AFFORDABLE HOUSING IN HISTORIC CAIRO CASE STUDY OF AL DARB AL AHMAR AREA

AFFORDABLE HOUSING IN HISTORIC CAIRO:
CASE STUDY OF AL DARB AL AHMAR AREA
By
Mustafa Nagy Elsherif
A Thesis Submitted to the
Faculty of Engineering at Cairo University
in Partial Fulfillment of the
Requirements for the Double Degree of
MASTER OF SCIENCE
in
URBAN DESIGN - Revitalization of Historic City Districts
BRANDENBURG UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY,
COTTBUS, GERMANY
FACULTY OF ENGINEERING, CAIRO UNIVERSITY
GIZA, EGYPT
September - 2018

By
Requirements for the Degree of
MASTER OF SCIENCE
in
Under the Supervision of
Prof. Dr. Ahmed Ouf
……………………………….
Prof. Dr. Heinz Nagler
……………………………….
General Director and main researcher
Department of Architecture
Faculty of Engineering,
Cairo University
Professor of Urban Planning & Design
Department of Town Planning & Design
Faculty of Architecture, Civil Engineering,
and City Planning
Brandenburg University of Technology
BRANDENBURG UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY,
COTTBUS, GERMANY
GIZA, EGYPT
September - 2018

By
Requirements for the Degree of
MASTER OF SCIENCE
in
Approved by the
Examining Committee
____________________________
Prof. Dr. Muhga E. Imbaby, External Examiner
____________________________
Prof. Dr. Ahmed M. Shalaby, Internal Examiner
____________________________
Prof. Dr. Ahmed Ouf, Thesis Main Advisor
____________________________
Prof. Dr. Heinz Nagler, Thesis Main Advisor
GIZA, EGYPT
September – 2018

Engineer’s Name: Mustafa Nagy Elsherif
Date of Birth: 27/01/1994
Nationality: Egyptian
E-mail: Mostafa_nagy31@hotmail.com
Phone: +201028955248
Address: 20 Ahmed Shaalan st. Saad Qamar district, Benha,
Qalyobiya. 13512
Registration Date: …./…./2016
Awarding Date: …./…./2018
Degree: Master of Science
Department: Architecture
Supervisors:
Prof. Ahmed Ouf
Prof. Heinz Nagler
Examiners:
Prof. Muhga E. Imbaby (External examiner)
Prof. Ahmed M. Shalaby (Internal examiner)
Prof. Ahmed Ouf (Thesis main advisor)
Prof. Heinz Nagler (Thesis main advisor)
Title of Thesis:
Affordable Housing in Historic Cairo:
Case study of Al Darb Al Ahmar area
Key Words:
Affordable; Infill housing; Diversity; Healthy society
Summary:
Al Darb Al Ahmar district is suffering from population decrease due to low life
quality and bad building conditions. Whether these bad building conditions are
intentionally done to sell and demolish the building or not, they eventually lead
to a sort of social instability in the district. Hence, this research studies the
hypothesis that providing affordable housing should help stabilize the society
through meeting its needs while fitting within the surrounding context.
The research finally reaches a housing strategy as well as an affordable housing
prototype to be repeated in different land types. The research then recommends
further development that should help in the rehabilitation process.

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Acknowledgments
First and foremost, I would like to thank God Almighty for giving me the strength,
knowledge, ability and opportunity to undertake this research study and to persevere and
complete it satisfactorily.
I would like to thank my family and friends for their continuous, unlimited support.
I was honored to be guided by Prof. Dr. Ahmed Ouf and Prof. Dipl.-IngHeinz Naglar
as my supervisors. Thanks for sharing your most needed knowledge with me.
I give my appreciation and gratitude for the support provided by the URHC project,
providing essential data required for this research.

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Table of Contents
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS ............................................................................................. I
TABLE OF CONTENTS..............................................................................................II
LIST OF FIGURES .....................................................................................................IV
NOMENCLATURE.....................................................................................................VI
ABSTRACT................................................................................................................VII
CHAPTER 1 : INTRODUCTION................................................................................8
1.1. BACKGROUND......................................................................................8
1.2. RESEARCH PROBLEM............................................................................8
1.2.1. Problem indicators ....................................................................................... 8
1.3. HYPOTHESIS.........................................................................................8
1.4. METHODOLOGY ...................................................................................9
1.5. ORGANIZATION OF THE THESIS.............................................................9
CHAPTER 2 : LITERATURE REVIEW..................................................................11
2.1. INTRODUCTION: HOUSING AS A HUMAN RIGHT ..................................11
2.2. THE CONCEPT OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING ..........................................11
2.3. SOCIAL HOUSING AND AFFORDABLE HOUSING..................................12
2.4. CONTEMPORARY THREATS TO AFFORDABILITY .................................12
2.5. CASE STUDIES : HOUSING IN HISTORIC ..............................................13
2.5.1. Society hill, Philadelphia, USA .................................................................. 13
2.5.1.1. Background:.............................................................................................................13
2.5.1.2. Phases of Development and Deterioration ............................................................... 13
2.5.1.3. Vision....................................................................................................................... 14
2.5.1.4. Administrative procedures:...................................................................................... 14
2.5.1.5. Redevelopment plan in practice:..............................................................................14
2.5.1.6. Results...................................................................................................................... 15
2.5.1.7. Conclusion ............................................................................................................... 16
CHAPTER 3 : HOUSING IN AL DARB AL AHMAR............................................17
3.1. SITE ANALYSIS ..................................................................................17
3.1.1. Study location ............................................................................................. 17
3.1.2. Historic background................................................................................... 18
3.1.3. Administrative division............................................................................... 18
3.1.4. Ground figure plan..................................................................................... 18
3.1.5. Empty land plots......................................................................................... 22
3.1.6. Building Typology....................................................................................... 23
3.1.7. Public Space ............................................................................................... 24
3.2. ECONOMIC LEVELS IN RELATION TO MONTHLY INCOME.....................24
3.3. SOCIO - ECONOMIC SITUATION...........................................................25
3.4. SUMMARY..........................................................................................27
3.4.1. Opportunities and Challenges.................................................................... 27

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CHAPTER 4 PROPOSED HOUSING STRATEGY................................................28
4.1. VISION ...............................................................................................28
4.2. OBJECTIVES .......................................................................................28
4.3. HOUSING AFFORDABILITY IN PRACTICE.............................................28
4.3.1. Unit price.................................................................................................... 28
4.3.2. Payment plan.............................................................................................. 29
4.3.3. Incremental housing ................................................................................... 29
4.4. HOUSING STRATEGY ..........................................................................29
4.5. ADMINSTRATIVE PROCEDURE............................................................32
4.5.1. Partnership................................................................................................. 32
4.5.2. Funding....................................................................................................... 32
4.5.3. Execution measures................................................................................... 32
4.6. CONCLUSION......................................................................................32
CHAPTER 5 MIXED HOUSING PROTOTYPE.....................................................33
5.1. LOCATION SELECTION ........................................................................33
5.2. DESIGN PRINCIPLES............................................................................36
5.3. DESIGN PROGRAM .............................................................................36
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS .......................................................................43
 FURTHER DEVELOPMENT:......................................................................43
REFERENCES.............................................................................................................45
APPENDIX A: EMPTY LAND PLOTS ANALYSIS...............................................46

