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.
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
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
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
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
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)
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)
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.
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.
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
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.
