Egypt’s Ministry of State for Urban Renewal and Informal Settlements announced on Monday that British architecture firm Foster + Partners has won a competition to redevelop downtown Cairo’s waterfront Maspero district. According to a press release from Foster + Partners, the master plan will introduce new residential, commercial and retail spaces in the 35-hectare area. The first phase of the development will include filling empty spaces with greenery to “enhance the vibrant public realm” and improve the quality of life for the existing community. Foster + Partners’ vision also includes freeing up an open space at the center of the neighborhood “for community events and celebrations”. The space will also be linked to the area’s food market and hospital. Additionally, the firm hopes to connect Maspero with the nearby upscale neighborhood of Zamalek via a footbridge, at the foot of which there will be a space dedicated to cafés and restaurants. “Based on estimated land values, the masterplan places commercial and residential spaces along the river [Nile] edge and main street frontages, while mixed use buildings and open community spaces occupy the more private, central core of the scheme. This…
Egypt Unveils Plans to Completely Renovate Downtown Cairo’s Maspero
November 11, 2015