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List of Figures
Figure 1 Research methodology, Source: Author ..........................................................10
Figure 2 Components of housing affordability, Source: Majale et al. (2011:11)...........11
Figure 3 The proposed residential society hill towers after construction.......................15
Figure 4 New houses blend with historic ones at Delancey street .................................15
Figure 5 Contrast between high rise new building and restored historic houses ...........15
Figure 6 Al Darb Al Ahmar (highlighted in yellow) in relation to historic Cairo's world
heritage site. Source: URHC project – 2011. .................................................................17
Figure 7 Ground Figure Plan. Source: Author ...............................................................19
Figure 8 Land use plan. Data source: URHC project 2018. Illustrated by Author. .......20
Figure 9 Crafts distribution in ADAA, Source: Author .................................................21
Figure 10 Craftsman working on a lantern. Source: Christopher Wilton-Steer.............21
Figure 11 A cordwainer (shoe-maker) in the markets of al-Darb al-Ahmar. Source:
Christopher Wilton-Steer................................................................................................21
Figure 12 An artisan stitching a new design. Source: Christopher Wilton-Steer...........21
Figure 31 Empty land plots analysis. Data source: URHC project. Illustrated by Author
........................................................................................................................................22
Figure 14 Building Typology in ADAA, Source: Shuhayb, Dina .................................23
Figure 15 Shop owners use streets to display goods. .....................................................24
Figure 16 Craftsmen like to work outside their workshops in daylight .........................24
Figure 17 Children play and women sit in front of their houses only in the deepest
pockets with low connectivity........................................................................................24
Figure 18 Street is used as a parking for means of goods transportation.......................24
Figure 19 Comparison between unemployment rates in 2006 and 2017. Source: URHC
project 2018....................................................................................................................25
Figure 20 Population change in 2006 and 2017. Source: CAPMAS 2006, 2017 ..........25
Figure 21 Prevailing economic activities in ADAA in 2006 and 2017. Source: URHC
project 2018....................................................................................................................26
Figure 22 Percentages of residents based on their length of residence in ADAA .........26
Figure 23 Interior and plan of Wakala Qansuh al-Ghawri Plan, Source: archnet.org....30
Figure 24 Housing strategy in ADAA, Source: Author .................................................31
Figure 25 Proposals for small land plots, Source: Author..............................................31
Figure 26 Map showing land plot (highlighted in red) in relation to surroundings. ......33
Figure 27 Selected land plot in relation to surrounding streets......................................33
Figure 28 Ayyubid Wall along Burg Al Zafr Street. Source: Author ............................34
Figure 29 View of Al Azhar park from site, Source: Author.........................................34
Figure 30 Sidi Sahl El Sonoury mosque, Source: Author..............................................35
Figure 31 Buildings adjacent to site, Source: Author.....................................................35
Figure 32 The pedestrain path separating the national youth club and the Ayyubid Wall,
Source: Author................................................................................................................35
Figure 33 Prototype ground floor plan in relation to the surrounding context, Scale
1:500, Source: Author ....................................................................................................37
Figure 34 Spatial analysis of typical floor plan. Source: Author ...................................38
Figure 35 Area analysis of typical floor plan, Source Author........................................39
Figure 36 Proposed furniture layout for typical floor plan, Source: Author..................39
Figure 37 Planned phases of construction for incremental housing...............................40
Figure 38 Rendered Elevation of the prototype .............................................................41

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Figure 39 Design variations allowed by modular design, Scale 1:500. Source: Author41
Figure 40 3D shot of the proposed protoype as seen from Al Azhar Park side, Source:
Author.............................................................................................................................42
Figure 41 Aerial Shot of the prototype within context, Source: Author ........................42

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Nomenclature
ADAA: Al Darb Al Ahmar.
CAPMAS: Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics
URHC: Urban Regeneration Project for Historic Cairo
NOUH: National Organization for Urban Harmony
PRA: Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority
OPDC: Old Philadelphia Development Corporate

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Abstract
The population of Al Darb Al Ahmar has been gradually decreasing over the past
years. This is mainly due to migration of residents escaping low life quality and lack of
services in the district. Moreover, house owners are selling their properties to contractors
who demolish historic houses of value in order to construct higher residential buildings.
However bad the situation may seem, a demand for housing is noticed.
The research explores the hypothesis that providing affordable housing that meets
people’s needs and fits within context should contribute to stabilizing the society as a
part of the revitalization process.
The main purpose of this paper is to develop a housing strategy for the district. An
affordable housing prototype should then be proposed in order to initiate the development
plan. This is done through analysis of the current situation in ADAA to better define
problems and challenges. Then though site visits, an available land plot in Burg Al Zafar
Street is selected to host the prototype, which should be repeated in different land areas
and types.
The research helped to develop an overall strategy for housing distribution around
the district relating to locations of local crafts. The strategy is deprived through a vision
and defined objectives. Measures relevant to affordability are proposed such as payment
plan and unit price. Then, a program for the housing proposal as well as design principles
are defined to be followed. The prototype puts the design principles into application,
targeting issues like modularity, spatial planning and privacy in the historic city. Finally
the research recommends further development measures.
Keywords: Infill housing, Affordability, Compactness, Diversity, Healthy society

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Chapter 1 : Introduction
This chapter provides an overview of the problem of housing in the case study
area, stating the research problem and its indicators. The introduction then explains the
objective of research as well as the methodology used to reach it. It presents the
hypothesis studied through the next chapters.
1.1. Background
Al Darb Al Ahmar is an urban cluster in the heart of Cairo, hosting numerable
buildings of historic value. This does not only include religious buildings, but also
commercial and residential buildings with distinctive architectural style. The district is
considered one of the oldest local district in Cairo. This explains the interest in the district
which is currently undergoing a huge rehabilitation project. However, this does not
necessarily mean that ADAA is at its best condition.
1.2. Research problem
The study claims there is social instability in Al Darb Al Ahmar area, which leads
the residents to abandon the district.
1.2.1.Problem indicators
Demolition of historic buildings in Al Darb Al Ahmar is considered one indicator of
the instability problem. In 2014, three historic buildings were demolished after a
contractor purchased the properties. These buildings are Bayt Madkour, Al Sheikh Al
khureiby mausoleum and Bayt Al Mohandes. This was not the only incident of its kind.
Due to low life quality in the district, as well as bad building conditions, many
residential buildings are evacuated for demolition. While the evacuated residents cannot
afford living in the district anymore, they end up adding to informal housing. As a result
of these conditions, the overall population of ADAA gradually decreased by 3.2% since
2006, until 2017.
1.3. Hypothesis
The study proposes affordable housing strategy as a tool to stabilize the society of
the historic district. The construction of infill housing should contribute to the
rehabilitation of the area through encouraging the existence of a socially homogenous
community.

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1.4. Methodology
As illustrated in (figure 1), the research is conducted through studying case studies
offering rehabilitation approaches in similar situations, in order to learn about the
solutions and applicable ideas in this specific case. The research also studies the
circumstances of ADAA district in terms of urban analysis, social situation, life style,
and income levels of current residents.
The main target of research is to propose an affordable housing prototype that would
act as a pilot project in the district. The research also aims at developing an affordable
housing strategy for ADAA, with recommendations for locations of each type of housing
and guidelines for land uses.
1.5. Organization of the thesis
After chapter 1 provides an overview of the problem of housing in the case study
area, stating the research problem, objective as well as the methodology used to reach it.
It presents the hypothesis studied through the next chapters. The remainder of this thesis
is organized as follows.
Chapter 2 provides a detailed survey of the previous case studies of housing in
historic districts, where redevelopment plans were made and successfully executed in
order to reach a conclusion of the successful elements that can be used in the case of
research.
Chapter 3 then covers the needed analysis of Al Darb Al Ahmar district in order to
achieve the proposed housing plan. It includes analysis of the district’s physical
environment as well as its social structure. This chapter aims at clarifying the situation
in ADAA and defining the opportunities and challenges in the district.
Chapter 4 explains the proposed housing strategy. It includes the vision, the
objectives and the guiding principles required to achieve them
Chapter 5 justifies the proposed design for the housing prototype that should lead
the development process. It includes drawings ends with further guidance regarding the
development of the district. Then finally an overall conclusion sums up the research’s
findings and results.

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Figure 1 Research methodology, Source: Author

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Chapter 2 : Literature Review
2.1. Introduction: Housing as a human right
Access to adequate housing is a fundamental human right, which forms an essential
part of the right to adequate standard of living as recognized by the Universal Declaration
of Human Rights (art. 25.1) (Assembly, 1948). As per United Nations Human Rights,
Adequate housing is defined based on seven main elements. These elements are legal
security of tenure, housing affordability, habitability, availability of services,
accessibility, location and cultural adequacy. (Habitat, 2009). Out of these seven
elements, the focal point of this research is housing affordability.
2.2. The concept of Affordable Housing
Affordability is a broad term with different meanings that can be used for all income
groups. There are many variables affecting housing affordability. As illustrated by
(Majale, Tipple, & French, 2011) in figure 1.1, components affecting housing
affordability can be categorized into two types of variables, capital variables and
occupational variables. Capital variables are related to the construction and purchase
costs. These are variables associated with land value, infrastructure costs, building
materials as well as labor cost. While occupational variables are more about expenses
related to keeping the house, such as service costs, land lease and building maintenance.
Figure 2 Components of housing affordability, Source: Majale et al. (2011:11)
Capital variables
Material/ House inputs:
• Land
• Infrastructure.
• Building materials
• Labour and profit.
Finance:
Down payment required
Savings and depts
Occupational variables
Material/ House inputs:
• Land lease/rates.
• Service costs.
• Building Maintenance.
Finance:
Interest rates and loan period
Income and expenditure

