of deteriorated workshops. empowering the community through sense of belonging towards the whole project.
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Individual projects
Relation
Relation to other project:
Relation to the site
As a crafts center it is related the waqf and the bazar. As for the Bazar it will give the crafts center the opportunity to have an expanded selling options to the show case its product beside the boutique hotel where the tourists will stay. Connecting with community hub in giving funding to the community to have oweneship with the workhops to get used fromthe projects with their life and empower their sense of belonging and give them the chance to improve their living conditions.
As mentioned before the history of Bab Al-Azab and how the crafts were part of the main function of the whole complex , extending line of these crafts outside the complex would result in the development of the so many zones of the community.
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Individual projects
Relation to thesis statement:
â&#x20AC;&#x153;OPENING the DOOR to vitalize the tangible and intangible forgotten heritage by Sustainable Tourism: a process of involving the community, investing in local economy, and re-inhabiting the ruins to regenerate the historic city. â&#x20AC;&#x153; Vitalize the tangible and intangible: As was discussed in the relation of my project to the site it introduced intangible heritage and they are grounded into my function proposition. Sustainable Tourism: the touristic approach in my function is a main aspect since the tourists are one of the stakeholders affecting the economic sustainability of the project. Community, investing in local economy: the local community would be a part of the working and function of the project as they are ones who will turn over and produce the products that will make the function of crafts going. Re-inhabiting the ruins to regenerate the historic city: upgradding the deteriorated plot of workshops and giving it a new form of a well designed workshop in the middle of a historic area.
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Crafts Center/ Museum
SWOT
Strength: •the power of the history of the intangible heritage •The connection between the history and proposed function. Weakness: •The amount of deterioration
Opportunities: •The formation of the strong connection between the past and future •Creation of the essence of the place in accordance with the craft.
Threats •The operation of the function could shift the pattern of production that is proposed.
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Crafts Center/ Museum
ZONING
social / showcasin area learnin Center workshops area
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ng
Individual projects
Design criteria: â&#x20AC;˘Considering the urban fabric. â&#x20AC;˘Considering the essence of the complex in its Islamic essence.
Zonning Concept
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Funduq-khan Maya Kazamel
Individual projects
Boutique hotel/ bazaar
Concept
Engulfing TOURISTS in the traditional crafts and cuisine of Cairo, exposing them to the INTANGIBLE HERITAGE in Bab Azab, and by extension the historic city, while simultaneously revitalizing LOCAL CRAFTS and providing an economic venue for local (and extended) community to sell their wares
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Individual Projects
Scope
The scope of this project is to create a hub for tourists to interact with the local community and transmit the essence of Bab Azab, in specific, and historic Cairo as a whole. This is done through the creation of a boutique hotel (a residential component), a bazaar selling goods created by the community (commercial component) and restaurants/ cafes in the bazaar (entertainment component)
Justification of selection: why Bab el’Azab?
Bab el-Azab has always had a huge touristic potential that the government has repeatedly tried to exploit in previous years but each time, has failed due to proposing schemes that were too drastic or alienating the local community/ experts.
What we propose is a sensitive development that capitalizes on the existing opportunities in this site while maintaining its architectural and Components: historical integrity. Within this framework, a renovation of the existing • Boutique hotel barracks to create a boutique hotel • Bazaar • Entertainment facilities such as for tourists who visit the place is very fitting. This is because of the great restaurants/ cafes degree of tangible and intangible heritage in this location which is important for the kind of tourists who enjoy visiting historic sites. Coupled with a bazaar to provide economic opportunities for the local community, this is a building that promises to effectively revitalize the area. These
functions are extremely well-placed in Bab el-Azab because previously when Bab el-Azab was open and acted as an access point to the Citadel, a lot of the business owners on the outside benefited from the constant traffic. Now that the gates have been closed and traffic has significantly decreased, especially following the 2011 revolution, a lot of craftsmen in the area are facing difficulties selling and maintaining their livelihoods. The creation of a bazaar in this area will help sustain them if tourists are sufficiently attracted to visit the site, which undoubtedly they will if it is marketed correctly due to its high historic value. In the same vein, we are providing a service that does not exist much in Cairo by rehabilitating historic building into a boutique hotel. While this kind of approach is often done in the West, and successfully attracts
tourists who would prefer to stay at a unique location and who appreciate history and heritage, it is not present much in Egypt although we have a lot of houses of heritage value that can be dealt with in a similar manner. In addition, by providing a boutique hotel here, tourists stay for an extended period of time, meaning extra spending and revenue for the local community. Thus, the local community can benefit greatly from such a project.
