POTENTIALS FOR CREATIVE URBAN DEVELOPMENT AT KOM EL-DEKKA- ALEXANDRIA

Authors

Dina Nassar, PhD., Department of Architectural Engineering- Faculty of Engineering- Alexandria UniversityFollow
Riham Ragheb, PhD., Department of Architectural Engineering- Faculty of Engineering- Pharos UniversityFollow

Abstract

Can Alexandria lead a future as its bright past? To raise this question, it is important to understand its past and present. Alexandria is a Mediterranean city and the second largest city in Egypt after Cairo. It was home to the Ancient Pharos Lighthouse and Library of Alexandria. Alexandria was once, not only the center of its region, but of the entire world. Now, merely any physical evidence of this history exists. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Alexandria became known as a cosmopolitan center of Mediterranean culture, economy and trade. These unique layers of cultural identity are now going through massive urban transformation, erasing all evidence of its heritage and history. This research plans to explore possibilities for a culturally proactive new path for Alexandria's future by highlighting heritage potentials in a special old area that contains unique cultural identity. The case study of Kom El-Dekka area is investigated; by presenting its rich history, its present problems and potentials for development. The research will also propose a sustainable vision for Kom El-Dekka’s future. Two main points are discussed; first, identifying the area's history and morphology, second; identifying the area’s problems and potentials to help sustain its rich cultural identity

Keywords

Heritage Conservation, Urban Development, Tourism, Urban Upgrade, Revitalization

Disciplines

Architecture | Arts and Humanities | Education | Engineering

Recommended Citation

Nassar, Dina and Ragheb, Riham (2018) "POTENTIALS FOR CREATIVE URBAN DEVELOPMENT AT KOM EL-DEKKA- ALEXANDRIA," Architecture and Planning Journal (APJ): Vol. 24: Iss. 1, Article 6.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.54729/2789-8547.1021