Design I: A Library for Recovering Addicts

A SP DI R NE IN G HA 20 N 17 I

N

1 5 3

The American Univesity in Cairo ARCH 351: Architectural Design 1 Spring 2017 Dr Zeinab Shafik Nadine Abdelghani 900150398

“All architecture is shelter, all great architecture is the design of space that contains cuddles, exalts, or stimulates the persons in that space.�

TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................................................................... 4 RESEARCH PROBLEM ......................................................................................................................................... 5 MAIN USER GROUP ............................................................................................................................................... 6 THE LIBRARY’S IMPORTANCE ......................................................................................................................... 6 STATEMENT OF INTENT ..................................................................................................................................... 7 AIM ............................................................................................................................................................................. 7 OBJECTIVES............................................................................................................................................................ 7 PRECEDENCE ......................................................................................................................................................... 8 Maranello Library ................................................................................................................................................... 9 Project Human ....................................................................................................................................................... 13 Misr Public Library ............................................................................................................................................... 16 THE SITE ................................................................................................................................................................ 20 SITE ALTERNATIVE 1: Al-Mokattam Street .................................................................................................... 22 SITE ALTERNATIVE 2:...................................................................................................................................... 25 Courniche Al-Mokattam ....................................................................................................................................... 25 THE PROJECT ....................................................................................................................................................... 28 SPACE PROGRAM SHEETS ........................................................................................................................... 29 TABLE OF SPACES AND AREAS .................................................................................................................. 32 PIE CHARTS....................................................................................................................................................... 33 BUBBLE DIAGRAM .......................................................................................................................................... 33 REFERENCES AND APPENDICIES .................................................................................................................. 34 References ............................................................................................................................................................ 35 Appendix I: Drug Addiction Event on February 16th ...................................................................................... 36 Appendix II: Interview with Mr Ahmed Salah ................................................................................................ 38 Appendix III: Interview with Dr Ola Morsy .................................................................................................... 39

INTRODUCTION

as follows:■Introduce the topic of the session and state why it is an important issue to consider in ongoing recovery. Select major points for discussion with group members. Instruct the participants on how to

What is a library?

complete the worksheets. Use participants’ answers to elaborate on specific recovery issues and coping

A library is a place of enlightenment. It is a place where people get to learn about a myriad of different

strategies. If time permits, use behavioral rehearsals to illustrate how to deal with interpersonal issues such

things which they can later apply to the real world, or which can help them pass through a phase is life.

as refusing offers to use substances or dealing with family conflict.

The conventional idea of a library is a place filled with books.

Another major problem is that, many clients with substance use disorders have other psychiatric,

What is the purpose of a book?

psychological, interpersonal, or vocational problems that require psycho-therapy or other types of

It is to transport ideas and information from one person (the author) to another (the reader). This knowledge is acquired through experiences and through research. However, this experience of transferring knowledge could be acquired through myriad of different ways, a particular one being face to face conversation.

A Library for Recovering Addicts

in Egypt. There are numerous rehab centers and hospitals that focus on the treatment of this disease.

However, not many focus on the phase after that, the recovery. Some even have unhealthy attitudes towards these people. Unhelpful attitudes include cynicism and negativity, lack of hope for recovery, indifference, boredom, a judgmental outlook, rigid adherence to one approach to recovery, and a great need to control the client. Helpful attitudes include hope and optimism for recovery, empathy, lack of anger or hostility, and flexibility in the approach to recovery. Helpful attitudes are essential to ensure recovery.

If not addressed properly, the recovering addicts risks relapse. There is, however, the Narcotics Anonymous organization (NA).

The NA is a collection of recovering addicts who felt the urge to give back to their community. They researched the best method of keeping ex-addicts just that, “ex”. It was concluded that addicts cannot persue life alone, less they be facing a major risk of relapse. This is why they derive a program of meeting and sponsers who support each other along the way. These meetings are structured psychoeducational group sessions which can vary in length, starting with two hours. In outpatient and aftercare settings, additional time is needed for clients to report on their progress and plans for ongoing recovery. Small groups of addicts provide a better opportunity for inter-action among group members and personal discussion of recovery. The recommended format for group treatment conducted in residential settings is 1 Dennis C. Daley and G. A. Marlatt, "Overcoming Your Alcohol or Drug Problem: Therapist Guide," 2006, xx,

doi:10.1093/med:psych/9780195307733.001.0001.

disorders, eating disorders, personality disorders, marital and family problems, inter-personal deficits, lack of vocational skills, inability to find or keep a job, or other life problems. The psychologist or psychiatrist who works with these cases forms a therapeutic alliance which is facilitated when the patient feels understood, accepted, liked, and respected by the therapist and develops trust. 1

For many years, the problem of drug addiction has been prominent around the world, and specifically,

infinite

specialized counseling. These include, but are not limited to, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, psychotic

RESEARCH PROBLEM

Rationale

“Want a glimpse of hell? Look into the eyes of the still suffering addict. Don’t judge them Pray for

•

In 2007, 8.5% of Egyptians were addicted to drugs (mostly 15-25-year-olds)2

•

In 2009, the percentage of drug abuse in Cairo is 7 percent higher than the world average of 5

them.”

percent •

In 2010, the value of the drug economy in Egypt was LE 27 billion ($3.9 billion). This number is expected to have increased in the post-revolution era. 3

This research aims to address the rather pressing matter of the spread of substance abuse among

•

the Egyptian society, and the

Now, o there are 6 million addicts in Egypt

wrongful exclusion of its victims. In Egypt, the number of drug

o 2 million addicts are females, and the number is on the rise

addicts, particularly teenage and female addicts, is on the rise. With

o there are 3,000 to 4,000 beds in addiction treatment facilities4

that huge proportion, one would think that people would understand how to deal with this illness, or at least acknowledge that it is a disease.

Unfortunately, that is not the case. The idea of substance abuse, or addiction, is a “taboo” in Egypt, and anyone who does such a “criminal” act is stigmatized, completely excluded from society. The fact that the Egyptian culture is based primarily on religious beliefs and moral, and the fact that both Christianity and Islam, the major religions in Egypt, both condemn the use of such substance, have lead the Egyptian population to condemn substance abusers. Some are lucky enough to join sophisticated rehab centers which can help them move past that obstacle, but some unfortunately are not. This creates a problem, because those who get out of rehab are filled with energy; their addiction is reflected as a yearning for giving back to the community. Shutting them down does nothing but push them

5

back to relapse, and ignoring the situation only fuels the curiosity of the younger generation. However, these same religions promote redemption; they refuse the idea than anyone is evil by birth. Everyone has something that drags them down; everyone has an eternal problem that they deal with every day; and everyone can choose to out-strong these backs, and has the right to be applauded for their persistence.

2 MohamedG Negm and AmiraA Fouad, "Prevalence of substance abuse among adolescent school students in Zagazig," Egyptian Journal

of Psychiatry 35, no. 3 (2014): xx, doi:10.4103/1110-1105.144344.

3 Nada El-Kouny, "Outcast: Egypt's Growing Addiction Problem - Features - Egypt - Ahram Online," Ahram Online - News, Business, Culture, Sports & Multimedia from Egypt, last modified 2015, http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/151/133715/Egypt/Features/Outcast-Egypts-growing-addiction-problem-.aspx.

