About the Achitectural Heriatge of Cairo
Work plan
After a general review of existing literature and a site
survey that determined the number of historic buildings, the database
was initially put together, comprising basic information on the building
history, its style and architect.
It was further developed thanks to extensive research at some government
facilities such as the Cadastral Registrar and the National Archives to
obtain the ownership history of the building since its construction.
Moreover, we approached the municipality for the information
pertaining to the streets. Also, we had to inspect a series of city maps
dating back to the nineteenth century to accurately determine dates of
construction.
The site survey determined the building height, number of floors, and
ground floor shops activities. Additional inquiries to residents and shop
owners who have been in the neighbourhood long enough proved to be worthwhile.
This project greatly relied on a visual documentation by means of photography.
Moreover, the photography of the different architectural elements was
necessary for the most commonly used elements as well as the unusual ones
Output
The expected products of this system are a CD-Rom that
the user can browse freely for the information previously mentioned. It
could also be available on the Internet for a wider distribution. A series
of articles retracing the history of buildings linking it to major events
can certainly provide an insight to a period of tremendous changes to
the nation, ranging from modernisation to the establishment of an independent
monarchy. Finally, it is possible to publish booklets and brochures on
the Downtown area
Users
The project would satisfy the needs of different users. The municipality
can use it as a reference for its restoration/rehabilitation projects.
Historians and architects as well as students in these fields can benefit
from the wealth of information available. Moreover, tourists can benefit
from the system since the area is a well-known tourist attraction offering
a variety of services such as hotels, entertainment and banking facilities…
etc. Ultimately, the system aspires to be used as a cultural awareness
tool to all Cairenes and Egyptians.