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Philosophical Approach
The philosophical approach for this project is centered around three main focal points: 1. The conservation approach 2. The ambience to be created by this project 3. Social-economic- cultural cycle
1960s which are currently used as workshops are demolished and in place of them, a bazaar is built/ set up.
social life in Egypt and Maqrizi’s detached descriptions of historic Cairo. Perhaps the source I will draw upon the most to create the dreamy storyline of the project, which is reflected in the site as a whole through the journey that a visitor goes through, is that of Naguib Mahfouz where he describes a factual Cairo inlaid with fiction, causing one to live in the story. This is the experience that I want to create throughout the boutique hotel and bazaar by constant references to the past and dying traditions.
2. The ambience in this project is a very important factor because this is what will draw the tourists to stay 1. The conservation approach cho- for a longer period of time. Boutique sen for this project deals with the dif- hotels are currently defined as “small, ferent components of the site differ- fashionable and independent...inently, as shall be seen at a later stage. timate hotels,” usually targeted at a sophisticated, travelling public, proFor the boutique hotel which is to viding individuality and a unique be placed in a historic building (the staying experience in “surroundings barracks of the Azab guards), a “res- that stimulate and astonish them.” 3. The social-economic-cultural cycle toration” approach where old build- (Rutes et al., 27-8) was our underlying assessment of ings are renovated so that they bethe mixed-use facility- each com come functional, useable spaces. In Thus, to create this ambience that can this case, barracks are assigned to an attract and sustain this type of tour- ponent should reflect part of, not hotel function. ist, the aim is to entirely engulf him necessarily all, this cycle. In the case in the experience of historic Cairo as of this project, the boutique hotel reAs for the bazaar, the approach ad- it is portrayed through the novels of flects the economic/ cultural aspect opted is a “rebuilding” approach Naguib Mahfouz, the Introduction through a residential space which where all the buildings from the of Ibn Khaldoun where he reference provides a source of income and 370
portrays the heritage to visitors. The bazaar reflects the economic/ social/ cultural aspects as it provides work opportunities for the local community (stakeholders) while educating tourists about the culture/ traditions of the city of Cairo. Differentiating characteristics of project: • Hotel typology – residential and associated services such as restaurants, housekeeping and the like. • Commercial typology (bazaar) • Entertainment facilities • Located at the proposed main commercial node of the Bab elAzab revitalization project
Objective and Stakeholders
Objective: Re-creating the central spaces of the historic city and re-connecting the people with their history as well as introducing tourists to this history. The overall aim is that with greater awareness, a greater appreciation and interest is vested in our heritage, both tangible and intangible. Stakeholders:
Members of international organizations Members of international (temporary) organizations (temporary) Field professionals doing Field professionals doing work in Bab elâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Azab work in el-Azab
Tourists in Localofand search a international unique tourists wishing staying to experience a experience unique staying experience
Local entrepreuners Local entrepreuners
Artisans Artisans Craftsmen Craftsmen
Local craftsmen Local craftsmen and workshops
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Individual Projects
Relation to thesis and other projects
Relationship between project and main theme: • • • • • • •
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Acts as the commercial node of the site Contributes to revitalizing local economy and provides income to residents Revives tangible and intangible heritage (the building and historic souqs) Promotes sustainable tourism Involves the community in development Re-inhabites ruins, reviving the use of existing structures Encourages recycling of built architectural stock: this has an economic aspect as using an already-existing structure saves both money and time. Therefore, rehabilitation/ adaptive re-use of buildings is much needed in Egypt today as we have a lot of old structures that are often ei-
ther pulled down or un-used.