4 According to Mr Ahmed Salah, addiction rehab consultant.

5 For the Public," Narcotics Anonymous Egypt, n.d.http://naegypt.org/en/for-the-public/. (Permission was acquired to use these statistics

from Narcotics Anonymous Egypt)

MAIN USER GROUP

THE LIBRARY’S IMPORTANCE

The library to be designed in this project will target people who have passed the medical phase and are now looking for rehabilitation and ways to

The library will attempt to help both the addicts and their families, as well as raise people’s awareness about the idea of “addiction as a disease”.

return to society. It will also target the rest of the community, in a more public manner, in order to promote the inclusion of these people within the community, and break the barriers. This community will also include families of people still suffering from addiction, and those who are going or have one through recovery. According to the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Defense, “Addiction is a family disease.” 6 Thus, in order to effectively halt the spread of drug abuse it is essential to provide a welcoming learning environment for the families. This section will describe the main user group, the “recovering addicts”.

The Recovering Addicts “Strength doesn’t come from the things you can do; it comes from the things you thought you couldn’t.”

•

Age:

The Recovering Addicts

15-60-year-olds o

•

This is the age where most people successfully go through drug

The recovering addicts will have books to guide them through the 12-step curing process. These

addiction recovery.

will include self-help books and motivational biographies from around the world. Literature published by

o

The number of teenage addicts is increasing

Narcotics Anonymous will also be displayed on these shelves. After talking with Dr Ola Morsy, Professor

o

Some addicts are going through a middle age crisis

of Psychology at AUC and psychiatrist at the Okasha Hospital, it was agreed that none of this literature

o

There are elderly recovering addicts

should include any direct connections to drugs, so as not to create queues, that could eventually lead the

Characteristics: energetic, persistent, impulsive, curious/explorers, instant-reward-oriented, need support/groups, excellent liars, lost, some suffer from psychological disorders, some are prone to violence, lost, everyone knows everyone else (according to the interview with Dr Koraeyen)

recovering addict to relapse. The library will grasp the idea of reading as therapy introduced in several literary works, as well as by Dr Koraeyen of the Rakhawy Hospital and Addiction Treatment Centre. In an interview with him, he mentioned that their treatment method focuses on giving the patients a reason for them to live and providing them with the tools to create and be better members of society. This will be

•

Behavior: participate in continuous NA meetings, most are employed, some have families, drink a

outlined by including works of fiction that will allow these users to escape their problems in a healthier

lot of caffeine

manner than substance abuse. Reading fiction will also fuel their imagination and lift them into a more beautiful world. In addition, it will help them acknowledge the fact that the world in much bigger than the small bubble that they might have created for themselves.

6

"Family Disease," National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, last modified 2016, https://www.ncadd.org/familyfriends/there-is-help/family-disease.

Their Families “Addiction is a family disease… One person may use it, but the whole family suffers.”

On the other hand, the families of the addicts will get to know how to recognize addicts, how to handle the stress, and learn about the best ways to deal with them. Books included in this section will emphasize on the importance of family support and the drastic consequences of an abusive response to addiction. Self-help books will also be included.

The Community

AIM The library aims is to create a unique merge between the patients and the wider Egyptian community, by sending two messages: 1) To anyone going through or knows someone going through drug problem, that they are not alone.

2) That substance abuse is an illness, and it is a problem in Egypt, but its victims are not criminals; they are people who need help and not be excluded from the community

Finally, the library will act as a hub of addiction education, where anyone interested in the subject can benefit from its contents. It is predicted that when people learn more about addiction, the stigma around

OBJECTIVES

addicts will diminish, and they will be less interested to get into its scene. Additionally, the self-help books,

The design will create a space in which recovering addicts can lay back and remember why they

biographies and fiction books included in the library will be used by the rest of the community to help

chose life over addiction. It will induce the positivity of life. It will seek to find a balance between

them deal with their own problems, because everyone is suffering. The library will send the message that

individual strength and the collective support system that people with drug problems need. It will include

we are all suffering, and we all need each other to survive.

an area for exchange of information, where recovering addicts can talk and exchange stories, thus lifting each other simultaneously while creating a sense of community. There will be a constant connection with

“...The more ‘felt’ are buildings, the more connected to rhythms of day...they value the individuals they will house...environment can heal as well as harm...places of spirit...nourish both individual and society”

STATEMENT OF INTENT

nature as a perfect representation of life; trees, grass, the sky and the sun, they all create a positive atmosphere that gives hope for a better life. There will be a smooth transition from indoors to outdoors, same as the patient transitions from active addiction to resuming positive life. The library will further induce positivity in the form of an activity space and a creative multipurpose space that could be used for various exhibitions. This will give the ex-addicts motivation to work hard in order to be featured in that exhibition. Connection with the sky and sunlight in general will also be need for the spiritual edge that most addiction therapeutic theories emphasize on. In addition, the library will aim to form a connection

The Library intends to create a lively, serene and calm atmosphere where people suffering from

between the recovering addicts and the rest of the community, in order to break the stigma that most

the same problem or those interested in the subject, can delve into books, get together, share their

Egyptians have against this type of people. This will be attained by have an auditorium that will feature

experiences, escape their problems and learn something that could eventually make their lives better.

speeches and drama events by the addicts themselves. A connection will also be made with the families of

Keywords Welcoming, Positive, Enlightenment, Inclusiveness, Journey, Humble, Life

active addicts, in order to provide a “safe space” where they can speak freely about the problems the they are facing and learn about the best ways to deal with their narcotic loved ones.

PRECEDENCE

Maranello Library

of furniture shines with external green reflected through the continuing glass wall, which

Architects: Andrea Maffei Architects

The light which pervades the library open space

Location: Maranello Modena, Italy Area: 1175.0 sqm Project Year: 2011

runs along the curvilinear shape.

performs in a reflection game which bounces from the furniture’s’ white elements, the floor’s elements and the structures’ elements, to water and to the continuing transparent glasses. A

The library is located, inside a well- established residential fabric. It is the existing

single opaque volume is positioned on the south

building renovation trough the existing north perimeter walls maintenance, east and south

side, also pure white coloured, to contain service

confining with some residential offices, the demolition of the central part of the

spaces, the stairs going down to the basements and to the game room, provided with a

prefabricated and the construction of a library as a volume contained within the old

window to allow natural light. The basement floor is accessible by a stair and an elevator

building’s height limits and developed partly outside the earth and partly under the earth.

for invalids, with a function of goods lift for books.

The access to the library is situated on the west side. The project had developed starting from the definition of three main spaces, corresponding to a consulting area, a great reading room and to the multipurpose rooms, these last rooms usable independently. Some service spaces have been foreseen inside these rooms which foresee some stations for catalogues consultation and for internet access, users’ loan desk, administrative offices for library’s staff and the library warehouse.