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According to this, one way to make housing more affordable, especially for low
income residents, is by reducing costs of relevant variables. This can be done through
economizing on material costs, using a more efficient infrastructure, or even reducing
labor costs. However, considering household income as the only indicator of housing
affordability could provide misleading results. In order to have a clearer view of housing
affordability, (Stone, 2006) suggests to consider the household income in relation to costs
of housing as well as non-housing needs. This approach is known as the residual income
approach. In this case, housing affordability is considered more of a market problem
rather than an income problem. This means it requires public intervention to provide
affordable housing.
2.3. Social Housing and Affordable Housing
It is important to differentiate between social housing and affordable housing. Social
housing means providing accommodation for low income people. It is usually owned by
the government or a non-profit sector. It is a sort of intervention done by the government
to solve the lack of low income housing provided by the private sector. Social housing is
usually dense and needs large land plots. However, this is not the kind of housing
proposed in Al Darb Al Ahmar for reasons explained below.
Al Darb Al Ahmar district has an interesting diversity of income groups. It does not
only host low income residents, but also middle and higher income people. Hence, the
housing needs of such a society should be met through a concept broader than social
housing. Moreover, ADAA is already a very dense district when it comes to its urban
fabric. This is why proposing social housing would be critical in such a location. Adding
that social housing has many limitations and conditions that would not serve the target
of the research in stabilizing a diverse, healthy society. For these reasons, it would be
more precise for the research to propose affordable housing and not social housing.
2.4. Contemporary threats to Affordability
Throughout developing countries, the greatest obstacle for housing affordability is
the high price of suitable land parcels. (George, 2006) (Freire, Ferguson, Cira, Lima, &
Kessides, 2007). In order to control land prices, a combination of measures is required.
First, there has to be an urban policy that banalces the interests of stakeholders (land
owners, government, developers and housing consumers). A property tax should be
applied progressively to unbuilt urban parcels. Moreover, There should be a law allowing
the government to purchace urban land for affordable housing at pre-speculative prices.
(Ferguson & Smith, 2010)
Another threat to housing affordability is the rising costs of construction materials.
This does not only include costs of building materials itself, but also includes material
delivery which causes high energy/carbon construction. If materials require long
commute for them to be delivered to sites, it will surely cost more than building using
local materials. (Urry, 2015)

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Moreover, the increasing uncontrolled informal housing, which produces low quality
products affects the public and private investment. Lack of technical assistance and
increasing vulnerability to natural disasters and climate change can have catastrophic
results that would eventually affect the housing market.
2.5. Case studies : Housing in Historic
This section studies a similar case study of housing rehabilitation in a historic
district, where redevelopment plans were made and successfully executed. the case study
starts with a background stating the main problem of this case, then moves on to the
development plan or the strategy used for it and ends with a conclusion of the successful
elements that can be used in the case of research.
2.5.1.Society hill, Philadelphia, USA
2.5.1.1. Background:
Society hill is a small historic neighborhood in center city Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania. It is located between the Delaware River on the east, 8th Street on the west,
bordered by Walnut Street on the north and Lombard Street on the south. With a history
that dates back to the 1680s, it is considered one of the oldest residential neighborhoods
in the city of Philadelphia. The historic importance of Society hill is related to the
adjacent independence hall where American colonies declared their independence,
adopted the U.S constitution and established the federal government.
2.5.1.2. Phases of Development and Deterioration
The earliest development in society hill area was during the founding of Philadelphia
by William Penn in 1682. In order to promote the new city, Penn incorporated a joint
stock company called the Free Society of Traders (Dunn & Dunn, 1982). The company’s
intended projects involved linen production, fisheries, mining as well as oil and fur trades
with the Native American people. The presence of the company encouraged the
settlement of a wealthy community in the area, building 2000 houses in the surrounding
neighborhood by 1698. This high class represented the majority of population until the
1850’s. (Pace, 1976)
By the beginning of the 19th century, there was an exponential population growth
due to the economic activity in the city. Hence, the city expanded and due to limitations
of transportation, all economic classes co-existed in a close geographic proximity.
However, with improvements of transportation, the wealthy moved out of the congested
neighborhood to the west of Philadelphia. The remaining residents in Society hill were
of the working class and they soon moved to the vacant houses left by the elites. (Proctor
& Ware). The absence of the high-income class severely affected the tax base of the
neighborhood. Without financial security there was a rapid deterioration of the physical
conditions of the area.

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By the mid-1900’s, despite the historic value of the area, it was considered a slum
with crime and poverty threatening the neighborhood. Many residential buildings had
been converted to warehouses, storage spaces, cheap rooming houses and bars. 15 acres
in the historic center were occupied by a wholesale food market causing congestion, dirt
and noise over a wide area. As a result, almost 83% of residential structures were
substandard and less the 40% of dwellings were occupied by owners. (Pace, 1976)
2.5.1.3. Vision
In 1947, Edmund Bacon, who was the executive director of Philadelphia’s city
planning commission started the urban renewal movement of the neighborhood.
Edmund’s vision for the district included the relocation of the wholesale market, the
development of a strong residential tax base and the preservation of architecturally
significant historic homes.
2.5.1.4. Administrative procedures:
In 1949, The Congress passed the National housing act, which stated that the Federal
government would provide two thirds of the necessary fund for approved urban renewal
projects, while the local government would pay the remaining third. This allowed for
property acquisition, demolition and land clearance of the targeted development areas.
The Congress then modified the housing act in 1954, providing that the federal
housing administration backed the mortgage insurance for banks that lent money for new
or rehabilitated housing projects. This protected the local banks who were redlining,
refusing to provide loads for development of poor areas because of financial risk.
The private sector as well played a vital part in the redevelopment process. In 1956,
a group of local business and banking leaders formed Old Philadelphia Development
Corporate (OPDC) as a non- profit organization that followed the implementation of the
project, working closely with the governmental institution responsible for the project,
The Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority (PRA)(Proctor & Ware)
2.5.1.5. Redevelopment plan in practice:
The PRA subdivided the redevelopment zone into four units. For the first one, a
competition was held for design proposals of the area. The winning design, submitted by
the architect I.M.Pei, proposed towers that offered 720 luxury residential units with prime
locations and views of the neighborhood. This helped attract the wealthy residents back
to society hill. The design also included the construction of 3 story, standalone houses
for single families.

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As for the second and third zones of development, more than 700 houses were
selected for rehabilitation for their architectural significance. House owners were allowed
30 days to agree to voluntary restoration of their properties according to specific design
standards. Many owners actually took advantage of the funds provided by the federally
insured mortgages and eventually rehabilitated 34% of the area’s houses.
Private owners of land were allowed to build their own houses, as per the approved
designs in order to keep the urban harmony of the district. This plan ultimately led to a
successful development process attracting the wealthy as well as the middle class
residents to the city.
2.5.1.6. Results
In 1967, the redevelopment plan was considered an
overwhelming success as it positively enhanced the
city’s economy. However, the lower income residents
did not feel welcome in the neighborhood, especially
after the towers proposal executed in unit 1. There was
a displacement of many residents of the city as they were
forced to vacate their properties for demolition. Owners
who could not afford to rehabilitate their own homes
were also forced to sell the property to the PRA, which
then resold it to new owners who could afford the
rehabilitation process.
Figure 4 New houses blend with
historic ones at Delancey street
Figure 3 The proposed residential
society hill towers after
construction
Figure 5 Contrast between
high rise new building and
restored historic houses

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2.5.1.7. Conclusion
The redevelopment process of society hill has its advantages and disadvantages. The
success of the project is mainly due to the following elements:
1. The clear vision and targets that Edmund Bacon had for the area, initiated the
development process.
2. Continuous support of the federal government, especially in backing the
mortgage insurance for banks, in order to facilitate the rehabilitation efforts done
by residents.
3. Targeting the higher income class as a promoter for the project through providing
luxurious residential units in prime locations.
4. Involvement of private sector represented in (OPDC) provided needed funds and
guidance along the rehabilitation process.
5. Allowing private owners of lands to build their houses as per the approved
designs.
However, despite the success of the project in revitalizing the district’s economy,
The lower income class that once lived there was negatively affected. There was a
displacement of this class as they could not afford living in the newly constructed
structures. They were no longer welcome to live there, by the new, wealthy class.Hence,
it becomes crucial to consider the lower income class when proposing a development
plan, in order to have a healthy, homogenous society.

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Chapter 3 : Housing in Al Darb Al Ahmar
This chapter covers the needed analysis of Al Darb Al Ahmar district in order to achieve
the proposed housing plan. It includes analysis of the district’s physical environment as
well as its social structure.
3.1. Site Analysis
3.1.1.Study location
Al Darb Al Ahmar district is an urban cluster with an area of 1.877 km² in the heart of
historic Cairo. According to the administrative division of Cairo, Al Darb Al Ahmar
Figure 6 Al Darb Al Ahmar (highlighted in yellow) in relation to historic Cairo's
world heritage site. Source: URHC project – 2011.

