Re-inventing the borders

Refining city edges, creating organized chaos! Penetration of paths along the edges
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Designer(s) : Sarah Sherif Abed

University : Arab Academy for Science Technology and Maritime Transport

Tutor(s) : Dr. Maged Attia, Arch. Asmaa Medhat and Amro Mostafa

Project Description

This project is situated in Historic Cairo, adjacent to Bab Zuweila, a location renowned for marking the ancient boundaries of Old Cairo. Over time, these city edges have deteriorated, leading to a gradual loss of the area’s historical identity. The project’s objective is to establish linear pathways that redefine the city’s edges and address issues identified in the diagrams, such as overcrowding, functional misuse, physical deterioration of historic monuments, and non-compliance with regulations. Central to the design is a journey that connects the three primary target groups—residents, craftsmen, and tourists—along these newly defined edges. The focal point of this journey is the “Red Bridge,” a route that offers tourists a novel experience by integrating new and old interventions, while simultaneously connecting them with other groups in the area. The project’s concept is rooted in a response to the local context and the observed human behaviors within the area. The journey begins with a visit to the museum, which showcases the social and physical aspects of Cairo’s history. This is followed by a trip to the public library, thoughtfully constructed on existing ruins to preserve the historical monuments. Next, a market hub is introduced, where tourists can witness the distinctive crafts produced in local workshops. Finally, the journey culminates in a residential complex designed for the area’s craftsmen, complete with recreational spaces. Each target group is provided with interventions tailored to their needs and context. Residents will benefit from additional housing and recreational areas. Craftsmen will have ample workshops and vendor spaces to display their work. Tourists, in turn, will gain a comprehensive view of the area, extending beyond the traditional touristic routes.