Alliance: the sustainable regeneration of al-Azbakeya historical garden

Abstract

While the world is heading towards sustainability and climate action, Cairo is losing its greeneries. The project site lies in al-Azbakeya historical garden that lost more than 75% of its area to concrete structures, it is a part of historical Khedival Cairo that suffers from urban deterioration, high population, and pollution [1]. The project is a complex building that aims at converting al-Azbakeya garden into a hub of sustainable and green urbanism [2]. It also targets social and economic sustainability by tackling the problem of street vendors. The design approach is reached through site analysis to determine the challenges and opportunities of the site, and the project's targeted environmental, social, and economic impacts. Then, a functional program is established to integrate governmental and non-governmental organizations to provide collaborative sustainable solutions. The objectives are met by using four architectural design features: pixel-like interlocking masses, natural light, small buildings with local and recycled materials, and natural materials integrating with the garden context. Sustainable technologies are used in irrigation, energy use, and water use to ensure environmental sustainability [3]. Environmental analyses are developed to test the project's efficiency using Digital software plugins as Revit-Insight. Area Analysis is also carried out to check area distribution among different functions, while the Circulation Analysis shows best entrances and passages for pedestrians. The results are adding around 13 000 sqm (68% of total area) of green areas to the compact urban area, providing developed businesses in a regulated retail area for street vendors converting their problem into an asset supporting the Circular Economy Strategy, and reviving the livability of the community by cultural spaces like bookstores, open theater, and a second hand market promoting smart reuse. The project fulfills its objectives and meets the sustainable development goals 6, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, 15, and 16.