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belongs to “Hayy Wasat” – which translates to the middle neighborhood. The district is
located to the south of Al Azhar Street. To the eastern side of the district stands the
historic Cairo wall remains along the side of Al Azhar Park. The district is bordered to
the western side by Port Said Street.
3.1.2.Historic background
Islamic Cairo dates back to 641 AD when Amr Ibn Al As first entered Egypt. He
then decided to construct Al Fustat as his main settlement, and he picked this location for
its land connectivity to the Islamic empire, where it was easier to reach than it was from
Alexandria. Then in 658 started the Umayyad dynasty which took Damascus, Syria as its
main concern, at this period, Al Fustat was neglected and housing settlements were at a
bad condition.
Then when the Abbasids rule started in 752 AD, attention was brought back to Cairo
where they built Al Askar settlement, and connected it to Al Fustat. However, it failed to
attract residents. In 868 AD, Ahmed Ibn Tulun, an independent ruler developed a new
settlement called Al Qatai’ to the north west of Al Askar. It was then divided into
quarters, each quarter was specifically built for a group of residents. It was highly
inspired by Samarra city in Iraq. Then in 905, Al Qatai’ was burnt down by the Abbasids
who reclaimed rule after death of Ibn Tulun.
In 969 AD, Gawhar Al Siqilli started the Fatimid Caliphate rule in Egypt where he
constructed Al Qahira city. The city was expensive to stay in and Al Fustat still acted like
the commercial center. In 1074, Badr Al Gamali ordered the construction of strong walls
and gates around the city. Due to the expensive life of Cairo “inside the walls” there was
a demand for housing on the briefers’ of the city. To the Southern part of the walls, Al
Darb Al Ahmar district developed as the one of the first local neighborhoods in Cairo.
3.1.3.Administrative division
Al darb Al Ahmar district includes 14 divisions, known as “Sheyakha’s”. These divisions
are Al Batniya, Al Dawodiya, Al Darb Al Ahmar, Al Amry, Al Ghoriya, Al Qerabiya,
Al Megharbelein, Bab Al Wazir, Taht Al Raba’, Haret Al Roum, Darb Shaghlan, Darb
Sa’ada and Souq Al Selah.
3.1.4.Ground figure plan
The ground figure plan of ADAA (figure 3) shows a very dense Islamic urban fabric,
with standalone structures represented in mosques, schools and hospitals. The Ayyubid
wall stands out along the eastern side of the district. Urban voids are represented in empty
land plots as well as inner courts of mosques and historic Islamic houses. This unique
urban fabric requires sensitive interventions, represented in the proposed infill housing.

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Figure 7 Ground Figure Plan. Source: Author
Al Darb Al Ahmar’s urban fabric is almost the same it was in 1807, except for new urban
fabric to the north eastern part of the district, ADAA kept its original fabric along time.
Moreover, there are pre-modern anchors represented in the famous Al Azhar mosque as
well as Al Mu’ayyad mosque in the center of the district.
4.1.4. Land use
The land use analysis (figure 4) shows that most of the district is occupied by residential
activity. Al Azhar street stands out as a vivid commercial axe, especially the north
western part of it. Al Mo’ez le Din Allah street is also a very busy commercial street,
with shops on both sides extending to Al Khayamiyah to the south. There is a presence
of crafts in the form of scattered industrial spots all around the district. The map also
shows the availability of services as Al Hussein hospital, Police station, regional post
office, Al Azhar University and schools.

11
4.1.5. Crafts distribution
The district is well known for local crafts. As shown on (figure 11), wood crafts are
scattered along Darb Sa’ada, while upholstery is concentrated in Haret Al Menaggeden,
which translates to “upholstery alley”. The citadel street hosts furniture makers. Al
Mou’ez le Din Allah Street has jewelry stores related to tourism. In Al Darb Al Ahmar
street, one can find iron and copper crafts (figure 12, 13,14). Moreover, there are papyrus
artists to the south of Al Azhar mosque and textile shops along Al Khayamiyah street.
There were economic – political paradigm shifts in the life of crafts in ADAA. For
instance, Al Khayamiya textile workers once produced the Kiswa , or the cover, of Al
Ka’ba. This was during the time of Nasser as cloth industry business flourished due to
exporting to Russia. However, when Sadat ruled Egypt, he liberalised the community so
cheaper goods entered local market and local industry was negatively affected. (J. Beinin,
2004) Currently, due to the economic status of Egypt, raw materials are more expensive
and there are fewer tourists. The industry is not as profitable as it used to be. Hence, It
becomes crucial to take local crafts into consideration as it forms a huge part of the area’s
identity.
Figure 8 Land use plan. Data source: URHC project 2018. Illustrated by Author.

10
Figure 9 Crafts distribution in ADAA, Source: Author
Figure 10 Craftsman
working on a lantern.
Source: Christopher Wilton-
Steer
Figure 11 A
cordwainer (shoe-
maker) in the markets
of al-Darb al-Ahmar.
Source: Christopher
Wilton-Steer
Figure 12 An artisan
stitching a new design.
Source: Christopher
Wilton-Steer

11
3.1.5.Empty land plots
The district offers the opportunity of 133 empty land plots. These land are either used as
private parking spaces, or fenced with no use, or even hosting one floor constructions for
workshops. As per the empty lands map provided by URHC project, the following
analysis was conducted. If categorized by number, 26 % of the available lands are less
than 100 sq.m, however this number forms only 8% of the available land areas. Similarly,
only 6% of empty lands exceed 500 sq.m. These lands form a whole quarter of the
available land area.
26%
32%
23%
9%
4%
6%
Empty lands, categorized by number
less than 100m2
100 - 200 m2
200 - 300 m2
300 - 400 m2
400 - 500 m2
More than 500
m2
Figure 31 Empty land plots analysis. Data source: URHC project. Illustrated by Author
8%
21%
24%
14%
8%
25%
Empty lands, categorized by area
less than 100m2
100 - 200 m2
200 - 300 m2
300 - 400 m2
400 - 500 m2
More than 500
m2

11
3.1.6.Building Typology
As explained in (figure 14), the development of building typology in ADAA started
from large land plots, built with inner court, currently standing as old large houses with
workshops in the ground floor. Then Ministry of Endowments had to cut these large land
plots into smaller divisions in order to sell them starting from 1950s.
Buildings dating back to this period are 4-5 story residential blocks with commercial
ground floor, or even totally commercial buildings as stand alone malls. There was also
an interesting building typology, Hybrid residential industrial block, that had almost half
the building reserved for workshops, and above that were the residential units.
Currently, division of land plots continues, ending up with much smaller land plots,
that are mostly built by contractors as high rise residential blocks with commercial
ground floor. This typology is the most threatening one to the area’s identity.
Figure 14 Building Typology in ADAA, Source: Shuhayb, Dina

11
3.1.7.Public Space
In order to design housing blocks in Al Darb Al Ahmar, it is important to understand the
different levels of privacy represented in open spaces. In the Islamic city, there is a clear
hierarchy of open spaces ranging from public, to semi-public and ending with private
open spaces. However, the way the community deals with public space is always
interesting as explained in figure (14 – 17)
3.2. Economic levels in relation to monthly income
Conducted research could not reach accurate data regarding income levels of each
crafts. As a result, an assumption of income of residents based on crafts is made as
follows. Residents working in crafts such as gold, jewelry and furniture are considered
of the high income class. Residents working in wood crafts, carpentry, marble, local
retail and furniture are considered of the higher- middle income class. Last but not
Figure 15 Shop owners use streets to
display goods.
Figure 17 Children play and women sit
in front of their houses only in the
deepest pockets with low connectivity.
Figure 16 Craftsmen like to work
outside their workshops in daylight
Figure 18 Street is used as a parking for
means of goods transportation

11
least, craftsmen who work in papyrus art and upholstery are considered of the lower-
middle income class.
As per the National bank of Egypt, Detailed below is a categorization of economic
levels based on their monthly income.1
 Lower middle income have a maximum monthly income of 3500 LE (195 USD) per
person, or 0574 LE (265 USD) per household.
 Middle income have a maximum monthly income of 10,000 LE (560 USD) per
person, or 14,000 LE (785 USD) per household.
 High middle income have a maximum monthly income of 15,000 LE (840 USD)
per person, or 20,000 LE (1115 USD) per household.
 Higher income have an income of over 15,000 LE (840 USD) per person, or over
20,000 LE (1115 USD) per household.
The bank also provides maximum unit value of 700,000 LE for the middle income
unit and a maximum of 950,000 LE for the high income one, given that the maximum
loan amount can cover 80% of the unit value.
3.3. Socio - Economic situation
The population of Al Darb Al Ahmar district reached 58,571 in 2017 (CAPMAS
2017). This population decreased by a percentage of 3.2% since 2006. (CAPMAS 2006).
The drop in population in ADAA is mostly a result of bad economic circumstances
related to local crafts as well as low maintenance of buildings and neglected
infrastructure.
The dominant economic activity in ADAA is currently social security, representing
31.1% of total work force. It is noticeable that industrial and commercial activities have
critically dropped from 24.3% and 24.9% in 2006, down to 6% and 3.8% consequently
in 2017. Unemployment rates increased from 8.5% to 23.7% in the same time period.
1
Currency rates exchange could vary. Used rate is (1 USD = 17.90 LE). Rate date is 17.08.2018
0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
2006 2017
Unemployment rate
60.488 58.571
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
2006 2017
Population
Figure 19 Comparison between
unemployment rates in 2006 and
2017. Source: URHC project
2018
Figure 20 Population change in 2006 and 2017.
Source: CAPMAS 2006, 2017

