Papers by Manar Ahmad AlGammal
International Journal of Architectural Engineering and Urban Research
Sustainability of place identity is one of the main concerns in architecture nowadays. The end of... more Sustainability of place identity is one of the main concerns in architecture nowadays. The end of the last century witnessed a rapid increase in urban population worldwide due to the increase of internal and external immigration rate. Recently, more than half of the world's population lives in urban settlements, putting into consideration the fact that these settlements continue to grow in order to accommodate more inhabitants. Therefore accordingly, both natural and cultural landscape resources will continue to be under pressure in and around these urban settlements.
If the adoption of Islam in Africa was largely a result of trade networks, it should be added tha... more If the adoption of Islam in Africa was largely a result of trade networks, it should be added that Egypt has always held a key position in this geographical scene as an overland route. The Nile/Red Sea Corridor as a physical feature is possessing a degree of cultural homogeneity expressed in urban context. While much scholarly work has been devoted to " cultural encounters " in the Mediterranean ports, much remains to be said about Upper Egypt and the Red Sea, at the heart of the Islamic world, where cities were and still ports for pilgrimage and trading cross via the Red Sea to Arabia. Non-Muslim ships were allowed to stop only at Quseir harbour, connected by a caravan route to the Nile that was the way to travel northwards and reach the river ports. After Napoleon Expedition (1798), in Mohamed Ali's rule a number of large-scale geographical project (fairy route and several proposals of Canal construction) were undertaken to establish the " overland route " across the Delta. In particular, we shall focus on a number of cities (Alexandria, Cairo, Suez, Quseir), trying to identify the correspondences between transit point along the trade routes and the related urban structure. This topic lies in the possible effects of the New Canal de Suez Project on the cities' present status and the economic trade connection. Based on previous and ongoing research (note S. Boca, M. Al Gammal), our contribution aims at clarifying how the geography of settlement in Egypt is deeply linked to the trade networks mentioned above and transit points.
Vernacular Architecture is an evidence of how cultural and behavioral factor can affect the proce... more Vernacular Architecture is an evidence of how cultural and behavioral factor can affect the process of architecture and construction. Vernacular architecture through out the world is threatened, it suffers from the community ignorance of its historic or social values; it is perceived as an old low status of building process. The Nubians have their own distinctive culture which differed drastically than the rest of Egyptians. In the course of the High Dam project, the Egyptian government evacuated the Nubians from the entire area and planned their relocation in 1956. In 1960 a social survey of Nubia was carried out by the ministry of social affairs, which had focused on the preparations for the resettlement. The paper will discuss Nubian vernacular architecture design and materials in Gahreb Sohiel village, in which we should take care of academic and non- academic knowledge of design, memory and intervention. The paper will document the relation between the memory of scholars as Hassan Fathy and Ramses Wissa Wasef of Nubian tangible history – memory which is related with time – space – change and the influence of such memory on their design and intervention process. Rogers says that there is continuity in history which means that there is continuity in culture and design process. Quaroni says historical culture and history of architecture through experience from the past up to the present time influences the new architecture design and production. The paper will conclude the relation between the Memory/Design/Intervention process based on the cultural and behavioral factors of the Nubian society beside their tangible vernacular architecture.
Key Words: Vernacular Architecture – Memory, design and Intervention – Community design
The culture of communities intervene in the building process of urban morphologies which are sust... more The culture of communities intervene in the building process of urban morphologies which are sustained by individuals, especially in traditional environments. Based on Paul Oliver perspective of ‘Traditions in the built environment’, “There is no such thing as traditional building, no larger field of traditional architecture, there are only buildings which embody traditions”. Traditions, are a component of social practice of societies in built environments, where it is a form and an active dimension of culture. Traditional environments are an expression of the accumulation of cultures through generations , which is an asset of social values and perceptions. Urban morphology is a physical expression and tangible interpretation of culture, it illustrates the innovative character of different regions. Culture transmission is perceived through urban transformation of morphologies, dynamic urbanism is a form of transformation. A sustainable method is needed to establish ethics and principles meet the urban pasts with the present needs to the future, where the urban morphology structure and form the contemporary contexts which represent the new urban expansions of these traditional environments. The paper discusses the tradition of building which “handed down” from generation to generation, inherited in Traditional environments and societies. It demonstrates the role of the local community culture in sustaining the built environment. Key words: Urban morphologies, Culture and Tradition, Vernacular environments, local community.