Relationship between project and other projects:
Relationship between project and outside community: • The main issue faced by most of the local community is related to job opportunities; this project aims at providing such opportunities to the local community. •
Boutique hotel: The boutique hotel will probably provide employ- • ment opportunities to residents of the community.
•
Bazaar: The bazaar will provide a facility for local craftsmen and artisans to sell their products. This is also extendable to other craftsmen in other areas in Cairo. •
•
Entertainment facilities: These may provide employment opportunities to local residents
branded in el-Sahn
• Madrasa and hammam/ Maq’ad el-mutajaweleen: Tourists may visit the hammam in the residency and residents will probably visit the bazaar and restaurants. Hammam/ madrasa also reflect • dying intangible heritage. Integrated heritage management center/ El-Sahn: Experts visiting for an extended conference may choose to stay at the hotel. Visiting professionals may be interested in this re-creation of domestic Islamic architecture Conservation school/ capacity building: Tourists will probably be interested in viewing what work is carried out in the conservation center. Replicas made can be sold in the bazaar after being
•
Crafts center: Tourists will be interested in visiting the museum and observing local craftsmen working. Local production of crafts that may be sold in bazaar Performance space/ El-Halqa Tourists staying for an extended period of time may attend a few events/ shows at the center. Bazaar provides a source of income to local community; El-Halqa provides them with a means of self-expression, also intangible heritage Library/ rare books: Tourists may spend time reading/ researching here. In addition, rare books are part of intangible heritage
Plot analysis
The edge of site looks upon the surrounding monuments such as the Sultan Hassan mosque, Refaie mosque, mausoleum of Mostafa Kamel as well as the surrounding community like Hattaba, Arab Yasar and Darb el-Labbana Total plot area = 6980 sq.m
Birdâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s eye
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Relation to thesis and other projects
The site is accessible directly from the spine at Bab el-Azab and also from the carved path which is accessible from inside the Citadel or el-Bab el-Gedid. The main spines are the carved path, commercial spine and a secondary spine leading to the conservation center. Thus, the site is located at the intersection of these spines. It has multiple points of entry and is directly adjacent to Azab mosque (coloured black) which takes up the corner of the plot. Located opposite the bazaar is a service space for the entire development of Bab el-Azab (coloured grey)
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Individual projects
Boutique hotel/ bazaar
Journey through the site View 1: Stairs leading from barracks down to Al-Azab mosque The site is situated off the main carved path. After one enters from Bab Azab, a right turn up the stairs next to al-Azab mosque (View 1) will introduce one to a long balcony opening onto the soldiersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; quarters during the time of Mohammed Ali (View 2). Opposite this balcony and connected to it by a bridge is a large terrace which is also accessible by a separate flight of stairs outside the barracks (Views 3,4). If one descends from the barracks to the level of the carved path, one is led by a steep slope straight and to the left (View 6), to an open court on the left with more barracks as well as more recent workshops constructed during the 60s and 70s. (Views 5,7). Finally, one can exit this part of the site by a corridor leading onto a side road on which, if you turn to the left, you will be led back to the carved path (View 8). Site area = 6980 m2
View 2: The soldiersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; quarters (barracks) next to al-Azab Mosque
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Plot analysis
On surveying the plot, the existing buildings were classified into three categories: â&#x20AC;˘
â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘
those that would be preserved with absolutely no intervention due to their strong architectural and historic value buildings of architectural value with sound structure to be renovated and re-used buildings of little to no historic value and therefore, possible to demolished
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Precedent for Bazaar: Khan el-Khalili
Key features: The alleyways and urban texture created by the fine urban grain of the shops is part of the charm of Khan el-Khalili and can be applied to all historic souks as well. The aim is to translate this on an architectural scale within the bazaar In addition, the size and variation of shops, their display of merchandise and their way of operation are excellent for the kind of bazaar that I wish to create and will act as an excellent precedent. The products sold here are mostly touristic-oriented and locally-produced; small/ light products only will be displayed due to ease of transportation. All items can be initially stored in the service space in front of the bazaar until transported to the respective shops.