11
Figure 21 Prevailing economic activities in ADAA in 2006 and 2017. Source:
URHC project 2018
The graph below shows that most residents of ADAA have been living there for
more than 20 years, with only 3% of residents living there for less than that period. This
shows the residents’ desire to settle in the district, which requires providing affordable
housing.
Figure 22 Percentages of residents based on their length of residence in ADAA
As per research, conducted by (10tooba), 75.7 % of families in Cairo cannot find a
middle income housing unit. While rent can make up to 38.7 % of the monthly income,
unit price for ownership can equal 7 times their yearly income.
24.3% 24.9%
21.9%
1.7%
9.6%
6.8%
10.8%
6.0%
3.8%
11.1%
6.2%
31.1%
22.7%
19.2%
0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
30%
35%
Economic Activities
2006 2017
3%
16%
23%
23%
19%
16%
Less than 20 years 20-30 years 30-40 years
40-50 years 50-60 years more than 60 years

11
3.4. Summary
3.4.1.Opportunities and Challenges
The district has the advantage of an original urban fabric in most areas. This fabric
requires sensitive treatment when it comes to proposing housing. The available services
around the district also give a good starting point for the rehabilitation process. Some of
these services requires maintenance and upgrading, for instance the national youth club,
however, the district has the basic services needed to initiate a housing project.
ADAA offers the opportunity of empty land plots with a variety of areas. Some of
these lands can be used for the housing strategy. The district also still has the hierarchy
of spaces in streets. The privacy ranges from public in active vehicular axis, then to semi
-public in small and narrow alleys and reaching private spaces represented in residential
blocks.
Socio-economic patterns in ADAA are very interesting, especially the way residents
deal with public space. This need to be considered in the design. Local crafts form a big
part of the districts’ identity. However, many craftsmen are suffering from high prices of
raw materials and lack of exposure for their products.
Social analysis showed that most residents of ADAA have been there for longer than
20 years, this means there is a demand for housing in the area while the new generations
of these families seek residence.

18
Chapter 4 Proposed Housing strategy
This chapter includes the proposed housing strategy, explaining the vision,
objectives as well as the guiding principles required to achieve them. The chapter also
discusses the available ways of funding the project and their expected revenue.
4.1. Vision
The proposal’s vision is to encourage residents of all economic levels, especially
those belonging to the craftsmen community, to live and work in Al Darb Al Ahmar.
This is achieved through providing new adequate and affordable housing units that meet
the needs of the community. The proposal’s target is to create a healthy, diverse society
that could revive the economy of the district and eventually stabilize its social structure.
The proposed housing blocks should make use of the available land plots around the
district, while considering the nearby context in terms of building heights, forms and
elevation elements.
4.2. Objectives
The main objectives of the affordable housing strategy are to,
1. Construct different types of housing blocks in selected locations of the
district, in order to meet the housing demand of different income level
residents.
2. Help the district’s already existing craftsmen to join a new market to
showcase their products and crafts.
3. Encourage the interaction of residents, in order to enhance unity values in the
district.
4. Promote ADAA as a diverse, productive community in order to attract
residents of different income levels.
5. Provide a better life quality for residents of ADAA through upgrading the
infrastructure, streets and building conditions.
4.3. Housing Affordability in practice
In order to discuss affordability of housing, the following are the main elements
related to this issue.
4.3.1.Unit price
The two main variables affecting the housing unit price are area and location. Area
is directly connected to the price of square meter. While unit prices should vary,
depending on location of land in the district, proximity to surrounding services, main
connectivity axis, historic buildings, etc. The location of the unit in the block itself can

19
as well affect the unit price. This relates to the orientation, view, availability of elevators,
etc.
In order to lower the unit price to be convenient for lower-middle income residents,
the government, represented in the ministry of housing, should offer subsidies as a part
of the unit’s price. Moreover, residents or craftsmen who participate in the construction
phase of their own house should receive reductions of the required amount.
4.3.2.Payment plan
The general payment plan proposed for all types of housing is to pay 20% of the unit
value in advance as a deposit, then paying a monthly installment that should not exceed
40% of the monthly income of the resident. (National Bank of Egypt)
4.3.3.Incremental housing
Incremental housing can be an alternative that would work for most cases in
developing countries. It generally means that residents start with a relatively small/basic
unit, and with time and family growth they are allowed to build additional bedroom(s) as
per the approved design. The process could involve labor by residents to lower the
construction costs. It is normally the household’s savings that finances the construction
phase. However, micro mortgages can also be provided by local banks.
4.4. Housing strategy
As per the social analysis conducted in the previous chapter, the district hosts
residents and craftsmen of all different economic levels. This is directly reflected on the
housing types proposed by the project. As shown in the following map, the distribution
of different housing prototypes is highly affected by the land plots areas as well as their
locations.
Lower-middle income housing is proposed in large land plots, where low-income
crafts, as papyrus art and bookbinding are present nearby. Large land plots are selected
to host this type of housing as they could offer high-density and small unit divisions. The
proposed prototype for this type of housing would be highly inspired by the “Wekalah”
(figure 21) design illustrated in the following figures. Form could be generated around
an inner court, while offering commercial activities in the ground floors and residential
ones on higher floors. The proposed unit size for this type ranges from 80sq.m to
100sq.m.

11
Higher-middle income housing needs medium land plots that could host medium
sized apartments (130 sq.m to 150 sq.m per unit). The preferred locations for this housing
type are proposed closer to crafts that provide higher-middle income revenue, as wood
crafts, marble workshops and local retail.
High income housing is proposed in small land plots with prime locations, or nearby
high income crafts as jewelry. These units should have a distinctive view or be close to
vital axis in the district. As shown in (figure 22) high income housing is proposed near
Al Azhar mosque as well as in the vital axe of the Citadel Street. It is also proposed near
the mosque of Sultan Al-Muayyad. Proposal for high income housing includes luxurious
units, either one floor large units or duplex ones. Unit areas range from 150sq.m up to
200sq.m and it could exceed this area in some cases.
Land plots of less than 50m2 in area are considered too small to host housing projects
in one floor area. The following is a proposal for the use of these land plots depending
on their locations as illustrated in figure:
Small land plots in prime locations, nearby landmarks or live pedestrian streets can
be used for high income housing, where each 2 floors would represent one unit,
connected internally through private staircase.
Small land plots located on the edges of the district and connected to vehicular
streets could be used as parking spaces that would contribute to solving the parking
issue the area is suffering from.
Green pockets could be proposed in land plots where the present urban fabric is
too dense.
Figure 23 Interior and plan
of Wakala Qansuh al-
Ghawri Plan, Source:
archnet.org

10
Figure 24 Housing strategy in ADAA, Source: Author
Figure 25 Proposals for small land plots, Source: Author

11
4.5. Adminstrative Procedure
4.5.1.Partnership
The public sector lacks the capacity to meet the low/moderate income shelter
challenge. (Ruprah 2009) As per research conducted by URHC project, the proposed
funding shoud mainly depend on the private sector, in partnership with the government
represented in the ministry of housing in what’s known as (PPPs) – Public – Private
Property system. The governmental sector joins a strategic ally with local banks. Banks
take the financial and technical responsibility of executing the project and maintaining
it.
4.5.2. Funding
Funding the project is done mostly through private sector, with the government
providing subsidies for consumers as well as backing the mortgage insurance for banks
lending money for incremental housing projects.
4.5.3. Execution measures
Adminstrative measures regarding partnership between public and private sector
should not be a problem anymore as the Egyptian government made the initiative of
establishing a specialized section for this sort of partnership in the ministry of finance.
The central unit sets policies for execution of such projects. It also unifies partnership
contracts while providing technical support during projects different phases.
4.6. Conclusion
The proposed housing strategy targets consumers of different economic levels.
Criteria for land selection depends mainly on land area and concentration of nearby crafts
as crafts are taken as indicators of income. Crafts with high revenue are expected to
provide crafts men with high income level. While this might not be completely accurate.
This is the assumption made in this chapter.
This chapter also provides solutions for housing affordability, especially for low
income residents. These solutions are related to unit price, payment plans and offering
incremental housing as an alternative that would cut off a big amount of cost, at least
temporarily. Th chapter also discusses administrative procedure needed for the execution
of the project, proposing Public- Private partnership as a strategy to demonstrate the
project. The strategy aims at encouraging the interaction of residents from different
income levels through providing a mixed housing prototype, as discussed in the
following chapter.

