Redefining Public Spaces in Egypt: Architecture of Change and Ownership Empowered by Citizens

Abstract

Architecture and Politics are connected in various ways, and one of the most notable functions of architecture in a political context is to reflect on the voice and needs of the people. This paper asks how architecture can become a catalyst for citizens to gain ownership of public spaces specifically, in Egypt. As an Egyptian citizen, I experienced the 18 days of the Egyptian revolution when people were able to temporarily gain their right to urban public spaces. As an architect, how can my design facilitate community engagement with public spaces becoming part of the city? I challenge the way, we Egyptians currently design, inhabit and create urban public spaces. This paper introduces a new concept of public spaces in Egypt by proposing a space where people have the power to create the place around them through communication, freedom, art, expressing ideas, and using technology. I suggest the principles of the revolution into the architectural design that means, redefining the traditional relationship between the architect and the community members focusing on a participatory design process.

By creating urban public spaces through architectural strategies that respond to people’s need, physical site, history, memory and that promote expression, gathering, and becomes a physical connection to the city. Interviews were conducted with citizens (stakeholders), planners, and those engaged in architectural practice and study in Egypt. Case studies include Downtown Cairo’s urban planning, in general, and, specifically, Tahrir Square is a major case study.