The building is composed by three main volumes conceived to satisfy the functions contained in them in the best way. A transparent volume which hosts the coffee house is located at the ground floor, with a service space and a wide counter, expositive spaces for the association “Maranello myth’s land and all the library consultancy and reading areas. The volume mirrors on the water surface which surrounds it and water reverberates the deep green colour which enriches the boundary walls preserved by the project. A platform roof juts towards public spaces and acknowledges architecture from the street; inside the absolute white of the resin floor and

MAIN ZONING

SUB-ZONING

BUBBLE DIAGRAM

ANALYSIS: Pros:

• Curvilinear plan creates a dynamic feeling and an interesting environment • Open plan creates a sense of community • Variety of activities • All activities are close to each other • Borrowing station is close to entrance, so customers do not have to enter the library to return a book

Cons: • • • • •

LINKAGE MATRIX

Toy library is inside staff area All secondary activities are underground Bathroom are far from the reading room and most activities Archives are inaccessible by the public Unused roof

AREAS AND PIE CHART M

Main Function

SF

Supporting Faction

SA

Secondary Activity

S

Services

C

Circulation

Maranello Library 3% 6%

0%

Administration

1%

Borrowing Station

7%

Circulation Elements Customer Support

12%

Events' Hall

20%

2%

Sessions Technology

4% 2% 8% 30%

Main Reading Hall Newspaper Library Toy Library Staff

3% 2%

Storage Utility

Space

Office Staff 3 Staff 1 Staff 2 Borrowing Station Corridor 1 Corridor 4 Corridor 2 Stairs 1 Corridor 3 Elevator Corridor 10 Corridor 5 Corridor 6 Corridor 9 Stairs 2 Stairs 1 Corridor 11 Elevator Corridor 8 Corridor 7 Local Consultatio n Conference Room Sessions Main Reading Hall Newspaper Library Quiet Space

Area (m2) 28.5 42.5 20.0 15.0 17.0

Zone (Main, Services) S S S S S

Sub-zone to it

Administration Administration Administration Administration Borrowing Station

Archives

178.0

S

Storage

Video Library Toy Library Local Mechanical Technician Utility Room Local Electrical Technician WC 1 WC 2 Sink 1 Sink 2 Sink 4 Sink 3 WC for Personnel WC 3 WC 4 WC 5 WC 6 TOTAL

33.5

SA

Technology

11.9 % 2.2%

33.0

SF

Toy Library

2.2%

40.0

S

Utility

2.7%

35.0

S

Utility

2.3%

14.0

S

Utility

0.9%

4.0 4.0 3.5 3.5 6.5 6.5 3.0

S S S S S S S

Wet Zone Wet Zone Wet Zone Wet Zone Wet Zone Wet Zone Wet Zone

0.3% 0.3% 0.2% 0.2% 0.4% 0.4% 0.2%

1.7 1.7 1.7 1.7 1498.3

S S S S

Wet Zone Wet Zone Wet Zone Wet Zone

0.1% 0.1% 0.1% 0.1%

%

1.9% 2.8% 1.3% 1.0% 1.1%

53.0 34.0 32.0 16.0 11.0 5.0 40.0

C C C C C C C

Circulation Elements Circulation Elements Circulation Elements Circulation Elements Circulation Elements Circulation Elements Circulation Elements

3.5% 2.3% 2.1% 1.1% 0.7% 0.3% 2.7%

30.0 21.5 14.0 10.0 9.0 8.5

C C C C C C

Circulation Elements Circulation Elements Circulation Elements Circulation Elements Circulation Elements Circulation Elements

2.0% 1.4% 0.9% 0.7% 0.6% 0.6%

5.0 3.5 2.5 34.0

C C C SF

Circulation Elements Circulation Elements Circulation Elements Customer Support

0.3% 0.2% 0.2% 2.3%

117.0

SA

Events' Hall

7.8%

43.0 446.0

SA M

Sessions Main Reading Hall

2.9% 29.8 %

62.0

SF

Newspaper Library

4.1%

7.0

SA

Staff

0.5%

Project Human

outpatient

therapy

area,

administrative

area,

Architects: Elsa Urquijo Arquitectos

located near the entrance of the building and are on

Location: Santiago de Compostela, A

two floors, the floor set aside for counseling offices,

CoruĂąa, Spain

consultancy, information. The workshop area takes

Area: 2996.0 sqm

place on the ground floor and has classrooms, leisure time workshops, new technologies.

residential area, workshop area and sports area. The outpatient therapy and administration areas are

The first floor for the residential area (the floor plan of this floor was not found, and was

Project Year: 2012

deemed unnecessary, because it was irrelevant to the scope of this project). The building This rehab center was built as the new headquarters of Proyecto hombre is an architectural space that revolves around the individual. It was created in response to the need to accommodate new facilities to the HQ of Proyecto hombre in the city of Santiago de Compostela. This initiative worked to identify social problems that lead to addiction and seeks to regain the autonomy and responsibility to bring the individual back to being an active member of society. To achieve this it was necessary to work from both a therapeutic and an educational setting. This

rehab center is devised to adopt this inclusive idea, to “accompany the individual in his recovery with its peaceful architecture. It is a shelter for the life that takes place in it, a serene space, unpretentious, with a strong presence and to endure.

also includes a set of common services designated to auditorium, dining room, kitchen

The design approach follows a simple horizontal line, able to visually express one direction, movement and development. It is a multifunctional structure that is developed in horizontal surfaces interconnected to each other and which houses the following services:

facilities and laundry complete the facilities.

MAIN ZONING

BUBBLE DIAGRAM

LINKAGE MATRIX

ANALYSIS: Pros:

SUB-ZONING

• • • • •

Clear separation of main zones by double doors Large dining room to cater for many users Many consultancy offices Large auditorium Eating service zone grouped together

Cons: • • • • • • •

Monochromatic design limits positivity for patients Linear Plan forces a certain path Auditorium is too far from the workshops Toilet is far from workshops No toilet in dining room No clear entrance To go from the auditorium to the toilet, you have to get out to the waiting area • Few waiting areas and toilets in relation to facility’s capacity

AREAS AND PIE CHART M

Main Function

SF

Supporting Faction

SA

Secondary Activity

S

Services

C

Circulation

Administratio n Office Corridor 1

7.0

Zone (Main, Services) S

50.0

C

Corridor 5

34.5

C

8%

C

Consultancy

Corridor 2

5.0

C

Events' Spot

Corridor 7

5.0

C

Corridor 3

4.0

C

Elevator 1

4.0

C

Elevator 2

4.0

C

Lobby 1

13.0

C

Consulting Office 4 Consulting Office 1 Consulting Office 2 Consulting Office 3 Consulting Office 5 Consulting Office 6

33.0

M

16.0

M

Consultancy

2.2%

16.0

M

Consultancy

2.2%

16.0

M

Consultancy

2.2%

16.0

M

Consultancy

2.2%

16.0

M

Consultancy

2.2%

Corridor 6

25.0

C

Lecture Spot

2% 0%

14%

6.9%

15.5

18% 6%

1.0%

Stair 1

Information Desk

2%

Administration

C

C

5% 6%

%

17.0

29.4

Circulation Elements

23%

Sub-zone to it

Stair 2

Corridor 4

Administration

12% 3%

Area (m2)

