2. Integrated case study: Project proposals for Ezbet-el-muslemin area in Heliopolis, Cairo by Ishika Alim

IUSD

Integrated Case Study

Ezbet El-Muslimeen Area Project Proposals: Neighbourhood Action-Research Lab & Heritage Campaigns Fall 2019 Cairo, Egypt

AIN SHAMS UNIVERSITY

Group Members: Alim Ishika, Garg Mridula, Gil Pamela

MSc Integrated urbanism & Sustainable Design (IUSD)

Neighbourhood Action-Research Lab [NA-RL]

Defining Question:

How to assess the evolving needs of the community and develop an inter-sectoral approach to tackle the urban challenges faced over time?

Neighbourhood Action-Research Lab [NA-RL]

s1. A dynamic interaction between economic, socio-cultural and spatial elements over the years s2. History of civic engagement through neighborhood activation processes in Heliopolis

Strengths EZBET EL-MUSLIMEEN AREA Challenges c1. Lack of long term sustenance of different projects c2.Sectoral interests of stakeholders on topics such as heritage, public space and social engagement c3. Lack of participatory platforms and transparency in local governance

The project emphasizes in the improvement of the quality of life for its residents and users, therefore an evolving multi-sectoral process needs to be established for the neighborhood.

Proposal

*The Neighbourhood Action Research Lab will 1. Create an accessible knowledge base for the urban transformation processes 2. Co-ordinate interests of invested stakeholders 3. Bridge the gap between people and authorities 4. Design and prototype interventions on site to evaluate for scaling up and across

[NA-RL]: 4Pâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Pyramid top

CY LI PO

INTEGRATED NEIGHBORHOOD DEVELOPMENT

AN PL

1. Building Connections and Managing Interests 2. Establishing an Evolving Sustainability Over Time

RA OG

1. Multi-Stakeholder Partnerships 2. Enhanced Civic Engagement

3. Innovative Locally-Sensitive Interventions

PROJECT Neighbourhood Action-Research Lab bottom

[NA-RL]: Phases

PHASE 1

PHASE 2

PHASE 3

PHASE 4

PHASE 5

PHASE 6

Building a Team

Establishing a Mandate

Networking

Embedding

Key Focuses

Outreach

1. Access to knowledge regarding urban processes 2. Co-ordinating interests of different stakeholders 3. Bridging the gap between people and authorities 4. Testing ideas and assessing scaling potential

- Sharing learned lessons with governments, academics and interested citizens. - Establish a network of neighbourhood labs in the city/ country/ region

- New alliances - As part of an existing research project - As research wing for architects or planning offices

Lay down the foundational principles and key verticals of the project as well as assessment criteria

Situating in the Connecting with area to build trust key people on with the ground and community. At various interested the same time stakeholders to being aware of assess future city-level, regional collaborations and global debates

Creating the Based on NGOs and Could be part of office in the area organisations IUSD Lab/ Studio international (Heliopolis can be seen as a 39 etc. or an sustainable company, key incubation initiation by development project to know Studio 39, Graduates from agendas, national the area better and regional Heliopolis disciplines of and build policies, local Heritage etc) + urban studies hands-on site-specific Local social and economic actors + engagement. This process also creates a Municipalities + â&#x20AC;&#x153;new kind of Universities & research groups spaceâ&#x20AC;? in the area (academic alliances) INITIAL INCUBATION PROCESSES

The four focuses will be worked on simultaneously and help in enriching each other for creating a long-term sustainable engagement. Administrative roles will become of key importance at this stage as new alliances and funding loops will have to be established.

SDGs highlight the role of local action in creating sustainable cities. The lab will become an anchor and a model for urban practitioners in the region

EVOLUTIONARY & SUSTAINABILITY MECHANISMS

[NA-RL]: Project Brief

Description

The Neighbourhood Action Research Lab will 1. Create an accessible knowledge base for the urban transformation processes 2. Co-ordinate interests of invested stakeholders 3. Bridge the gap between people and authorities 4. Design and prototype interventions on site to evaluate for scaling up and across Focus areas: Research, Engagement, Pedagogy & Collaboration

Financial Model

Can be seen as either a part of a larger city research initiative or apply for seed funding for incubation initially

1. Universities and educational institutes 2. Urban studies graduates and practitioners Stakeholders 3. Local Municipality and relevant NGOs in the area 4. Local socio-economic stakeholders 5. Other urban researchers and practitioners Incubation

Embedding the lab in the neighbourhood and initiating dialogues

[NA-RL]: Lab in action

“Hidden Gems” as Catalysts [HG-C] Campaigns & Beyond

Defining Question:

How to initiate sustainable neighbourhood processes by drawing upon the existing potentials of the area?

“Hidden Gems” as Catalysts [HG-C]

s1. Rich architectural, socio-cultural and economic elements in the site s2. Unique architectural typologies with spatial elements worth conserving s3. Ongoing projects regarding heritage awareness and restoration in Heliopolis and Cairo

Strengths

EZBET EL-MUSLIMEEN AREA Challenges c1. Lack of acknowledgement and importance given to the architecture in the area c2. The perception of area as an anomaly and thus distinct from rest of Heliopolis c3. Poor maintenance and degradation of built structures and devalued socio-cultural elements

Acknowledge, promote, and conserve the “hidden gems*” of the area ; to position them as anchors for future development.

Proposal

* Hidden gems are defined as the built, socio-cultural and economic elements of the neighbourhood which are distinct; and which collectively create a base for identity-formation. These include unique architectural typologies from different time periods, long time economic activities such as photo-framing and other artisans, social mix of people from different parts of Egypt, etc.

[HG-C]: 4P’s Pyramid top

CY LI PO

AN PL PR

RA OG M bottom

STRENGTHENING THE NEIGHBORHOOD´s THE IDENTITY OF

1.Conserving Architectural aand Built Heritage 2. Promoting the Local Economic and Socio-Cultural Identity

1. Archiving Transformations Over the Years 2. Restoration of Buildings with Architectural Significance 3. Reprogramming Built Spaces to Host Rich Local Activities PROJECT Connecting the “hidden gems” in the area with the Heliopolis fabric through campaigns in the form of neighborhood walks, exhibitions, story collection, and cultural events

[HG-C]: Phases

PHASE 1

PHASE 2

PHASE 3

PHASE 4

PHASE 5

PHASE 6

PHASE 7

Awareness

Documentation

Promotion