The Arab word okelle means ‘agency’ and, in Egypt, also defines an old type of commercial structu... more The Arab word okelle means ‘agency’ and, in Egypt, also defines an old type of commercial structure including warehouses and accommodation for the dealers. Somehow similar to the fondouks of the Middle-Ages (so popular throughout the Levant) okelles were generally compact buildings with an arcaded inner courtyard and a single entrance from the street.
They were to be found in transit points of long-distance trade routes, fulfilling the function of ‘extra-territorial islands’. Some okelles were built for merchants from the same origins, others instead grouped the same kind of goods. Trade was carried on in the main courtyard, the warehouses laying behind the arcade; a glance upward revealed the sleeping quarters, temporary accommodation for the merchants as well as for the residents.
At the time of Napoleon Expedition, many old okelles were still to be found at Bulaq, the river port of Cairo, in the Mediterranean ports of Alexandria, Rashid, and Dumyat, but also in the ports along the Red Sea.
While arguing that the Egyptian okelle is a ‘functional’ building type whose resilience has been tested over the long period, this paper will consider its evolution and adaptability to different geographical and urban contexts. Discuss will also focus on the revival of the okelle in 19th-century Alexandria. Here many okelles were adapted to house the European consuls, the first collections of antiquities, and even the first theatres. The Italian engineer Francesco Mancini fully understood the potentialities and adaptability of this age-old building type, particularly in Alexandria a city which was being re-settled by a series of ethno-religious enclaves. In Mancini’s interpretation the okelle embodied principles of symmetry, spatial fluidity and regularity of the external facades. His simplified neoclassical style became a sort of lingua franca. The real innovation however lied in the fact that Mancini lined up a number of okelles to form the main square of the European Town: Place the Consuls. The finest okelle along the square was later to become the Bourse of Alexandria.
The continuity of this building type as a symbol of the past but also of modern Egypt is proved by the fact that an okelle was rebuilt in Paris for the 1867 Universal Exhibition: “The okelle is built round a large courtyard with shops facing onto it …, but it is also a hotel, a bazaar, a warehouse, a workshop and even a stock exchange and may be summed up as a large public building where a people pursue their industrious activity.” ( Ch. Edmond, L’Egypte à l’exposition universelle de 1867, Paris: E. Dentu, 1867, pp.19 e 215).
Naples is one of the most ancient cities in Europe since its foundation in the 9 th century B.C. ... more Naples is one of the most ancient cities in Europe since its foundation in the 9 th century B.C. The urban heritage in Naples, comprises a variety of distinguished outstanding elements of its rich long history. Such history can be seen in its urban pattern including streets and public spaces, its inheritance of historic buildings which together comprise the city historic center and port Naples played a crucial role in transferring the Greek culture to Roman society, where it became one of the main cultural centers in the Roman empire. In the 13 th-15 th centuries, Naples became a prestigious city which symbolizes pride and power of the Angevin dynasty. During this historical era, the city expanded into neighboring villages and suburbs where it started to be influenced by the western architecture. Naples was ruled by the Aragonese during the 15 th-17 th centuries, who did a remodeling to the city defense and street pattern. Naples became together with Paris and London, one of the major capital cities of Europe in the Bourbons era. Through the historical evolution of Naples, we can see that its historic center along with its port stands as an outstanding universal value which influenced many parts of Europe being one of the most influential cultural centers in the Mediterranean region. Since my PhD is about sustainable regeneration of heritage in Red Sea coastal cities. Part of my PhD thesis tackles Naples as an international successful example of a sustainable regeneration process. Therefore, in order to have an integration between this publication and my academic research, I choose Naples to be the subject of this paper. The paper aims to study the spatial changes in the urban morphology of Naples historic center which was influenced by the social and economic mobility through decades of history. At the end, the paper will discuss the latest sustainable regeneration project (Historic center and Port) in Naples done by the UNESCO. It will emphasize and evaluate the UNESCO urban strategies and the built heritage management of the project.