Circulation Elements Circulation Elements Circulation Elements Circulation Elements Circulation Elements Circulation Elements Circulation Elements Circulation Elements Circulation Elements Circulation Elements Circulation Elements Circulation Elements Consultancy

Project Human 1%

Space

Lobby Nutrition Zone (Preparation)

4.8% 4.1% 3.4%

Consulting Office 7 Consulting Office 8 Consulting Office 9 Auditorium Information Desk Classroom Lobby 2 Kitchen Storage Dining Room

16.0

M

Consultancy

2.2%

16.0

M

Consultancy

2.2%

16.0

M

Consultancy

2.2%

130.0 3.5

M SF

17.9% 0.5%

57.0 15.5 16.0

SA SF S

59.0

S

Technology Room Electrical Room 3 Electrical Room 1 Electrical Room 2 Kitchen Laundry Locker Room WC 5 WC 6 WC 7 Janitor Sink 1 Sink 2 WC 3 WC 4 WC 1 WC 2 Workshop 4 Workshop 1 Workshop 2 Workshop 3 TOTAL

50.5

SA

Events' Spot Information Desk Lecture Spot Lobby Nutrition Zone (Preparation) Nutrition Zone (Serving) Technology

11.0

S

Utility

1.5%

7.5

S

Utility

1.0%

7.5

S

Utility

1.0%

30.0 6.5 6.5 3.5 3.5 3.5 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 2.5 2.5 39.0 23.0 23.0 23.0 725.0

S S S S S S S S S S S S S SA SA SA SA

Wet Zone Wet Zone Wet Zone Wet Zone Wet Zone Wet Zone Wet Zone Wet Zone Wet Zone Wet Zone Wet Zone Wet Zone Wet Zone Workshop Workshop Workshop Workshop

4.1% 0.9% 0.9% 0.5% 0.5% 0.5% 0.4% 0.4% 0.4% 0.4% 0.4% 0.3% 0.3% 5.4% 3.2% 3.2% 3.2%

2.3% 2.1% 0.7% 0.7% 0.6% 0.6% 0.6% 1.8% 4.6%

7.9% 2.1% 2.2% 8.1% 7.0%

Misr Public Library

halls, as well as with the minimum safety and

Architects: George Parcq, restored by Mamdouh al-

To drive home the point that restoration and

Habashi and Achim Krekeler

modernization are not mutually exclusive,

Location: Giza, Egypt

these elaborate requirements were carried out

Area: 2600.0 sqm

without sacrificing the exterior of the house or

Project Year: 1930s, reinaugurated in 1995 The building of the Misr Bublic library has had a long histoy since its creation in the 1930s. It

was originally a villa, divided into two apartments of palatial proportions, belonging to Marcel Vincenot and Emile Minost, the veteran French bankers who ran the Credit Foncier Bank (today the Arab International Bank building). Following its nationalization in the late 1950s, the villa was handed over, free-of-charge, to General Abdelhakim Amer, a

security standards. Moreover, an entire new floor had to be added to the existing building.

it's ornate interior with its grand staircase, thus the buildings aesthetics were not altered. In early 1990, scaffoldings were erected both within and outside the villa. Its balustrades and wonderful high-relief stuccos depicting tropical vegetation were brought back to existence. The load-bearing beams were reinforced. The air-condition ducts were put in place. Wall carvings and parquet floorings were restored, groomed and cleaned to their original condition.

prominent member of the Free Officers Movement, who merged the two apartments into

The Library now houses an extensive collection of books in English, Arabic, French

one. Following the army's defeat in the June 1967 War, the regime stripped al mushir of

and German, and dedicates the second floor to children. It hosts a variety of clubs

his munificent ranks and multiple positions, including the library’s building. Fastforward a

(photography, literary and science) and public events, and has a playground for children. It

few decades, the Mubarak Government, in accordance with a well-known German non-

also includes a large garden fronting the Nile. The building had become a tourist attraction

profit organization, decided to start a community library on that premises.

evidencing that colonial relics are just as interesting to the foreign visitor as the Sakara

By blending 19th century European with modern and socalled International Style, George Parcq, the villa's original architect, had brought together this typical Cairo diversity when he conceived Villa Credit Foncier in the early 1930s.

He sought to sustain the link between past and future generations. However, Villa Credit Foncier had not been built to house a public library. Hence, major structural changes were needed to convert it into one. These alterations had to comply with a library's functional needs, which today means multimedia rooms and conference

pyramids.

By interviewing one of the staff members in the library, further details for discovered about its current condition. She said that the library now hosts 4000 visitors per day, with operating hours from 10am to 7pm. This number is derived by hourly statics that are taken by the staff of the customer flow. The building has 4 floors, in addition to a roof that used to be used for reading, but is now empty because it had turned into a CafĂŠ. There are no heaters, because the weather never gets cold enough, and natural lighting is never enough. She said that they have staff working in the accounting, graphics, HR, PR, borrowing, secretariats, administration, tutoring, children and adults departments. Each department has approximately six members each. She explained the flow of the books as follows: 1) A yearly count is made of the books at hand, where deteriorated and lost books are surveyed for their need (if not needed, they are removed from the collection.

Otherwise, they are rebought) ; 2) They enter through the main gate, followed by a back door to the storage space. There the storage staff take them and distribute them to the technical staff; 3) They are put on tracks; 4) The technical does their indexing and preparation; 5) They are shelved in the storage area; 6) Their covers are sealed by nylon for protection; 7) Each department takes its book and distributes it in its right location;

MAIN ZONING

SUB-ZONING

BUBBLE DIAGRAM

ANALYSIS: Pros: • • • • • • • • •

Vertical distribution of zones Reading Halls cover large areas Ground floor separated for administration Café Information desk on each floor Separate stairs and toilets for staff Elevators close to main staircase Different age groups divided into different floors Large waiting area at entrance

Cons:

• Limited activities beyond reading • Unused roof • Limited space for sessions

AREAS AND PIE CHART M

Main Function

SF

Supporting Faction

SA

Secondary Activity

S

Services

C

Circulation

Space Activities' Room Administration Adults' Reading Hall Cafeteria Children's Reading Hall Entrance

Misr Public Library 1% 2%

2%

Administration

5%

Circulation Elements

6%

Cafeteria

Events' Hall Information Desk 1 Information Desk 2 Information Desk 3

Events' Hall

13%

Information Desks

35%

6%

Preschool Zone Reading Halls Sessions Technology Terrace

20%

Waiting Area Welcome Area

4% 3%

2%

1%

Wet Zone

Pathways Preschool section Registration and borrow return Stairs 1 and Elevator (1st Floor) Stairs 1 and Elevator (2nd Floor) Stairs 1 and Elevator (ground) Stairs 2 (1st Floor) Stairs 2 (2nd Floor) Technology Corner 1 Technology Corner 2 Technology Lab 1 Technology Lab 2

Area (m2)

Zone (Main, Services)

72.5 Sessions 116.5 Administration 260 Reading Halls 71.5 Cafeteria 137.5 Reading Halls Circulation 7.5 Elements

Sub-zone to it Secondary Activity Services Main Function Services Main Function

% 3.7% 6.0% 13.3% 3.7% 7.0%

Circulation Secondary Activity Supporting Function Supporting Function Supporting Function

