Citizen Participation in Historic Cairo (CPHC)
The group started working on the following: - Analysing the cadastral map as well as the current situation of the open space and its surroundings taking into account the activities and ownership. The open space consists of two plots. The owner of one plot is known while the other owner is not. - Analysing the strengths, weaknesses, challenges and opportunities of the open space in light of the information collected. - Recognizing previous initiatives of the inhabitants to upgrade the open space. For example, removing the solid waste from empty plots. - Taking into account the needs of the residents of the buildings surrounding the open space and its users i.e., whether they can get from one area to another or, in the case of the neighbourhood’s children, whether they spend part of their day there. - Taking into account that intervention should be in the form of light structures that are easy to dismantle and install if needed. This is because the open space is not of public property but consists of two private owned plots of land. The proposed intervention on Yarim Agha Open Space includes the following: - Shaded areas with wooden benches and seating tables. - A playing area for children with reusable car tires. - Graffiti on the facade of two walls overlooking the open space. The drawings will include one of the twelve legends associated with Bayt al-Kritliyya. - Suspended lighting units and lighting lanterns. - Drinking pots for dogs. - A green area.
Figure 63 Proposed graffiti overlooking the open space.
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