11
Chapter 5 Mixed Housing Prototype
This chapter illustrates the mixed housing prototype, which offers units for all
income levels within the same building. This encourages the interaction of residents and
promotes the diverse society image targeted by the project. The chapter elaborates how
design decisions were made following design principles. The chapter then discusses on
drawings of the project how this prototype should work and how it relates to the
surrounding context.
5.1. location selection
The selected location of the proposed prototype is located at Burg Al Zafr street to
the north eastern part of the district, in an empty land plot that is currently used as a
parking space. The location is overlooking Al Azhar park and is adjacent to the national
club located on Mohamed Abdo street. The location is close to Al Azhar street and Al
Hussein University and offers the opportunity of a housing investment that would attract
local residents.
Figure 26 Map showing land plot
(highlighted in red) in relation to
surroundings.
Figure 27 Selected land plot in relation
to surrounding streets
The site is currently used as a parking space. It is mostly empty with one floor
temporary structures built by locals. Al Zafr street is a vehicular street, with one side the
site location and along the other side stands the Ayyubid Wall (figure 25). Street width
can fit two cars, however, one lane is used for parking. The site has a clear view of Al
Azhar park (figure 26). Behind site stands a small historic mosque named Sidi Sahl El
Sonoury. The mosque is partially demolished, however it is still functioning. (figure 27).

11
Buildings adjacent to site are not in a good condition. They may be structurally sound,
but exterior finishes might need renovation (figure 28). The street behind National youth
club is paved as a pedestrian axe and no cars are allowed. (figure 29)
Figure 28 Ayyubid Wall along Burg Al Zafr Street. Source: Author
Figure 29 View of Al Azhar park from site, Source: Author

11
Figure 30 Sidi Sahl El Sonoury
mosque, Source: Author
Figure 31 Buildings adjacent to site,
Source: Author
Figure 32 The pedestrain path separating the national youth club and the
Ayyubid Wall, Source: Author

11
5.2. Design principles
In order to develop the affordable housing prototype, the following are principles
followed during the design process.
 Phasability: The proposed design should be constructed in phases, achieving
the incremental housing target that would affect housing affordability.
 Modularity: The design needs to be modular, in order for it to be repeated
in different land sizes and types. It should be flexible enough to allow
addition or subtraction whenever needed.
 Program: The project should not only offer housing units with different floor
areas, it should also provide relevant activities and functions that would meet
the residents’ needs.
 Spatial planning: For the planning of the residential units, the design should
consider the sensitive privacy concept.
 Materials: The materials used in construction and elevation elements should
fit within surrounding context.
 Self-expression: The design should allow for self-expression of residents,
this highly affects their sense of ownership and belonging to the building.
5.3. Design Program
The proposed prototype offers commercial activities in the ground floor (figure 33),
as well as educational services related to crafts. The design of the building block includes
an internal court, inspired by the architecture of the Islamic houses in Cairo.
The prototype hosts residents of different economic levels, in a representation of a
healthy, diverse society. Affordability variables in this case depends on the area of each
unit, as well as the unit’s relation to the street, whether it is overlooking the street and Al
Azhar park in case of high income housing, or overlooking the green backyard of the
building block in case of low income housing.
The prototype offers workshops in the basement floor as a way of integrating live-
work patterns of the residents. It also provides shaded seating areas on the roof for
residents to socialize and gather in events. This should break the boundaries between
different income groups in order to achieve a more homogenous life style.
As shown in (figure 35), typical floor plan keeps the privacy concept alive. It
proposes entrance to a lobby that easily separates the most private zones of the house
from the reception area/ guest room.

11
Figure 33 Prototype ground floor plan in relation to the surrounding context,
Scale 1:500, Source: Author
Educational spaces
Shops / Retail
Admin.

18
Figure 34 Spatial analysis of typical floor plan. Source: Author

19
Figure 35 Area analysis of typical floor plan, Source Author
Figure 36 Proposed furniture layout for typical floor plan, Source: Author

11
Figure 37 Planned phases of construction for incremental housing

10
Figure 39 Design variations allowed by modular design, Scale 1:500. Source: Author
Figure 38 Rendered Elevation of the prototype

11
Figure 40 3D shot of the proposed protoype as seen from Al Azhar Park side,
Source: Author
Figure 41 Aerial Shot of the prototype within context, Source: Author

11
Discussion and Conclusions
 Al Darb Al Ahmar has a very rich context, besides the numerable monuments all
around the district, the urban fabric itself is mostly original. This is why it
required sensitive insertion of the housing prototype.
 Crafts form a huge part of the identity of ADAA. As considered of the intangible
heritage values in the district, they are given special attention through the housing
strategy and the proposed design. In order to stabilize these crafts in the district,
workshops as well as shops for exposure of their products are provided in the
prototype.
 The proposal targets the issue of privacy through providing patterned wooden
elements (Mashrabiya) covering almost all windows, especially the ones closer
to the ground.
 The design uses elements inspired by Islamic Architecture in order to fit within
context. This is done not only through exterior elements but also through internal
design of the building.
 With exact income rates for each craft and exact numbers of economic categories
of residents, more research can be conducted leading to accurate housing strategy
with measurable goals.
 Further development:
The following are relevant projects for the success of the housing project.
1. Housing Rehabilitation :
Rehabilitation of the already existing residential blocks, especially the ones
along the stretch of Burg Al Zafar street. Once done, this should contribute
to the overall image of the district and then promote it for further housing
development.
2. Youth Club renovation :
Renovation of Al Darb Al Ahmar youth club located at the intersection of
Mohamed Abdu street and Burg Al Zafar street. It is one of the two youth
clubs existing in the district. The youth club needs maintenance of the
exterior walls and more open air seating areas to be included within.
3. The Wall as a link not a separator :
The Ayyubid Wall should be accessible and open for public to experience
the historic elements . This is for the wall to act like a connecting structure
that links Burg Al Zafar to Al Azhar park. The wall is already in good
condition and some parts might need restoration.

11
4. Street improvements:
Street improvements need to be made to create pedestrian pavements around
the youth club as well as improvements for infrastructure. Pedestrian
crossing should also be added to link the proposed housing block to the
Ayyubid wall.
5. Creating a dialogue :
The park is currently ramping down towards the site. Being separated by the
Ayyubid wall, the park is more than a view than an interactive space.
Creating stepping ramps in the park overlooking the site can create a sort of
dialogue between the two entities, especially that the project has sitting area
on the roof to watch the park.
 To sum up this topic, providing affordable housing is not the sole solution to the
instability problem. It is however an effective step in the path of rehabilitation of
the district. Further development in site is required in order to create the full
rehabilitation image that would then attract residents again to live and work in the
historic district of Al Darb Al Ahmar.

11
References
1. Assembly, U. G. (1948). Universal declaration of human rights. UN General
Assembly .
2. Dunn, M. M., & Dunn, R. S. (1982). The Founding, 1681-1701. Philadelphia: a, 300.
3. Ferguson, B., & Smith, D. (2010). Financing Housing for the Poor for Slum
Upgrading and Prevention. Learning note for the World Bank Institute.
4. Freire, M., Ferguson, B., Cira, D., Lima, R., & Kessides, C. (2007). Land and urban
policies for poverty reduction: Washington, DC: World Bank.
5. George, H. (2006). Progress and poverty: Cosimo, Inc.
6. Habitat, U. (2009). The right to adequate housing. Fact Sheet No, 21 .
7. J. Beinin, Egyptian Textile Workers: From Craft Artisans Facing European
Competition to Proletarians Contending with the State, 2004
8. Majale, M., Tipple, G., & French, M. (2011). Affordable land and housing in Asia.
Affordable land and housing, 2 .
9. Pace, V. S. H. (1976). Society Hill, Philadelphia: historic preservation and urban
renewal in Washington Square East. University of Minnesota.
10. Proctor, L. H., & Ware, L. B. Society Hill:“For whom are we saving the cities?”
11. Ruprah, I.J., (2009) The Housing Gap in Latin America: 1995 – 2015. Washington
DC: IADB
12. Stone, M. E. (2006). What is housing affordability? The case for the residual income
approach. Housing policy debate, 17(1), 151-184 .
13. Urry, J. (2015). Climate change and society Why the social sciences matter (pp. 45-
59): Springer.
14. URHC Project (2018). Special permission.
15. 10tooba BEDI. (2016). Affordability. Retrieved from 10tooba website:
http://10tooba.org/bedi/en/affordability/