0.4%

Circulation Supporting Function

29.6%

Circulation

1.5%

Circulation 15 Elements

Circulation

0.8%

Circulation 47 Elements

Circulation

2.4%

Circulation

0.8%

Circulation

0.7%

Circulation Secondary Activity Secondary Activity Secondary Activity Secondary Activity

0.7%

28 Events' Hall Information 2.0 Desks Information 11 Desks Information 27.0 Desks Circulation 579.0 Elements Preschool 54.5 Zone 30.0 Welcome Area

Circulation 15.0 Elements Circulation 14 Elements Circulation 14.0 Elements 75 Technology 75.0 Technology 49 Technology 49.0 Technology

1.4% 0.1% 0.6% 1.4%

2.8%

3.8% 3.8% 2.5% 2.5%

Terrance

38.5 Terrace

Video Sessions

51.5 Sessions

W.C. 1 W.C. 2 W.C. 3

43 Wet Zone 43.0 Wet Zone 7.5 Wet Zone

Waiting Area TOTAL

20.5 Waiting Area 1954.

0

Supporting Function Secondary Activity Services Services Services Supporting Function

2.0% 2.6% 2.2% 2.2% 0.4% 1.0%

THE SITE

Mokattam City Mokattam Ciy rests on top of the heighest mountain in Cairo, al-Mokattam mountain. Rising at an altitude of 180 meters above see level, this major icon has a picturesque view of old Cairo and, if the sky is clear enough, the Pyramids. The mountain is known for its calm and, uniquely, pollution-free atmosphere. The word “Mokattam” means “cut-off” in Arabic. This is exactly what this suburban city is. It rests above all the noise and chaos of the city, enjoying spectacular views in a calm atmosphere.

In the past, the mountain’s plentiful limestone was used to build the pyramids. It is also the site of the St. Simon miracle, where it was said that he caused the mountain to rise up, so that the sun was seen under it. The St. Simon church, or “Cave Church” was built

Urban Fabric: •

One main road, connected to a busy roundabout, from which all other roads branch out

•

Upper-middle class area, creates a civilized atmosphere, yet still close to lower class areas

•

Low urban density, creates a more relaxed atmosphere

•

Residential cluster at plot

•

Scattered Greenery, included fields and trees

accordingly.7 Nowadays, the mountain hosts the three socioeconomic classes of the Egyptian society, with Mokattam city housing the middle class. It is seen by many Egyptians as a site for drug abuse, because of its cut-off “corniche”. However, the city is actually as well-inhibited as any other suburb in Egypt. The main road, street 9, and the fountain square are bustling with cafes, restaurant and stores.

In fact, the city has a few addiction rehab centers, and holds numerous NA meetings.

This site was chosen mainly for its mesmerizing views, and its mild proximity with the rest of the city. The fact that its community is also already familiar with the drugs scene, also prevents the library from stigmatizing the residents. Finally, the several rehab centres available there, ensure that the target user group is reached.

Upper-class Middle-class Lower-class

7 Seif Kamel, "Al Mokattam Mountain: On Top of Cairo," Egypt Travel Guide - Tour Egypt,

n.d.http://www.touregypt.net/featurestories/mokattam.htm.

SITE ALTERNATIVE 1: Al-Mokattam Street Strengths • • • • •

No Pollution Quiet area Free parking in street Fire Fighters Close to lower and middle-class • Low urban density

Opportunities • • • • •

Close Rehab Facility Mosque and church Dog’s Park View of trees Entrance at North East

Weaknesses • • • •

Far from rest of city Residential area No enough view Little Topography

Threats • History of drug sales in area • High altitude, so could be used for suicide • Lack of traffic police in area

Transportation and relation to other locations: • 10 min. walking distance to the nearest rehab facility (El Rakhawy Hospital) & the nearest Church • Next to Mosque • 30 min. drive to Tahrir square • 1 hr. drive to the AUC New Campus

Landscape: • Surrounded by 2-way roads, with no traffic police control • Moderate proximity with main road • Scattered greenery

Environment: • Low pollution, due to high altitude • Cool temperature, in relation to the rest of Cairo • Wide view allows flow of prevailing wind from the North East

VIEW WIND WIND

Landmarks & View of Site:

SITE ALTERNATIVE 2: Courniche Al-Mokattam Strengths • • • •

No Pollution Quiet area Free parking in street Close to lower and middle-class • Low urban density

Opportunities • • • •

Close Rehab Facility Mosque and church View of the Pyramids Topography

Weaknesses • Far from rest of city • Residential area • View at South-West

Threats • History of drug sales in area • High altitude, so could be used for suicide • Lack of traffic police in area

Transportation and relation to other locations: • 10 min. walking distance to the nearest Mosque • Close to Rehab Centre & Church • 30 min. drive to Tahrir square • 1 hr. drive to the AUC New Campus

Landscape: • Surrounded by 2-way roads, with no traffic police control • Mild proximity with main road • Little greenery

Environment: • High solar radiation at the façade with the view • Low pollution, due to high altitude • Cool temperature, in relation to the rest of Cairo • Wide view of old Cairo. A spectacular site for sunset and sunrise views.

WIND

VIEW

Landmarks:

Alternative 2 is chosen, for the following reasons: • better view • better topography • closer to Rehab Centre

THE PROJECT

SPACE PROGRAM SHEETS Addiction Support Center: This zone will be responsible for maintaining the psychological and behavioral wellbeing of recovering drug addicts. It is should be private, in order to ensure that its users are kept anonymous.

Main Activity

Molecular Activities

Users (Who?)

Action Time (When?)

Furniture Used

Environmental Atmosphere of the Qualities Space

Spatial Relations (Links)

Ongoing Addiction Therapy

Individual Therapy (emergency and regular)

• Recovering Addicts • Full-time Psychologist • Addiction Counselors

10 am -10 pm

• • • •

• Well ventilated • Connection to the sky • Spiritual lighting

7-10 pm (after work, school and university)

• Bookshelves (for references and topic inspiration) • Movable Chairs • Accommodate for multiple meetings at the same time

Support Groups

• Families of Addicts • Addiction Councilors

Family Support

Connecting to a higher power

Recovering Addicts (Sponsors and non-sponsors)

• Meditation • Praying

Recovering Addicts (Sponsors and non-sponsors)

10 am -10 pm

Desks Desk chairs Beds for lying down Cupboards

• Candles • Matts • Spiritual books

• • • • •

Welcoming Calm Accommodating Positive Colorful

• Direct Exit from facility • Close to pharmacy

• • • • • •

Welcoming Humble Communal Serene Celebratory Empowering

• Closest to activity zone

• Inclusive of all faiths • Spiritual • Serene

• Closest to auditorium

• Secluded from the rest of the library • Separate entrance • Connected by lobby to activities’ space

Activities Space: This will be the space where recovering addicts can let out their energy. It will embrace the motivated personality of the addicts. It will give them hope for a an active, positive and fruitful life.

Main Molecular Activities Activity

Users (Who?) Action Furniture Used Time (When?)

Letting • Painting out the • Music Energy • Arts and Crafts (Pottery, Ceramics, etc.)

