A critical study of the Banque Misr buildings in Downtown Cairo | ||||
| Benha Journal of Engineering Science and Technology | ||||
| Volume 2, Issue 1, July 2025, Page 33-47 PDF (1.32 MB) | ||||
| DOI: 10.21608/bjest.2025.445852 | ||||
 View on SCiNiTO | ||||
| Author | ||||
| Esraa Aidy Al-Husseini | ||||
| Faculty of Architecture, Benha University, Qalyubia, Egypt | ||||
| Abstract | ||||
| This research examines the importance of ensuring compatibility between newly constructed buildings and their surrounding heritage areas to preserve the visual identity and architectural character. The study aims to strike a balance between urban development and the conservation of cultural and architectural heritage, as preserving historical identity is essential for maintaining community heritage, enhancing the attractiveness of heritage sites, and positively impacting tourism and the local economy. The research focuses on a case study of the three Banque Misr buildings on 151 Mohamed Farid Street in downtown Cairo, where each building underwent different forms of development, resulting in architectural disparities between them and the original building, which maintains the traditional urban character. The study adopts an inductive approach, analyzing the concept of architectural identity and urban integration in heritage areas while emphasizing the role of descriptive architectural criticism in assessing the compatibility of contemporary buildings within their historical context. The analysis relies on specific visual criteria to evaluate the degree of integration of these buildings with the historical environment, the balance between modernity and heritage, and their impact on the urban fabric and local community. By applying these criteria, the research assesses the compatibility percentage of each building with its surroundings, highlighting the differences caused by varying development approaches. The study concludes with findings on the extent to which these buildings align with their urban context and provides recommendations to ensure visual and architectural harmony in future projects, whether for new constructions or the renovation of existing structures within heritage zones. | ||||
| Keywords | ||||
| Architectural Criticism; Architectural Character; Downtown; Administrative Buildings; Bank Buildings; The Egyptian Bank | ||||
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