Small, light products, attractive to tourists
Fine urban grain with various shop sizes (Seif )
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Precedent for Bazaar: Khan el-Khalili
•
•
•
Most of the shops both within and around Khan el-Khalili extend freely into the public domain of the street/ path. On mapping this out, I found that most of the spaces inside the souq could only extend into about 25% of the alleyway or even less whereas out on the road, the shopkeeper would appropriate upto 100% of his shop area from the public circulation. Most of the merchandise is stored either in a small attic space above the main shop (if inside the main souq) or in a larger storage area behind the shop (if located outside the souq itself ) There are many ways of displaying the merchandise, which will definitely influence the design of the shops and public spaces.
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Typical shop division (next to souq)
Display of items in souq
Individual Projects
Space program for Bazaar
Key information from precedent: • Shops are in prototypes of areas 20 sq.m (5 x 4 m), 35 sq.m (5 x 7m) and 45 sq.m (7 x 6 m) in a ratio of 70% : 20% : 10% •
In an area of about 500 sq.m, there are about 20 shops of prototype 1 (20 sq.m), 7 shops of prototype 2 (35 sq.m) and 2 shops of prototype 3 (45 sq.m)
•
While traditional souqs do not account for toilets, this bazaar will have to account for sanitary facilities.
Space BAZAAR Shop- prototype 1 Shop- prototype 2 Shop- prototype 3 Kiosks (Food facilities) Services- toilets Total (useable space) Circulation (40% of total useable area) Total area for bazaar
Area/ sqm
No. Total area/ sqm 20 35 45 6 20
75 25 15 10 8
1500 875 675 60 160 3270
1308 4578
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Precedent for hotel Blakes Hotel, London
•
• • •
Different styles for different rooms- this can be implemented in my project through the different layers of history present on site Area = 18–20 sqm, most common is 40- 60 sqm
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Precedent for hotel: Beit el-Sehaymi Zeinab Khatun
Precedent for hotel: Mine Hotel Boutique, Argentina
• • •
• • •
This is a downtown hotel with a regular orthogonal language, similar to the site There are 20 rooms, similar to the scale to be implemented 2 blocks of rooms- facing the front and the back. In my site too, there are buildings facing the terrace and buildings facing inwards on the internal court Public functions on the ground floor Area of rooms ranging from 21 to 40 sqm Circulation = 10% of functional spaces (rooms)
Different aspects: • Spread vertically, project is spread horizontally • Hotel uses a mix of traditional and modern materials- in my case, more constraints present on-site
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Individual Projects
Space program for boutique hotel
As the boutique hotel is not a new construction and is set in a rehabilitated building, no kitchens or polluting services are provided. The adjacent restaurants provide the food for the hotel guests. Guidelines for design of public spaces and back of house are drawn from Rutes et al., based on 31 rooms: Rutes, 270, , 284, 320
Space BOUTIQUE HOTEL Guestrooms Rooms- prototype 1 Rooms- prototype 2 Rooms- prototype 3 Rooms- prototype 4 Total (guestrooms) Front of house Lobby/ front desk (0.5 sq.m/ room) Food and beverage/ dining area Meeting rooms Recreation space- lounge Total (front of house) Back of house Front office behind reception desk (0.4 sqm/room) Receiving and trash (0.25 sqm/ room) Employee areas (security, offices, circulation and rooms) Laundry and housekeeping (1 sq.m/ room) Total (back of house)
(Rutes et al., 282)
Total area (useable) Circulation (10% of room area) Total area for hotel
Area/ sqm No.
Total area/ sqm
55 65 85 100
7 7 11 6
385 455 935 600 2375
16 186 60 100
1 1 1 1
16 186 60 100 362
12 8
1 1
12 8
17 10
1 1
17 10 47 2784 237.5 3021.5
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Precedent for entertainment facilities: Abou el-Sid, Maadi
Precedent for entertainment facilities
•
Landscaping features: • Should be large so they are not directly planted in the soil and thus, watering them is not an issue as it will not disturb the balance of the soil
•
An example of a restaurant that provides the kind of food and atmosphere I want to create is Abou el-Sid restaurant in Maadi. The use of wood and traditional fenestration and roofing systems is very similar to what I may choose to create.