• Writing • Drama Performances • Stand-up comedy

• Recovering 10 am – Addicts 10 pm • Friends of recovering addicts

Environmental Qualities

• • • • •

Art stands Desks Circular Seating “Idea Box” Piano and other musical instruments • Computers • Desks

• Outdoor and Indoor • Colorful • Natural Lighting

Atmosphere of the Space

Spatial Relations (Links)

• Lively • Natural • Energetic

• Bridge between the public space and the support center • Drama and Stand up comedy are performed outdoors • Connected by lobby to support center

Public Space: This space will aim to break the stigma against drug addicts. This is where the community will get to interact with recovering addicts. It will act as a beacon of light from which all knowledge will radiate.

Main Activity

Molecular Activities

Reading

• Reading as Therapy • Recovering • 10 am – (Fiction) Addicts 10 pm • Socializing • Family members • Reading Self-help books • The Community as a whole

Raising Awareness

• • • •

Speeches Conferences Café Multipurpose exhibition space

Users (Who?) Action Time (When?)

Furniture Used

Environmental Qualities

• Bookshelves • Well-ventilated • Organic • Connection with nature seating • A lot of natural light • Clustering • Private seating • Movable Chairs

• Weekdays: • Podium 6 - 10pm • Kitchenette • Weekends • Organic Seating : around 10am – Podium 10pm

Atmosphere of the Space

Spatial Relations (Links)

• • • •

• Main Entrance • Away from meeting rooms • Connected to utility rooms and admin. Building • Separate toilets from the rest of the facility • Direct connection to pharmacy • Connected with outdoors

Communal Space Optimistic Inclusive Welcoming

TABLE OF SPACES AND AREAS SPACES

Main Space

Function

Quantity

Total Area (m2)

Percentage

Studio

Activities

Secondary Activity

1

24

2.4%

Writers' Room / Technology Room

Activities

Secondary Activity

1

24

2.4%

Administration

Other

Services

2

30

3.0%

Circulation Elements

Other

Circulation

-

170

17.2%

Toilets

Other

Services

2

45

4.6%

Utility Rooms

Other

Services

2

30

3.0%

Cafeteria

Public

Services

1

40

4.0%

Conference Hall

Public

Main

1

100

10.1%

Main Reading Hall

Public

Main

1

300

30.3%

Multipurpose Exhibition Hall

Public

Secondary Activity

1

30

3.0%

Meeting Rooms

Support Centre

Main

3

120

12.1%

Pharmacy

Support Centre

Services

1

20

2.0%

Physiatrist’s Office

Support Centre

Supporting Function

2

32

3.2%

Spiritual Space

Support Centre

Supporting Function

1

24

2.4%

TOTAL MAIN =

520

52.6%

TOTAL SPPORTING FUCNTION =

56

5.7%

TOTAL SECONDARY ACTIVITY =

78

7.9%

TOTAL SERVICES =

165

16.7%

TOTAL CIRCULATION =

170

17.2%

TOTAL AREA =

989

100.0%

PIE CHARTS

BUBBLE DIAGRAM SPACES' PIE CHART 1%1%1%

Studio

6% 2% 1% 1%

Writers' Room / Technology Room Administration

3%

Circulation Elements

33%

Toilets Utility Rooms 10%

Cafeteria Conference Hall

Main Reading Hall 1% 4% 1% 1% 1%

Multipurpose Exhibition Hall Meeting Rooms Pharmacy Phsyciatrist's Office

Spiritual Space

6%

TOTAL MAIN = 6%

18% 3%

2%

TOTAL SPPORTING FUCNTION = TOTAL SECONDARY ACTIVITY =

LINKAGE MATRIX

MAIN ZONES' PIE CHART

17%

TOTAL MAIN = TOTAL SPPORTING FUCNTION = TOTAL SECONDARY ACTIVITY =

17%

52%

TOTAL SERVICES = TOTAL CIRCULATION =

8% 6%

REFERENCES AND APPENDICES

References Daley, Dennis C. and G. Alan Marlatt. Overcoming Your Alcohol or Drug Problem : Effective Recovery Strategies. vol. 2nd ed, Oxford University Press, 2006. Treatments That Work. EBSCOhost.

"Egypt Drug Treatment and Addiction | Drug Information." Narconon International, www.narconon.org/drug-information/egypt-drug-addiction.html.

El-Kouny, Nada. "Outcast: Egypt's Growing Addiction Problem - Features - Egypt - Ahram Online." Ahram Online - News, Business, Culture, Sports & Multimedia from Egypt, 2015, english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/151/133715/Egypt/Features/Outcast-Egypts-growing-addiction-problem-.aspx.

"Family Disease." National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, 2016, www.ncadd.org/family-friends/there-is-help/family-disease. Accessed 7 Mar. "For the Public." Narcotics Anonymous Egypt, Narcotics Anonymous, naegypt.org/en/for-they-public/.

Kamel, Seif. "Al Mokattam Mountain: On Top of Cairo." Egypt Travel Guide - Tour Egypt, www.touregypt.net/featurestories/mokattam.htm.

"Maranello Library / Andrea Maffei Architects." ArchDaily, 2013, www.archdaily.com/355478/maranello-library-andrea-maffei-architects.

Negm, MohamedG, and AmiraA Fouad. "Prevalence of substance abuse among adolescent school students in Zagazig." Egyptian Journal of Psychiatry, vol. 35, no. 3, 2014, p. 161, doi:10.4103/1110-1105.144344.

Appendix I: Drug Addiction Event on February 16th

2) Mr Ahmed Salah:

On the 16th of February, 2017, the Sociology, Anthropology, Psychology and Egyptology

When talking about drug addiction, one should not use the word “addict”, but rather “someone

department (SAPE) at AUC, organized an event that aimed to address the rather pressing matter of the

with a drug problem”. This is because many of these people are quite sensitive about their addiction

spread of drug addiction in the society. The event took people though us through the process of addiction,

(this was later negated by the recovering addict). He said that the number of addicts in Egypt is

form the first consumption of a drug to the ongoing curing process. During the event major insight and

estimated to be 6 million, 2 million of which are females, and the percentage of females is on the rise.

emotional real stories were told by experts who have dealt with or have been part of the process of

However, the number of inpatient beds in rehab centers, is between 3,000 and 4,000 beds. He said that

addiction. These were, Dr Ola Morsy, Consultant Psyciatric and Director of Supporting office for Students

there is little awareness about the subject in Egypt. Mr Salah introduced the research conducted by

at AUC, and psychiatric at the Okasha Hospital, Mr. Essam Youssef,

Sigman Freud on addiction, where he praised cocaine, then a new chemical, as a cure for many physical

author of the best-selling novel “1/4 Gram”, Mr. Ahmed Salah,

and mental illnesses. However, Freud eventually stopped using the drug and his research was deemed

behavioral rehabilitation consultant, and a ten-year recovering addict

pseudoscience. Another theory that Mr Salah introduced was Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT),

whose identity was kept anonymous.

an evidence-based form of therapy. It helps the patient identify and unlearn addictive behavior and

The event included no media coverage. However, note taking was allowed for future reference.

Below are the conclusive remarks from each speaker.

