Preserving Heritage Areas within the Framework of Sustainable Investment for Historic Government Ministry Buildings after Their Move to the New Administrative Capital | ||
| International Design Journal | ||
| Article 8, Volume 14, Issue 1 - Serial Number 59, January and February 2024, Pages 95-109 PDF (1.69 M) | ||
| Document Type: Original Article | ||
| DOI: 10.21608/idj.2023.242323.1096 | ||
| Authors | ||
| Sherif Helmy Ahmed* 1; Mahmoud Fouad Mahmoud2 | ||
| 1Department of architecture, Faculty of Engineering, High Institute of Engineering-15May, Cairo-15 may, Egypt | ||
| 2Department of Architecture and Urban Planning, Faculty of Engineering, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt | ||
| Abstract | ||
| The central Cairo area, known as the "Ministries Square," grapples with acute congestion attributed to the concentration of numerous ministries and government agencies. This area, frequented daily by a substantial number of citizens, including employees and workers, hosts government institutions of significant historical and archaeological value. Several of these institutions face deterioration and damage due to prolonged use and inadequate maintenance relative to their historical significance. This paper advocates for the repurposing of the Ministries Square in downtown Cairo, leveraging its prominent geographical location at the heart of the capital. The current uses of this area do not align with its inherent value, especially considering the ongoing relocation of government functions to the Administrative Capital. The research endeavours to present an institutional system geared towards fostering a competitive advantage for the Ministries Square area. The envisioned transformation involves establishing an open museum showcasing ancient historical areas and buildings, creatively utilizing them for unconventional purposes. The methodology encompasses outlining a general framework for preserving heritage areas and buildings, presenting visions and strategic plans for the Greater Cairo region and the New Administrative Capital over the next two decades, diagnosing the current state of the Ministries Square area, delineating existing challenges, and proposing an initial planning vision. Finally, the study puts forth a system of policies and mechanisms focused on preserving heritage government buildings in downtown Cairo, aligning with the sustainability concept to safeguard the values these structures hold for future generations while restoring their aesthetic and cultural significance. | ||
| Keywords | ||
| Heritage buildings; urban heritage; Ministries Square; Downtown Cairo | ||
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| References | ||
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