Hidden potentials in Historic Cities: Soundscape in Historic Cairo as an Application

Abstract

Soundscape is one of the potentials that can define the uniqueness of Historic Cairo. The historic city’s essence is highly attached to crowded places, metal workshops, Azan (calling for prayer of Muslims), children playing at open spaces, mulids, markets and other activities. Soundscape as a potential is not yet involved as a criterion of the conservation planning process. The research will study the prevailing contextual integrity of Historic Cairo where different aspects will be put in consideration in the study as the: economic, social, urban, cultural and legislative and others. Every activity that takes place in Historic Cairo is related to one or more of these contexts. Then the study shall discuss the identity of Historic Cairo through activities considered as sources of sounds, whether these activities do already exist or will be added later to the urban context. Soundscape sources could be related to a daily, weekly or monthly, or even annual activities. It is aimed to conclude a set of soundscape design approaches in the Historic Cairo to be able to conserve the essence of the place. These approaches should be later integrated to future planned projects, whether they aim to create a new touristic itinerary or support an economical or cultural activity or any other scope of work concerning conservation. Finally, the research shall propose a design based on soundscape sources and the concluded approaches.