Different aspects: • The interior design and furniture are far too heavy and classic (Western style) for the project that I aim to create. I am aiming more for relaxed, Islamic-style seating and interior design, as previously shown in the hotel rooms and as shown on the following page.
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Seating: • Light seating spaces • Islamic or modern-orientation Services provided: • Restaurants (within the node) • Traditional sellers and snacks such as candy, foul and the like. Also traditional drinks such as liquorice, sobya and similar
Division of space
Shaded outdoor seating
Individual Projects
Space program for entertainment facilities
Key information from hotel example:
As the hotel is intended to serve both daily visitors to Bab el-Azab as well as guests staying in the boutique hotel, the guidelines from design of hotels was followed.
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Space ENTERTAINMENT FACILITIES Dining area (upto 150 people) Kitchen Food & Beverage storage space (40% of kitchen area) Total area for entertainment facilities
Area/ sqm No.
Total area/ sqm
500 120
1 1
500 120
48
1
48 668
Individual projects
Boutique hotel/ bazaar
Initial zoning
1105 sq.m
Boutique hotel: Zone 1: Hotel rooms Zone 2 – GF: Front and back of house Zone 2 – FF: Hotel rooms and front of house
1725 sq.m
500 sq.m
Bazaar: Zone 3 – all floors: Shops Zone 4 : Shops Entertainment: Zone 5 – GF: Kitchen and seating Zone 5 – FF: Seating
350 sq.m
650 sq.m Total area at GF = 5330 sq.m Total area at FF = 3255 sq.m Total area at SF = 1500 sq.m Total area (cum.) = 10085 sq.m Zone 1 Zone 2 Zone 3 Zone 4 Zone 5
Hotel Hotel Bazaar Bazaar Restaurants
1000 sq.m 0 to 4 m high 0 to 8 m high 0 to 12 m high 0 to 4 m high 0 to 8 m high 385
Design criteria
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Respecting the existing heritage by maintaining a minimal level of intervention in the existing building
•
Respecting the spines and historic context of Bab el-Azab
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Re-using the existing architectural language present on-site
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Utilizing the Islamic patterns of space organization and the language of alleyways, courts and Islamic detailing that creates the historic feel of the city
•
Hotel contains less than 100 rooms and has a distinctive design, style and atmosphere obtained from the historic context (“Boutique Hotel..”)
•
Bazaar re-creates the Islamic figure-ground pattern of the souq and prioritizes the small shop
386
References
“Boutique Hotel Association.” Boutique Hotel Organizations and Network. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 May 2014. Rutes, Walter A., Richard H. Penner, Lawrence Adams, and Walter A. Rutes. Hotel Design, Planning, and Development. New York: W.W. Norton, 2001. 27 - 8. Print. Seif, Ola, and Jayme Spencer. Khan Al-Khalili: A Comprehensive Mapped Guide to Cairo’s Historic Bazaar. Cairo, Egypt: American U in Cairo, 1993. Print.
