Abstract:
Cairo, a 20 million megapolis, is characterized by the absence of a logical urban design. For most people, chaos is the most characterizing element of the traffic situation in Cairo like Ramses Square, the busiest intersection of Cairo. We focus on the pedestrian. How can an increasing number of pedestrians and an increasing number of motorized vehicles use the city simultaneously in a comfortable way? How to improve the comfort of all people who use the square? Not only pedestrians and motorized traffic are everyday users of the square, but also small vendors. Diversity of users characterizes public space. To fulfil the conflicting needs of different groups, it is essential to hear what the users need and want of the spaces they interact with. In our research we started by accepting the physical environment and the social stratification of the area. Our open interpretation of the Ramses Square includes a literal intention for more sustainability: an improvement of users comfort, the local environment and an impulse to reach a change of outlook with the people and government. In our opinion sustainability is a state of mind to increase the comfort of life, urban and green space. This will be achieved through an anthropological approach of architecture and town planning. With this study and its focus on Ramses Square, one of the most polluted and traffic wise overcrowded intersections of Africa, we believe that the vital points mentioned have to be considered when working on African cities.
