the structure and function of nearby informal settlements demonstrate a strong sense of community, which could potentially aid in the transformation. The site presents a significant opportunity to reconnect Coptic Cairo with the Nile waterfront, Roda Island and the Nilometer, and adjacent neighborhoods. Developing pedestrian connections between these sites could capitalize on tourism potential to enhance economic development and revitalization.
FIGURE 156. Broken lightposts and crumbling walls along Roda Island’s pedestrian paths
Our vision for Old Cairo attempts to resolve several issues. As a result of heavy use and poor planning, litter, garbage, ineffective sidewalks, and obstructive or broken street lamps characterize the waterfront promenade (Figure 156). The sidewalks need maintenance and repairs, and more seating is needed to accommodate frequent visitors. Across the Corniche, ground floor businesses deter pedestrians from using the sidewalks for recreation, and heavy traffic makes crossing between the storefronts and waterfront difficult and dangerous. The presence of a metro rail line between Coptic Cairo and the waterfront constitutes another major weakness of the site. The aboveground train tracks, flanked by fencing, function as a major barrier between historic attractions and the Nile. Although many pedestrian overpasses already exist, relocating some of them would improve overall functionality and pedestrian continuity.
FIGURE 157. Entrance to the Nilometer museum complex
To address these constraints and take advantage of Old Cairo’s unique historic sites, the Old Cairo design team developed a multi-phase proposal (Figures 158-164). Although each of the proposed intervention steps builds upon the previous phase, the site remains fully functional at the end of each intervention step. This strategy could prevent the project from being delayed or stalled by complex regulatory and political processes, or the need to obtain funding for the entire project prior to commencing work. A phased strategy approach could begin relatively quickly with simpler interventions, which would provide tangible societal benefits without requiring inordinately high real estate or funding inputs. As benefits from initial implementation phases become evident, more political and public support for complex future stages would likely emerge. V
H
ISTORIC SITES include Coptic Cairo, which houses several
First Phase: Improve Connections and Revitalize the Waterfront
Establish two connections between Coptic Cairo and the Nile waterfront, and revitalize the waterfront between these two connections.
Christian churches and dates to Roman times, the Amr Ibn Al-Aas Mosque which is the oldest mosque in Africa, the Suleiman Pasha El-Faransawy tomb, the Al- Mahmoud Mosque, and the Nilometer Complex (Figure 157).
84
Ĺ“ Convenient connecting streets exist between Coptic Cairo and the waterfront. Clean and comfortable pedestrian overpasses above the Corniche can be added at these points with minimal interruption to current site facilities, and could provide access to the existing Manasterly Pedestrian Bridge.