Keywords: Urban heritage, Socio -Economic mobility, Spatial changes, Sustainable regeneration, Built heritage management
Urbanization and Globalization are two main factors that affected the Cities Future. Many cities ... more Urbanization and Globalization are two main factors that affected the Cities Future. Many cities around the world witnessed urban transformation due to their shift towards technology and knowledge-based economy. The concept of " growing " cities is based on implementing integrative planning policies introduces different types of city models. These various models offer a branding tool for cities of the digital age. Therefore, the paper is comparing between five of the most popular models recommended for city transformation is the technology era, the examined models through the study are the Knowledge City, Smart City, Capable city, Liveable City and resilient city. Since the aim of such City standards is to provide sustainable development is to increase life quality for the city residence.Therefore, to achieve such sustainable development in the various city models, integrated planning is required, where it demands Good Governance urban innovation and management. However, technology, social, economic aspects are changing the traditional notion of Public and Private intervention and service models. Therefore, Urban service standards, as an essential ingredient of integrative planning implementation, obligating planners to consider not only the urban physical structures of a city but also to make civil society as part of the city governance being more efficient and effective. The paper aims to demonstrate the selected city models and the Governance characteristics about the used management modes (3PPP & 4PPPP). Furthermore, the paper will examine a comparative analysis methodology of the Five City's models, considering their major characteristics, development strategy, and governance mode. Concluding the Knowledge City framework is introduced as a city model most appropriate for the Contemporary urban transformation of cities of the current technology era.
If the adoption of Islam in Africa was largely a result of trade networks, it should be added tha... more If the adoption of Islam in Africa was largely a result of trade networks, it should be added that Egypt has always held a key position in this geographical scene as an overland route. The Nile/Red Sea Corridor as a physical feature is possessing a degree of cultural homogeneity expressed in urban context. While much scholarly work has been devoted to " cultural encounters " in the Mediterranean ports, much remains to be said about Upper Egypt and the Red Sea, at the heart of the Islamic world, where cities were and still ports for pilgrimage and trading cross via the Red Sea to Arabia. Non-Muslim ships were allowed to stop only at Quseir harbour, connected by a caravan route to the Nile that was the way to travel northwards and reach the river ports. After Napoleon Expedition (1798), in Mohamed Ali's rule a number of large-scale geographical project (fairy route and several proposals of Canal construction) were undertaken to establish the " overland route " across the Delta. In particular, we shall focus on a number of cities (Alexandria, Cairo, Suez, Quseir), trying to identify the correspondences between transit point along the trade routes and the related urban structure. This topic lies in the possible effects of the New Canal de Suez Project on the cities' present status and the economic trade connection. Based on previous and ongoing research (note S. Boca, M. Al Gammal), our contribution aims at clarifying how the geography of settlement in Egypt is deeply linked to the trade networks mentioned above and transit points.
Thesis Chapters by Manar Ahmad AlGammal
Ph.D. Thesis , 2020
We are on the verge of fast-paced urban development. It is important to understand that urban and... more We are on the verge of fast-paced urban development. It is important to understand that urban and architectural heritage may bear tangible processes of borrowing and adaptation. Port cities and their historic centres are the world’s most important settlement through history. They are highly rich with resources and potentials.
This research is focused on the port cities along the Red Sea coast, whose future is currently being discussed in relation to national projects such as the New Suez Canal Project and the Golden Triangle project. While cultural exchange across the Mediterranean has been the subject of much scholarly work, the Red Sea as an area of cross-cultural research has been largely overlooked. A timely study of these port cities may help provide Egyptian planning authorities with the opportunity to promote a better future. Along this line of thinking, this research aims at understanding the specific urban identity of these port cities in the broader context of cultural exchange between Egypt and the trade network across the Red Sea and beyond.