1) Mr Essam Youssef:

replace this with healthier behavior that puts them on the path towards recovery. It is a short-term approach that is conducted during the formal therapy phase. Research indicates that the skills individuals learn through cognitive-behavioral approaches remain after the completion of treatment.

Mr Ahmed Salah went on to explain the process of addiction. He said that for every addict it all starts with something happening in his life (a trigger). This triggers feelings of loneliness, fear, shame, sadness and anger; these in addition to genetic reasons are the roots of addiction. Afterwards, the

To the drug addict, every work means something, so it is essential to be careful with one’s rhetoric

person goes on with their life, until a moment comes when they discover an inherit curiosity, again

when addressing the issue of addiction. According to Mr Essam Youssef, you should not say “drugs

triggered by genes, the community or pure instinct. At that moment the person starts becoming an

are bad”, but rather “drugs are good, but let’s see what they will do.” In 2008, when Mr Essam decided

addict; this can be expressed through any form of addiction, such as alcohol, religion, gambling, work,

to publish his book, “1/4 Gram”, he was told that he had to shorten his book because “no-one reads”.

food, sex or drugs. He defined addiction as the abusive usage of an addictive substance that causes

However, he insisted that his book was a message that affects all families, and whoever stood in his

harmful consequences to the person, the community or both. He then listed the reasons of the spread

way was told to simply read it. Nowadays, the book’s readers are mostly high school and university

of drug addiction as: lack of strong religious background, believing it is not sinful, bad company,

students, because reading has become more popular in their society, and because the book addresses

curiosity, exploration, lack of parental control, antisocial behavior, media portrayal that causes

as issue that they all talk about, drugs. It is still a best-seller, because every new generation reads

“queues” and simply loneliness. He said the no matter how much addicts try to hide it,

the book. Mr Essam Yousef said that his daughter read “1/4 Gram” when she was 12 years old.

everything eventually comes to light. In the end, he said that when one gets introduced to

Afterwards, she said that what is in the book, is exactly what goes on in her school, and her only

drugs, he or she can either become a “user” or an “addict”, depending on their behavior.

question to her father was, “why did they do that to themselves?” (Dr Ola Morsy will later answer

The difference is that a user, can try drugs every once in a while, but an addict can have

that question). In the end, Mr Youssef talked about the personality of drug addicts. He said that

his life halted by drugs.

they are explorers which makes them want to try differed things, especially when they have a lot of free time. He said that almost 50% of addicts live with their parents, and that they are extremely persistent, so much so that cutting their allowance will not stop them. Also, though the book included rather “ugly” images, they were not even close to the dark reality of an addict’s life.

3) The 10-Year Recovering Addict (Identity Anonymous):

4) Dr Ola Morsy:

The addict started his talk by introducing himself as “name addict”. He said that he always likes to

Dr Ola Morsy said that as a psychiatrist who works with addicts, she had understood the theoretical

start each relevant talk this way, to remind himself that he still suffers form that illness. He said that

reasons why they use drugs and so on, but she always wondered why, with all its disastrous

he has no shame in that, because it was a phase in his life that he learn a lot from. He went on to explain

consequences, did they still do it? She got her answer when she was in labor and had to take morphine

his history with addiction. He said that he came from a loving family of a high socioeconomic class.

to ease the pain. She went from sever suffering, to laughing and joking with everyone. She concluded

However, his father was not always around, and he was a spoilt kid who was too free and feared no

that they simply want to get “high”, because it is, after all, a great feeling. She went on to explain that

one. He went on the typical life story of an addict: form cigarettes, to Hash, to Tramadol and other

they all have the same history (described previously by the addict). They use drugs as a form of “self-

tablets and finally, heroin. He started at around middle school, where he went from enjoying drugs

medication”. She said that even hash, though not as severe as other drug and is, in fact, used medically

with a company to enjoying it alone. He was thankful that he got introduced to drugs at such young

to ease extreme cancer pain or chemotherapy, it, actually, raises the susceptibility of a person to

age, because he was able to stop at a young age too, 23-years-old. He said that while using drugs, his

schizophrenia and psychosis by 20%. She then explained two experiments that were relevant to this

academic life and social class deteriorated. He went from going to elite clubs to playing with the

topic. The first was called the “Rat Park”, where it was discovered that when people have other forms

gatekeeper’s kids. At some point, he became homeless, his wished he was dead and even his

of happiness they are simply not interested to try drugs;

family wished he was dead, so that his and his family’s suffering would stop. His family tried

they do not need it. However, when there is nothing else

cutting his allowance, but it never worked, because an addict is quite persistent and an

going on, they will. The second research was the

exceptional liar. He got arrested on multiple occasions and did the most inexplicable things

“marshmallow test”. It involved young children, where the

in order to get his hands on the next dosage. The most painful time to him, was when he was

researcher left them alone in a room with a bowl including

left alone to his thoughts and guilt. He tried to stop using drugs a lot, went into several

one marshmallow. He told them that if they did not eat the

hospitals. He said that some of the reasons why many addicts want to stop is because they

marshmallow, for 15 minutes, they will get more

want to earn their families’ trust, so that they’d reinstate their allowance and they’d be able

quantities. Normally, some children hardly waited for him

to buy more drugs, or because their lovers left them. To him, however, the reason was purely

to return, while others engulfed it, as soon as he closed the

humiliation. He said that the moment he decided to truly stop using drugs, occurred when he

door. After further research, it was discovered the more the

was homeless and sleeping on the streets, and someone threw him an Egyptian pound. At

child was able to wait, the better they were at self-control,

that point, he thought: “I am not a beggar. I am form a respectful family. I am well-educated.”

thus the less prone they were to drug abuse. Hence, an

He said that an addict will never stop, unless he, himself, wants to stop. Nowadays, he works

addict is someone who is impatient and impulsive by

with the “Just for Today” program. The addictive instinct is still there, however. He described

nature. In the end, she explained that when dealing with an

the mind of the addict by saying that the voice in everyone’s head that tells them try drugs,

addict who does not yet want to quite, we work on harm

and “why not?”, is quite persistence with addicts. They are always thinking about it. The

reduction (not getting him arrested, etc.), and one must

tendencies and thoughts are much more extreme than normal people.

always be very supportive.

When contacted privately, the addict said the library will be quite helpful to recovering addicts. He said that Narcotics Anonymous (the NA) already publishes a lot of literature, including the 12-steps, the 12-traditons and the handbook. They simply intend to carry the message.