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Appendix A: Empty land plots analysis
Table A.1: Empty land areas as per map provided by URHC
# Sheyakhah
Area
(m2)
# Sheyakhah
Area
(m2)
1 Darb Sa'ada 475 26 Haret El Roum 334
2 Darb Sa'ada 944 27 Haret El Roum 350
3 El Ghoriyah 253 28 Haret El Roum 736
6 El Ghoriyah 74 31 El Ghoriyah 35
9 El Batneiya 233 34 El Ghoriyah 84
17 El Batneiya 87 42 Haret El Roum 431
18 El Batneiya 35 43 El Batneiya 210
22 Haret El Roum 450 47 El Batneiya 28

11
51 El Batneiya 350 82 El Megharbelein 387
52 Haret El Roum 228 83 El Megharbelein 217
56 Haret El Roum 237 87 Darb El Ahmar 240
57 Haret El Roum 171 88 Darb Shaghlan 182
58 Haret El Roum 85 89 Souq El Selah 145
59 El Batneiya 135 90 Darb Shaghlan 341
60 El Batneiya 245 91 El Serogiyah 1056
61 Haret El Roum 272 92 El Serogiyah 83
62 El Batneiya 374 93 Souq El Selah 1700
63 El Batneiya 493 94 Bab El Wazeir 274
64 Darb Shaghlan 392 95 Bab El Wazeir 86
65 Darb El Ahmar 241 96 Bab El Wazeir 152
68 El Erabiya 467 99 Bab El Wazeir 84
69 El Erabiya 134 100 Souq El Selah 166
72 El Megharbelein 198 103 Souq El Selah 106
76 El Megharbelein 91 107 El Serogiyah 257
77 El Megharbelein 600 108 El Serogiyah 137
78 Darb El Ahmar 35 109 Souq El Selah 195
79 El Megharbelein 160 110 Bab El Wazeir 51
80 Souq El Selah 228 111 El Amry 339
81 El Megharbelein 292 112 El Amry 296

18
113 El Amry 328
114 El Amry 259
115 El Amry 61
116 El Amry 92
117 El Amry 112
118 El Dawoudiya 82
119 El Dawoudiya 190
120 El Erabiya 135
121 El Erabiya 120
122 El Erabiya 94
123 El Megharbelein 184
126 El Erabiya 298
127 El Erabiya 56
128 Taht El Raba'a 34

‫أ‬
‫ال‬
‫ملخص‬
‫هربا‬ ‫الحي‬ ‫من‬ ‫السكان‬ ‫هجرة‬ ‫الي‬ ‫هذا‬ ‫يرجع‬ , ‫الفائتة‬ ‫السنوات‬ ‫خالل‬ ‫مستمر‬ ‫تناقص‬ ‫في‬ ‫االحمر‬ ‫الدرب‬ ‫سكان‬
‫حالة‬ ‫تدهور‬ ‫في‬ ‫الديمة‬ ‫سات‬ ‫البيوت‬ ‫مالذ‬ ‫يتسةةةبي‬ ‫سلب‬ ‫ي‬ ‫ل‬ ‫لالوة‬ ,‫دمات‬ ‫ال‬ ‫خدص‬ ‫و‬ ‫ةةيقة‬‫ة‬‫الس‬ ‫ةةة‬‫ة‬‫المعيش‬ ‫ظروف‬ ‫من‬
‫اال‬ , ‫الوضع‬ ‫سوء‬ ‫رغم‬ ‫و‬ ,‫الحدا‬ ‫هدمها‬ ‫و‬ ‫بيعها‬ ‫اجل‬ ‫من‬ ‫كاتهم‬ ‫ممت‬
‫المنقدة‬ ‫في‬ ‫لالسكان‬ ‫ي‬ ‫ل‬ ‫هناذ‬ ‫ان‬
.
‫اال‬ ‫توفير‬ ‫ان‬ ‫ةةية‬‫ة‬‫فرض‬ ‫البحث‬ ‫يدرس‬
,‫الحرف‬ ‫واحةةةحاب‬ ‫ةةكان‬‫ة‬‫الس‬ ‫من‬ ‫المنقدة‬ ‫اهل‬ ‫امكاخيات‬ ‫حدوك‬ ‫في‬ ‫ةةكان‬‫ة‬‫س‬
‫يالئم‬ ‫و‬ ‫ةةةكان‬‫ة‬‫الس‬ ‫احتياجات‬ ‫بي‬ ‫ي‬ ‫الذي‬ ‫االسةةةكان‬ ‫خموسج‬ ‫خالل‬ ‫من‬ ,‫المنقدة‬ ‫احياء‬ ‫الاكة‬ ‫الي‬ ‫بالنهاية‬ ‫يؤكي‬ ‫ان‬ ‫يمكن‬
‫المحيط‬ ‫الموقع‬
.
‫ةةةةاسةةةةةي‬‫ة‬‫االس‬ ‫الهدف‬
, ‫لالسةةةةةكان‬ ‫لامة‬ ‫اسةةةةةتراتيجية‬ ‫تقوير‬ ‫هو‬ ‫ةةةةالة‬‫ة‬‫الرس‬ ‫من‬
‫به‬ ‫يبدأ‬ ‫اولي‬ ‫خموسج‬ ‫تدديم‬ ‫يها‬ ‫ي‬
‫تواجه‬ ‫التي‬ ‫التحديات‬ ‫و‬ ‫ةةةةكالت‬‫ة‬‫المش‬ ‫تحديد‬ ‫و‬ ,‫االحمر‬ ‫الدرب‬ ‫في‬ ‫الحالي‬ ‫ةةةةع‬‫ة‬‫الوض‬ ‫يل‬ ‫تح‬ ‫خالل‬ ‫هذا‬ ‫يتم‬ ,‫ةةةةروم‬‫ة‬‫المش‬
‫بشةةةةا‬ ‫متاحة‬ ‫ارض‬ ‫ققعة‬ ‫اختيار‬ ‫يتم‬ ‫الموقع‬ ‫زيارات‬ ‫خالل‬ ‫من‬ ‫و‬ ,‫بعدها‬ , ‫المنقدة‬ ‫في‬ ‫التنمية‬
‫شةةةةر‬ ‫الظفر‬ ‫برج‬ ‫رم‬
‫مشروم‬ ‫ل‬ ‫االولي‬ ‫النموسج‬ ‫تنفيذ‬ ‫موقع‬ ‫لتكون‬ ‫االحمر‬ ‫الدرب‬
.
‫االسةةةةكان‬ ‫ن‬ ‫اما‬ ‫ربط‬ ‫و‬ , ‫المنقدة‬ ‫ي‬ ‫ل‬ ‫ةةةكان‬‫ة‬‫االس‬ ‫اخمال‬ ‫لتوزيع‬ ‫لامة‬ ‫اسةةةةتراتيجية‬ ‫تقوير‬ ‫في‬ ‫البحث‬ ‫ةةةالد‬‫ة‬‫س‬
‫االم‬ ‫حةدوك‬ ‫في‬ ‫البنةاء‬ ‫تجعةل‬ ‫اجراءات‬ ‫يدةدء‬ ‫و‬ , ‫التنميةة‬ ‫اهةداف‬ ‫و‬ ‫رةيةة‬ ‫البحةث‬ ‫يحةدك‬ , ‫الحرف‬ ‫ز‬ ‫تر‬ ‫بمواقع‬
‫كةاخيات‬
‫برخام‬ ‫تقوير‬ ‫تم‬ ‫بعدها‬ ,‫الوحدات‬ ‫ةعار‬‫ة‬‫اس‬ ‫و‬ ‫الدفع‬ ‫خقط‬ ‫مثل‬
‫تم‬ ‫ةميم‬‫ة‬ ‫ت‬ ‫ل‬ ‫ةت‬‫ة‬‫اس‬ ‫تحديد‬ ‫و‬ ,‫ةكان‬‫ة‬‫لالس‬ ‫االولي‬ ‫نموسج‬ ‫ل‬
‫النهاية‬ ‫في‬ ,‫ةةالمية‬‫ة‬‫االس‬ ‫المدينة‬ ‫في‬ ‫ةةية‬‫ة‬‫ةةوح‬‫ة‬ ‫ال‬ ‫و‬ ,‫الفراغي‬ ‫التوزيع‬ , ‫ةةية‬‫ة‬‫الدياس‬ ‫مثل‬ , ‫النموسج‬ ‫ةةميم‬‫ة‬ ‫ت‬ ‫في‬ ‫اتبالها‬
‫تنمية‬ ‫ل‬ ‫اخري‬ ‫اجراءات‬ ‫البحث‬ ‫يرشح‬
.

