Summary 

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Ward’s manifesto is a statement to help prevent the silencing of informal Cairo. 

The journey begins with the project’s conception as an individual piece within a collective vision created by Studio (Re) - Activist.

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President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, a retired military officer, has ‘the desire to eradicate slums’ - which would displace up to 60% of Cairo’s population and silence the informal (Curnow, 2019). In response to the current socio-political context students tested how architecture might strengthen gaps in infrastructure and representation.

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‘Taking Note’ rethinks how museums could be more inclusive and socially sustainable institutions. Ward adopts the mentality that true culture comes from moments within the everyday and that they should be remembered, treasured and celebrated. 

Critical situationist research explores several themes including the power of self expression through sound and the importance of memory. Design exercises and analysis culminate to inform a final project proposal which fosters  community wellbeing and legacy. 

Amplification of the informal community’s voice will raise international awareness of the situation and make eradication of a rich culture inconceivable.