It is important to achieve an understanding of urban and architecture heritage of Red Sea port cities to support further conservation and development strategies. Red Sea coastal cities are historical transit points of long-distance trade. This research is based on urban and architectural heritage which may bear tangible evidence of processes of borrowing and adaptation between Egypt and Saudi Arabia, Yemen, etc.
Architecture is not just about technology. Architecture and the urban context are physically shaped by traditional cultures which are ingrained in the design and construction of old cities. Such urban patterns and architecture rely on a rich and unique quality, rhythm, and cultural affinity, as well as on practical considerations such as behavioural patterns, function, topography and local building material. All these factors combine in shaping the city’s structure and morphology.
The research aims to set a methodology of mapping to study the Red Sea port cities’ heritage, urban change and transformation. The final product will be an “academic record” and an “urban atlas” of heritage in the Red Sea’s oldest port cities, Quseir and Suez, which have played a crucial role in the trade and pilgrimage routes from Asia through Africa to Europe.
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Papers by Manar Ahmad AlGammal
Key Words: Vernacular Architecture – Memory, design and Intervention – Community design
They were to be found in transit points of long-distance trade routes, fulfilling the function of ‘extra-territorial islands’. Some okelles were built for merchants from the same origins, others instead grouped the same kind of goods. Trade was carried on in the main courtyard, the warehouses laying behind the arcade; a glance upward revealed the sleeping quarters, temporary accommodation for the merchants as well as for the residents.
At the time of Napoleon Expedition, many old okelles were still to be found at Bulaq, the river port of Cairo, in the Mediterranean ports of Alexandria, Rashid, and Dumyat, but also in the ports along the Red Sea.
While arguing that the Egyptian okelle is a ‘functional’ building type whose resilience has been tested over the long period, this paper will consider its evolution and adaptability to different geographical and urban contexts. Discuss will also focus on the revival of the okelle in 19th-century Alexandria. Here many okelles were adapted to house the European consuls, the first collections of antiquities, and even the first theatres. The Italian engineer Francesco Mancini fully understood the potentialities and adaptability of this age-old building type, particularly in Alexandria a city which was being re-settled by a series of ethno-religious enclaves. In Mancini’s interpretation the okelle embodied principles of symmetry, spatial fluidity and regularity of the external facades. His simplified neoclassical style became a sort of lingua franca. The real innovation however lied in the fact that Mancini lined up a number of okelles to form the main square of the European Town: Place the Consuls. The finest okelle along the square was later to become the Bourse of Alexandria.
The continuity of this building type as a symbol of the past but also of modern Egypt is proved by the fact that an okelle was rebuilt in Paris for the 1867 Universal Exhibition: “The okelle is built round a large courtyard with shops facing onto it …, but it is also a hotel, a bazaar, a warehouse, a workshop and even a stock exchange and may be summed up as a large public building where a people pursue their industrious activity.” ( Ch. Edmond, L’Egypte à l’exposition universelle de 1867, Paris: E. Dentu, 1867, pp.19 e 215).
Keywords: Urban heritage, Socio -Economic mobility, Spatial changes, Sustainable regeneration, Built heritage management
Thesis Chapters by Manar Ahmad AlGammal
This research is focused on the port cities along the Red Sea coast, whose future is currently being discussed in relation to national projects such as the New Suez Canal Project and the Golden Triangle project. While cultural exchange across the Mediterranean has been the subject of much scholarly work, the Red Sea as an area of cross-cultural research has been largely overlooked. A timely study of these port cities may help provide Egyptian planning authorities with the opportunity to promote a better future. Along this line of thinking, this research aims at understanding the specific urban identity of these port cities in the broader context of cultural exchange between Egypt and the trade network across the Red Sea and beyond.
It is important to achieve an understanding of urban and architecture heritage of Red Sea port cities to support further conservation and development strategies. Red Sea coastal cities are historical transit points of long-distance trade. This research is based on urban and architectural heritage which may bear tangible evidence of processes of borrowing and adaptation between Egypt and Saudi Arabia, Yemen, etc.
Architecture is not just about technology. Architecture and the urban context are physically shaped by traditional cultures which are ingrained in the design and construction of old cities. Such urban patterns and architecture rely on a rich and unique quality, rhythm, and cultural affinity, as well as on practical considerations such as behavioural patterns, function, topography and local building material. All these factors combine in shaping the city’s structure and morphology.