‫مهن‬
‫ـ‬
‫دس‬
:
‫مص‬
‫يف‬‫ر‬‫الش‬ ‫طه‬ ‫حسين‬ ‫ناجي‬ ‫طفي‬
:‫الميالد‬ ‫تاريخ‬
72

10

0991
:‫الجنسية‬
‫ي‬
‫مصر‬
:‫التسجيل‬ ‫تاريخ‬
....

....

7102
:‫المنح‬ ‫تاريخ‬
....

....

7102
:‫القسم‬
‫ية‬‫ر‬‫المعما‬ ‫الهندسة‬
:‫الدرجة‬
‫ماجستير‬
:‫ن‬‫المشرفو‬
.‫د‬.‫ا‬
‫عوف‬ ‫الدين‬ ‫صالح‬ ‫احمد‬
.‫ا‬
.‫د‬
‫ناجلر‬ ‫هاينز‬
:‫ن‬‫الممتحنو‬
.‫د‬.‫أ‬
‫مهجة‬
‫امام‬
‫امبابي‬
)‫الخارجي‬ ‫(الممتحن‬
‫د‬.‫أ‬
.
‫أحمد‬
‫محمد‬
‫سعيد‬
‫محمد‬
‫شلبي‬
)‫الداخلي‬ ‫(الممتحن‬
.‫د‬.‫أ‬
‫عوف‬ ‫الدين‬ ‫صالح‬ ‫احمد‬
)‫ئيسي‬‫ر‬‫ال‬ ‫(المشرف‬
‫ناجلر‬ ‫هاينز‬ .‫د‬.‫أ‬
(
‫ئيسي‬‫ر‬‫ال‬ ‫المشرف‬
)
:‫الرسالة‬ ‫ان‬‫و‬‫عن‬
‫االسكان‬
‫في‬
‫حدود‬
‫إمكانيات‬
‫سكان‬
‫ة‬
‫القاهر‬
‫التاريخية‬
:
‫اسة‬
‫ر‬‫د‬
‫حالة‬
‫منطقة‬
‫الدرب‬
‫األحمر‬
:‫الدالة‬ ‫الكلمات‬
‫اسكان‬
،
‫مجتمعي‬ ‫ع‬
‫تنو‬
،
‫يخي‬‫ر‬‫تا‬ ‫محيط‬
،
‫اولي‬ ‫نموذج‬
‫ال‬ ‫ملخـص‬
‫رسالة‬
:
‫ال‬‫و‬‫اح‬ ‫سوء‬ ‫بسبب‬ ‫منهم‬ ‫الكثير‬ ‫ة‬
‫ر‬‫هج‬ ‫نتيجة‬ ‫السكان‬ ‫اعداد‬ ‫تناقص‬ ‫من‬ ‫االحمر‬ ‫الدرب‬ ‫حي‬ ‫يعاني‬
‫للح‬ ‫باالضافة‬ ,‫المعيشة‬
‫مقصودة‬ ‫الحالة‬ ‫هذه‬ ‫كانت‬ ‫اء‬‫و‬‫س‬ , ‫للمباني‬ ‫السيئة‬ ‫الة‬
–
‫و‬ ‫المبني‬ ‫بييع‬ ‫بهدف‬
‫هدمه‬
-
‫يدرس‬ ‫ذلك‬ ‫علي‬ ‫بناء‬ ,‫الحي‬ ‫في‬ ‫المجتمعي‬ ‫ار‬
‫ر‬‫االستق‬ ‫بانعدام‬ ‫النهاية‬ ‫في‬ ‫هذا‬ ‫يتسبب‬ ,‫ال‬ ‫ام‬
‫اعادة‬ ‫علي‬ ‫يعمل‬ ‫قد‬ ‫االحمر‬ ‫الدرب‬ ‫سكان‬ ‫امكانيات‬ ‫حدود‬ ‫في‬ ‫االسكان‬ ‫توفير‬ ‫ان‬ ‫فرضية‬ ‫البحث‬
‫لمجتمع‬ ‫ار‬
‫ر‬‫االستق‬
‫المحيط‬ ‫الموقع‬ ‫يالئم‬ ‫و‬ ‫السكان‬ ‫احتياجات‬ ‫ح‬
‫المقتر‬ ‫االسكان‬ ‫يلبي‬ ‫ان‬ ‫شرط‬ ,‫الحي‬

‫في‬
‫حدود‬
‫سكان‬
‫القاهرة‬
:
‫دراسة‬
‫حالة‬
‫منطقة‬
‫الدرب‬
‫األحمر‬
‫اعداد‬
‫الشريف‬ ‫طه‬ ‫حسين‬ ‫ناجي‬ ‫مصطفي‬
‫رسالة‬
‫مقدمة‬
‫إلى‬
‫كلية‬
‫الهندسة‬
-
‫جامعة‬
‫كجزء‬
‫من‬
‫متطلبات‬
‫الحصول‬
‫على‬
‫درجة‬
‫الماجستير‬
‫في‬
( ‫العمراني‬ ‫التصميم‬
‫اعادة‬
‫احياء‬
‫المناطق‬
‫للمدن‬
)
‫الممتحنين‬ ‫لجنة‬ ‫من‬ ‫يعتمد‬
:
:‫الدكتور‬ ‫االستاذ‬
‫مهجة‬
‫اماء‬
‫امبابي‬
‫الخارجي‬ ‫الممتحن‬
‫أحمد‬
‫محمد‬
‫سعيد‬
‫بي‬ ‫ش‬
‫ال‬ ‫الممتحن‬
‫د‬
‫ا‬
‫خلي‬
‫عوف‬ ‫احمد‬
‫الرئيسى‬ ‫المشرف‬
‫ناجلر‬ ‫هاينز‬ :‫الدكتور‬ ‫االستاذ‬
‫الرئيسى‬ ‫المشرف‬
‫كليــة‬
‫الهندســة‬
-
‫جامعــة‬
‫القاهــرة‬
‫الجيـزة‬
-
‫جمهوريـة‬
‫مصـر‬
‫العربيــة‬
‫سبتمبر‬
–
8102

‫في‬
‫حدود‬
‫إمكا‬
‫نيات‬
‫سكان‬
:
‫دراسة‬
‫حالة‬
‫منطقة‬
‫الدرب‬
‫األحمر‬
‫اعداد‬
‫رسالة‬
‫مقدمة‬
‫إلى‬
‫كلية‬
-
‫جامعة‬
‫كجزء‬
‫من‬
‫الحصول‬
‫على‬
‫درجة‬
‫الماجستير‬
‫في‬
‫العمراني‬ ‫التصميم‬
(
‫اعادة‬
‫احياء‬
‫للمدن‬
)
‫اشراف‬ ‫تحت‬
‫د‬
.
‫ناجلر‬ ‫هاينز‬ ‫د‬
.
‫احمد‬
‫الدين‬ ‫صالح‬
‫عوف‬
‫استاذ‬
‫و‬ ‫التصميم‬
‫العمراني‬ ‫التخطيط‬
‫كلية‬
‫و‬ ‫المعمارية‬ ‫الهندسة‬
‫و‬ ‫المدنية‬
‫العمراني‬ ‫التخطيط‬
‫للتكنولوجيا‬ ‫براندنبورج‬ ‫جامعة‬
‫رئيس‬
‫مجلس‬
‫قسم‬
‫المعمارية‬
‫الهندسة‬ ‫كلية‬
‫القاهرة‬ ‫جامعة‬
‫كليــة‬
-
‫ا‬
‫لجيـزة‬
-
‫مصـر‬
‫سبتمبر‬
–
8102

‫في‬
‫حدود‬
‫سكان‬
:
‫دراسة‬
‫حالة‬
‫منطقة‬
‫الدرب‬
‫األحمر‬
‫اعداد‬
‫رسالة‬
‫مقدمة‬
‫إلى‬
‫كلية‬
-
‫جامعة‬
‫كجزء‬
‫من‬
‫الحصول‬
‫على‬
‫درجة‬
‫الم‬
‫اجستير‬
‫في‬
( ‫العمراني‬ ‫التصميم‬
‫اعادة‬
‫احياء‬
‫للمدن‬
)
‫كليــة‬
-
‫الجيـزة‬
-
‫مصـر‬
‫سبتمبر‬
–
8102

AFFORDABLE HOUSING IN HISTORIC CAIRO CASE STUDY OF AL DARB AL AHMAR AREA

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