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BIBLIOGRAPHY
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book. Arab Republic of Egypt: CAPMAS. Chambers. (2007, March 4). Inner Cities: Case Study - Regeneration of the London Docklands [Web log post]. The changing face of London: London Docklands [Television series episode]. (n.d.). In Britain from above. BBC. Charlesworth, E. (Ed.). (2006). Architects without frontiers: War, reconstruction and design responsibility. Oxford: Architectural Press. doi: 10.1111/j.1531-314X.2007.00172.x Collett, H. B. (2010). 28th: A record of war service in the australian imperial force, 1915-19. S.l.: General Books. Crawford, N., & Shaw, B. (1990). The London Docklands. In Urban regeneration and the shaping of growth = restructuration et croissance urbaine: Proceedings of a seminar jointly sponsored by the Unit for Housing and Urbanization of the Harvard Graduate School of Design and the Arab World Institute, Paris, March 28 to April 1, 1988 (pp. 1-12). Cambridge, MA: Aga Khan Program for Islamic Architecture. Cronsnier-Leconte, M., Amin, N., & Ghitani, G. (2006). Port-Said̈ : Architectures XIXeXXe siècles. Cairo: Institut Français d’Archéologie Orientale. DORATLI, N. (2003). Revitalizing Historic Urban Quarters:A Model for Determining the MostRelevant Strategic Approach (Doctoral dissertation, Department of Architec-
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ture, Eastern Mediterranean University). Gazimag˘usa, Turkey: Routledge. Retrieved February, 2014. Egypt, Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics. (2008). Final Statistics for General Population Census and Dwelling Conditions. Cairo: Government of Egypt. El Kadi, G. (2005). Modern Heritage in Cairo: History and current outlooks. Museum International, 57(1-2), 129-135. doi: 10.1111/j.1468-0033.2005.00521.x El Kerdany, D. (2008). Hammām Folklore Dynamics in Cairo: Lessons from Operation to Regeneration. International Journal of Architectural Research, 2(3), 29-41. El-Aref, N. (2002, December 5). Historic Cairo Fire Alarm. Al-Ahram Weekly Online. El-Aref, N. (2006, September 28). Three Treats for Ramadan. Al-Ahram Weekly Online. Eldemery, I. M. (2002). Towards a participatory loan – supported housing scheme: Helwan New Community, Egypt. Cities, 19(6), 401-408. Elshahed, M. (2011, November 09). Helwan’s Japanese Garden, 1917. Cairobserver. Elshahed, M. (2012, September 21). Farouk’s house in Helwan. Cairobserver. Fairhurst, S. (2014, January 6). The Diary of Florence Oppenheimer [Web log post]. Fitzner, B., & Heinrichs, K. (n.d.). Threats Gate closed High contaminated water table Weathering High salt content in water. Fitzner, B., Heinrichs, K., & La Bouchardiere, D. (n.d.). Limestone weathering on histor-
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ical monuments in Cairo, Egypt. Hassan, D. F., & Salheen, M. (n.d.). Distribution of Densities within Metropolitan Cities: The Case Of Greater Cairo Region. Hobson, H. O. (1906). Helouan, an Egyptian health resort and how to reach it. London: Longmans, Green. In focus. (2005, April 21-7). Al-Ahram Weekly Online. Kolb, B., & Dumreicher, H. (2008). The Hammam - A Living Cultural Heritage. International Journal of Architectural Research, 2(3), 17-28 Koolhaas, R., Boeri, S., Kwinter, S., Tazi, N., & Obrist, H. U. (2001). Mutations. Bordeaux: Arc en rêve centre d’architecture. Lamplough, A. O., & Francis, R. (1909). Cairo and its environs. London: Sir J. Causton. Litt, S. (2013, November 22). Public input is helping to shape the design of the new Cleveland convention center hotel. Cleveland.com. Lyster, W., & Portman, I. (1993). The Citadel of Cairo: A history and guide. Cairo: Palm Press. Mayne, T. (2011). East Darling harbour development. In S. Rigolot (Ed.), Combinatory urbanism: The complex behavior of collective form. Culver City, CA: Stray Dog Café. Paskaleva, E. (2012). The Bibi Khanum mosque in Samarqand: Its mongol and Timu-
rid architecture. The Silk Road, 10, 81-98. Raafat, S. W. (2003). Cairo, the glory years: Who built what, when, why and for whom-. Alexandria: Harpocrates Pub. Rabbat, N. O. (1991). The Citadel of Cairo, 1176-1341: Reconstructing architecture from texts (Unpublished doctoral dissertation). Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Architecture. Rabbat, N. O. (1995). The Citadel of Cairo: A new interpretation of Royal Mamluk architecture. Leiden: E.J. Brill. Rizk, Y. L. (2000, July 27). Al-Ahram:. Battle for Helwan. Retrieved from http://weekly. ahram.org.eg/2000/492/chrncls.htm Shaltout, M., & Rahouma, A. Spectral measurements of visible solar direct normal-irradiance and air pollutant attenuation coefficients at Helwan (Unpublished doctoral dissertation). National research institute of astronomy and geophysics, Helwan, Cairo, Egypt. Sobhi, S. (2000, July 27). Sugar plateau. Al-Ahram Weekly. UNESCO World Heritage Center - Management of World Heritage Sites in Egypt. (2012). Urban Regeneration Project for Historic Cairo - First Report of Activities (Rep.). Cairo: UNESCO.
