Community Involvement Framework for Sustainable Urban Conservation: Case of Caliph Street - Historic Cairo

Abstract

Historic buildings shape the spine of our urban built environment; they are a tangible link to the past and connect people to their history and the history of place. Therefore, this research conveys a community involvement framework with regard to urban redevelopment throughout heritage conservation for Caliph Street- Historic Cairo. Thus, the environmental, economic, social and cultural issues related to urban redevelopment are examined. The necessity of involving community is highlighted. Moreover, the ability of government, heritage organizations and community groups to accept the notion of community involvement is investigated. A framework for urban cultural heritage conservation and management as a tool for sustainable redevelopment is presented. The incorporation of the literature and the existing status of Caliph Street is verified by questionnaires and guided interviews which target relevant interested stakeholders and professionals respectively to evaluate framework aspects. Furthermore, the role of public‟s capacity to make better decisions which affect urban conservation outcomes is emphasized. To date, the acceptance of this tool is very marginal in Egypt and requires the broadening of an entire set of heritage values in order to extend this framework to all heritage conservation neighborhoods.