Appendix II: Interview with Mr Ahmed Salah

gets 60 minutes. There is a weekly schedule for the groups, that includes step studies, groups processes, etc. You sit in front of the group, interact with each other and give feedback. They talk about their feelings

When a patient enters the rehab Centre, you have to change their behavior. We do 2 things in the rehabilitation center. First, they go through withdrawal, or detoxification, that is the symptoms of drug withdrawal. They spend their 7-10 days. After that, we start the recovery. The recovery is composed of him staying in the recovery house for 6 months, during which we work on the character, the personality, their personal vices, and setting goals for them, so that we know what were the incentives that got them taking drugs, as well as the incentives that got them into rehab. We also get to know what they like and don't like. We work with them in phases, and each phase has its own requirements. For instance, in phase 1 we carry out an assessment of the patient's behavior, siblings, family, whether a family member is a user, and so on. We do a conclusive assessment of the personality, so that we have a background, and eventually feedback. Basically, something like psychological analysis of the patient. In phase 2, we carry out something called a "life story". Here we ask questions like:

and the small issues that happen in their small community. Hence, they learn about how to deal with people. From 3:30 to 4 pm, they have lunch. They also have certain responsibilities that they are given, so they would feel that they are doing something with meaning in their lives. From 5:00-7:00 pm. There is “social time” or free-time. After that there is another meeting. For instance, the stick meeting,. Where there are several sticks each with a word inscribed on it. A stick is picked at random, and the word on it will be the topic of the discussion. At 9 pm, the have dinner. Then, there is another social time until 11pm when lights go off; everyone must sleep. There are some rules that they must all adhere to, such as no foul language, no smoking in bathrooms or bedrooms, no littering, no fighting, etc. They are informed about these rules from early on. However, we recognize that these people have a real behavioral problem that they are dealing with, so it is natural that they would make mistakes. We, thus, give them small, symbolic punishments, such as no entertainment for today. This entertainment can be football, volleyball, swimming

•

When did you start using drugs?

or excursions to the club, Ain Sokhna or Wadi elrayan. Basically, there has to be the factor of praise and

•

What type of drugs did you start with?

punishment. This is because, outside no one tells them right from wrong. This is the half-way phase, from

•

How far did you go?

4-5 months. There are home vacations, depending on the patient’s level in the treatment.

•

What types of drugs did you use?

•

Did you ever go to prison, or get arrested?

the rehab center and their home, on gradual increase of the home duration. If relapse happens, they start

•

Did you ever get harmed?

from the top, but the durations are less. After the “monitoring”, they spend 3 months in “day care” where

Basically, they get to tell their life story with drugs, within group therapy. This is called the Cognitive-personality Treatment (CPT). It is based on a similar approach created by Aurum Pick in the 50s which turned out to produce exceptional results. It combines the group and individual therapy with the 12-Steps program. The 12-Steps program gives about 48% while the CPT covers almost 18%, giving a total of 66% of the treatment. Both techniques are performed simultaneously, with each one adding to

After the 6 months, there is the “monitoring’ phase. In this phase, they go back and forth between

they visit the rehab center once a week, where they take drug tests and attend groups. They go on with their lives, but are still monitored from afar. If a problem occurs, not drug related, they start coming back to the rehab center. But, they are taught to depend on themselves. Many of them, eventually want to give back and help others, so they start volunteering with the rehab center. Others, get too busy with their lives outside.

the other. After the "life story", patients start working on group therapy. There are numerous types of

When a person is in active addiction, they do not know what they want to do with their lives other

group therapy. They get to learn about methods of confrontation, confronting oneself and confronting the

that taking drugs. After the get out of rehab and connect with other people, they start noticing things about

community. People who come into rehab have a problem with confrontation; they are unable to confront

themselves. Hence, they start exploring options in life until they find what interests. However, if someone

themselves. The movie "28 Days" covers all of that.

gets out of rehab, they will not want to spend time in a library and read books, unless they are already

Now, I'll explain to you how the patient's day goes in the rehab center. They wake up at 9am, make their beds, then go to perform their "duties", examples include your room, the reception, the ping pong table or the pool table. After that, they take their shower and have a collective breakfast. There is the spirit that we are stronger together than we are alone. From 12-3:30, there is group therapy where each group

interested in that kind of activity. However, if the library has other activities, beyond reading, such as travelling or competitions, that would be interesting. An addict is someone who goes by the idea of “target and reward”; they have to something in return, not necessarily material. The library also has to have a garden.

Appendix III: Interview with Dr Ola Morsy

more than interested to visit the library, but others will not. Of course, not all substance abusers are criminals, but a lot of them have a very impulsive baseline personality, to violating rules and not being

The library should be out of town, so that the ex-addict does not go back to the same society, town, friends, etc. The longer they do not have to meet or see the stuff that happened during their addiction phase the

careful with the outside community. That is they have anti-social personality disorders, or “psychopaths”.

Psychopaths are the hardest to stop addiction, because they underestimate stuff and would undermine such a project. However, people who were using it just for self-mediation would benefit from such a project, because addiction was a secondary thing to their original psychiatric problem.

better the outcome. This is because every

For the library to be attractive, it would have to have other activities besides reading, because our

small detail, such as the stair he used to sit

culture is not a very “reading’ culture. Also, putting books that are directly related to substance abuse or

in, is associated in their memory with

have details about addiction, is not advisable, because it might remind them of triggers and queues. It

queues.

quite

would be better to include general self-help books, such as handling stress, handling life, changing

vulnerable; they feel like they want to go

perspective on life, etc. For instance, biographies are double-edged swords, such as the soup opera “That

back. An example , is a Christian community which would take the ex-addict after the hospital to a place

El Saytara” that had two effects; it helped young, curious people to get scared, and stopped them from

where they would spend almost 6 months doing different types of work, such as agriculture. This is

going down this path, but many ex-addicts relapsed, because it had a lot of queues and visuals. Hence, it

particularly effective, because the ex-addict has certain neurotransmitters in their brains that the drugs

would be advisable to separate the library between a place for the addicts and a place for the community.

have stopped from functioning properly, by competing with the original endorphin. Hence, they stay there

Other motivating biographies, however, about people who were in deep trouble and they became

for a long period of time, until the neurotransmitters recover. They are not just psychologically vulnerable,

successful would be helpful. In addition, the idea that addiction is a psychological problem is not prevalent

but also biologically, so the longer the time they spend in rehab the better the outcome. Hence, it is crucial

among the Egyptian community. Events however would help raise that level of awareness, especially

for such a place to be away from any dealers or friends that would pull them back to drugs. The only

because this subject makes people curious to know more about it.

Queues

make

them

example of this method, however, is this church/community thing, but it is the most successful, because when they need the “stuff,” they get it.

When they come out of rehab, addicts try to face the consequences of their addiction. They have usually sold all that they have, stole stuff from their families, lost their jobs, etc. Dealing with this chaos

With addicts, it starts with someone who is incapable of dealing with certain stress, not resilient

is quite stressful, so they need support; they need to go to group therapy and be watched over. It is a very

enough, so they go to addiction, which is a horrible method of coping. The age group is generally from

critical time. This place should be very positive and with proper psychotherapy. Their day should be full

teenage years to 50-60 year olds. This is because some ex-addicts are in their middle age crisis and want

of activities, so they won’t be free to exchange memories about their addiction. Sometimes a person would

to try something new. There are many addicts who started it a self-medication process, because it makes

go from milder stuff life hash, to other critical drugs, after they hear about them. This is particularly

them feel relaxed. The ones who were sober for long, they are very proud of themselves for being sober,

prevalent because some addicts, especially, heroin, only admit themselves to the hospital, because they

so they actually like to call themselves “ex-addicts”, as if it is a great achievement, and it is. However, the

want to decrease their tolerance, because they cannot afford the higher one.

majority is stigmatized and don’t want to be called addicts. Hence, there are some addicts who would be