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APPENDIX
395
Participation Community-Based Participatory Research Community based participatory research: (CBPR)
maximize the types of information users and stockholders gathered. • In some instances project can 10 For example the conversational apcreate alliances between differproach is the best for gaining trust ent groups that were non-exisThis way of research involves and rapport, but useful to combine tent or can draw on existing rea group of people that include it with structural to have approprilationships amongst individuals, academic partners and community ate data that would define the digroups and organizations partners, so research is done in rection for action. a group, a lot of ideas however Sometimes the groups have worked apply to what we are doing and • In CBPR all partners are involved together previously and in some there are certain points that we in all stages of the research, in- they have not. are alreaThis allows certain issues cluding developing data collecto be addressed across groups or tion, recruiting, collecting data, Developing Interview and recruitindividuals while maintaining a analyzing data, conducting ment strategies: conversational quality or tone in feedback and member check- • The questions asked and the interview that allows for unique ing. way that they are asked influresponses. • Example: if CBPR for public ence the information gathered Standardized open ended aphealth the participants will inand thus the action taken as a proach: Each interviewer asks the clude: academicians, health deresult, same questions in exactly the same partment personnel, health care • The interview guide or stanway this providing maximum conproviders, members of commudardized questions have to sistency within interviews. nity based organizations and make sense and be useful to all individuals who identify thempartners. It is possible to mix between the selves as members of commu- • The development of the interdifferent approaches or phase to nity: this is an example of target view guide is iterative, partners 396
questions are asked but also how to administer the agreed upon inter- • view guides • •
Important to have an appropriate sampling strategy ahead of time. Snowball sampling: start by recruiting who are known to be appropriate for interview and then gain contacts from them or recruitment involves contacting particular agencies or individuals who hold positions in community and inviting them to e part of the process (like we have contacted UNESCO) For group interviews: best way is to involve existing coalitions and community or civic groups.
•
conversational manner/ Documentation taking form of written field notes, photographic record and tapes or combination of all. Have to have informed consent • of method of data collection from the different partners.
Analysis: • Analysis of group interview data is describing the data and not interpreting the reason for the data • There should be involvement of both academic coding and community coding as this can draw • on differences of perspectives • Community partners are better to work with data after summarized and coded as they can Context Community Partners: identify the different meanings These can provide good informaof the information. tion on who are the best people or group to contact. Feedback and member checking: It is always better to have communi- • It involves checking with the ty partners and not academic partmembers who were part of the ners make the initial contact data collection whether the results of the data analysis reflect Data Collection: the information that they have • Better to have general questions supplied or not then ask for more information • In CBPR it is important to profor questions that can follow the vide the broader community 397
•
and not just participants with the summary information and engage community members in the feedback process so data can lead to appropriate action The data has to be shared in a way that allows the participants to understand, modify or provide alternative summaries This is done to lead to more understanding as well as ensuring credibility of analysis.
