THE HEAR & NOW
Site Selection
The Foundation of Culture |
Artefact 7.1 Left | Collage - personal impression of Historic Cairo
Despite Historic Cairo being a world heritage site the government want to irradiate informal infrastructure and way of life. The ancient centre is culturally rich making it a perfect location to enact the first example of 'Museum Community'
The Patchwork City |
Artefact 7.2 Right | Cairo materiality
Cairo is made up of an extensive range of materials. In the past the city was wealthy, houses were built from sandstone and decorated with timber.
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Today a reliance on self help has led to the emergence of westernised, over-engineered concrete frames infilled with single skin brick.
Character in Abundance |
Artefact 7.3 Below | Site location collage
Seeking Out Space |
Artefact 7.4 Below | Site approach and noise study video
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To align with the studio manifesto aim to reduce displacement, I sought out an empty plot - A difficult challenge in the context of Cairo's dense street scape. By tracking noise levels and investigating the 'unobvious' I identified a rare open space, where the informal could be ‘listened to’.
Quiet Amidst A Dense Urban Grain |
Artefact 7.5 Left | Noli Plan of space and noise
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The quiet site amongst chaotic surroundings creates conceptual tension. The museum will require a controlled environment in which to manipulate sound and memory alongside creating an open inclusive community service.
This balancing act requires environment and technological development.
An Eclectic District |
Artefact 7.6 Left | Noli Plan of space and noise
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The area is very active. High footfall will ensure exposure and use of the community museum.
Respecting the Space |
Artefact 7.7 Right | Iso site model
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Space is precious in Cairo. In contrast to the dense vernacular I intend to take a moment to appreciate and preserve the existing quiet.
Amplification of the informal is not about volume but content. Designing efficiently will leave room for a space of reflection.
Building In Cairo
Macro Overview |
Artefact 7.8 Above | Wind direction and speed, soil type, flood risk and sun path diagram (CCKP, 2021)
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Cairo is situated on the River Nile. It has a Mediterranean climate with average seasonal temperatures ranging from 14-36C and wind speeds between 3 to 8 m/s (Gad, 2022). However, extreme weather is becoming more common. Temperatures continue to rise and precipitation levels are reducing. The Nile is Cairo's only water source and needs to be used efficiently.
Transport Infrastructure |
Artefact 7.9 Left | Transport links in Cairo (Burdett, 2018)
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Transport links in Cairo do not reflect its population density. Cars and tuk tuks are the main form of transport and regularly cause dangerous levels of pollution.
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Cairo's network is not set up to import construction materials on an individual project basis. Using local materials and craftsmen will support the economy and lower embodied carbon.
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Thin roads make site access difficult. Even trucks cannot enter a high percentage of informal settlements. Construction materials and techniques should be inclusive and utilise the vernacular self-help community strategy already in place where possible.
Environmental Design
'How will the museum interact with such rich context?'
Micro Analysis |
Artefact 7.10-7.12 Left & Below | Isometric study of site
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The combination of a strong design concept and in-depth site analysis will guide tectonic design. Strategies will focus on implementing passive solutions, fostering community health & well-being and creating delight. Studio target 8 will be achieved by minimising consumption and using renewable energies.