The research aims to set a methodology of mapping to study the Red Sea port cities’ heritage, urban change and transformation. The final product will be an “academic record” and an “urban atlas” of heritage in the Red Sea’s oldest port cities, Quseir and Suez, which have played a crucial role in the trade and pilgrimage routes from Asia through Africa to Europe.
Key Words: Vernacular Architecture – Memory, design and Intervention – Community design
They were to be found in transit points of long-distance trade routes, fulfilling the function of ‘extra-territorial islands’. Some okelles were built for merchants from the same origins, others instead grouped the same kind of goods. Trade was carried on in the main courtyard, the warehouses laying behind the arcade; a glance upward revealed the sleeping quarters, temporary accommodation for the merchants as well as for the residents.
At the time of Napoleon Expedition, many old okelles were still to be found at Bulaq, the river port of Cairo, in the Mediterranean ports of Alexandria, Rashid, and Dumyat, but also in the ports along the Red Sea.
While arguing that the Egyptian okelle is a ‘functional’ building type whose resilience has been tested over the long period, this paper will consider its evolution and adaptability to different geographical and urban contexts. Discuss will also focus on the revival of the okelle in 19th-century Alexandria. Here many okelles were adapted to house the European consuls, the first collections of antiquities, and even the first theatres. The Italian engineer Francesco Mancini fully understood the potentialities and adaptability of this age-old building type, particularly in Alexandria a city which was being re-settled by a series of ethno-religious enclaves. In Mancini’s interpretation the okelle embodied principles of symmetry, spatial fluidity and regularity of the external facades. His simplified neoclassical style became a sort of lingua franca. The real innovation however lied in the fact that Mancini lined up a number of okelles to form the main square of the European Town: Place the Consuls. The finest okelle along the square was later to become the Bourse of Alexandria.
The continuity of this building type as a symbol of the past but also of modern Egypt is proved by the fact that an okelle was rebuilt in Paris for the 1867 Universal Exhibition: “The okelle is built round a large courtyard with shops facing onto it …, but it is also a hotel, a bazaar, a warehouse, a workshop and even a stock exchange and may be summed up as a large public building where a people pursue their industrious activity.” ( Ch. Edmond, L’Egypte à l’exposition universelle de 1867, Paris: E. Dentu, 1867, pp.19 e 215).
Keywords: Urban heritage, Socio -Economic mobility, Spatial changes, Sustainable regeneration, Built heritage management
This research is focused on the port cities along the Red Sea coast, whose future is currently being discussed in relation to national projects such as the New Suez Canal Project and the Golden Triangle project. While cultural exchange across the Mediterranean has been the subject of much scholarly work, the Red Sea as an area of cross-cultural research has been largely overlooked. A timely study of these port cities may help provide Egyptian planning authorities with the opportunity to promote a better future. Along this line of thinking, this research aims at understanding the specific urban identity of these port cities in the broader context of cultural exchange between Egypt and the trade network across the Red Sea and beyond.
It is important to achieve an understanding of urban and architecture heritage of Red Sea port cities to support further conservation and development strategies. Red Sea coastal cities are historical transit points of long-distance trade. This research is based on urban and architectural heritage which may bear tangible evidence of processes of borrowing and adaptation between Egypt and Saudi Arabia, Yemen, etc.
Architecture is not just about technology. Architecture and the urban context are physically shaped by traditional cultures which are ingrained in the design and construction of old cities. Such urban patterns and architecture rely on a rich and unique quality, rhythm, and cultural affinity, as well as on practical considerations such as behavioural patterns, function, topography and local building material. All these factors combine in shaping the city’s structure and morphology.
The research aims to set a methodology of mapping to study the Red Sea port cities’ heritage, urban change and transformation. The final product will be an “academic record” and an “urban atlas” of heritage in the Red Sea’s oldest port cities, Quseir and Suez, which have played a crucial role in the trade and pilgrimage routes from Asia through Africa to Europe.