Interpretation: • Moving from summary of data to thinking in a way that leads to a path of action • Incorporate methods that can draw the similarities and the differences in the data in a way that allows the partners to move from specific examples to underlying meanings and issues. • Useful to involve different methods such as verbal, written, artistic and expressive methods to engage all partners • Some argue that all partners have to be involved in interpretation if findings will lead to action. Action based on joint participation is easier to carry out
•
because all understand why this action is carried out. BUT To be able to jointly interpret data all partners have to learn skills that are necessary to engage in the collective process of assigning meaning to data. It is better to engage different partners in the interpretation process rather than just having one partner or individual explaining to the rest. It is important to integrate the knowledge and understanding of the community members!
termine as there are different perspectives so need to come to terms and address differences to move to action
Moving from interpretation to action: • CBPR partners expect knowledge generated to be linked to action planned and taken • The approach is like a cycle beginning with reflection then moving to action then shifting back to reflection. • It is important to act based on what one knows at the time and to recognize the importance of learning from what action that needs to be done next because different partners may be involved at different times in the CBPR partnership. • The “best action” difficult to de398
Summary of key points of participatory framework
399
There are some key points that we have to take care of or that we have to understand of participatory: • The role of the locals changes from being beneficiaries to being actors or partners • Our role changes from being researchers to participants, listeners, we only guide and we do not lecture • The relation to decision making • The idea of listening and being flexible after listening to the people and the change from pre-set and closed to evolving and open. • It is normal to have a framework as we will always have a framework when we go, no one goes completely with no bias she answered it depends on how you deal with it and the extent of your flexibility, whether you are flexible with your ideas and you try to fit in or not. The following are important aspects that we have to assess in our proposal: • Contextualizing: is it context specific, where are we doing the research? How does the context affect them? How they are affecting the context?
•
Addressing issues of Diversity: not looking at people as homogeneous, people are different, looking inside, How does the culture shaps people? • Perception of oppressed people: we normally just research them, now we integrate their perception, meaning integrating the perception of the poor etc. • Collaborative approach: you do not separate role as researcher or interviewee, OBJECTIVE TO CHANGE PEOPLE AND EMPOWER • Collaborative approach dialogue • Multimethdods: there are different ways to validate what you collected, different ways to get meaning and make sure the numbers are right as mainly there are different methodologies, different tools, all approaches and all are more than one layer. • Reflexivity: Looking two ways and not just the cause and effect. Both affecting each other, not mono causal How does the broader context fit in? How social, political and how everything is affected?
How we shape and get shaped? You are part of the process, you change • Action: Value theory, but unless leads to something tangible, the people would see the action as les important We have to always bear in mind: whose voice we want to hear? Whose perspective do we want? This makes it more participatory and more action oriented research. Debate of objective and subjective: There is always the debate of the objective and the subjective. As you want to maintain both, if you are subjective, to what extent? You have to take sides sometimes, can’t always be neutral, and when you are always neutral, you start to lose, but you have to be on side of the oppressed. You have to implement Self criticism. In order to change from situation A to improved situation B of an area, you have to know the needs and act upon that: (we of course prioritize and we do what we need to address more urgently). There are different ways to do that: Needs Assessment: Survey so not exactly participatory
You make an assessment of the needs, this methodology is still used, but there is a problem in using it as you only focus on the problems and you ignore the assets or positives or potential in the area So there was a move away from needs assessment towards ASSET MAPPING Asset mapping: You start to find the strengths to be able to build on the, and as you do that you start to see the gaps. This is important as the idea is to work with people and empower them, to change people to be ACTIVE and not PASSIVE So you focus more on the areas of strengths and accordingly you see the gaps. (I will do a diagram of that)
You have to work on creating a community profile, as you work with people and build on their assets and self confidence. Again dealing with people as active and not passive
Where you stand before and where you stand after? Way you see problem and the way you change Collaboration-Involvement-Part and member of team
Evaluation Research: Whatever you do is essential, have to evaluate your project, know where you stand, have to be able to relate what you are doing to whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s happening. There has to be mid evaluation to stop and see where you stand.
Demystification: You make things clear, you start to intervene, to investigate more, to focus on a group of people and bring the problems up clearly You start asset mapping by doing it The idea is about raising awareness physically, you map the community and changing peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s attitudes and you record the assets that is lo- and understanding cated, for example if there are clinics etc, you record first what is there by Researcher: where does he/she see in it physically. stand? No community has no assets, there Its subjective, partially conscious can be physical assets or for example The researcher changes in the prosolidarity within community is an as- cess set, etc. You learn more as you try to bring action, to accept others, accept perCommunity profile: ception 400