Mit Uqba as an Educational Landscape
Software used: Autocad, Rhinoceros, VRay, Photoshop, Illustrator, Indesign
This project was included in the multi-disciplinary Rebranding Egypt proposal prepared by the schools of the German University in Cairo for the Egyptian Government
This project was included in the multi-disciplinary Rebranding Egypt proposal prepared by the schools of the German University in Cairo for the Egyptian Government
The approach for this urban project emerged from a recently developed concept of an Educational Landscape, aimed at addressing the challenges faced by Cairo, the second wealthiest city in Africa, with a significant portion (about 65-70%) being comprised of slums. The project sought to rebrand the Mit Uqba area, known for its efficient market, by introducing a simple yet transformative element: kitchen counters within the market. By creating a restaurant-like atmosphere in a prominent spot, this intervention provides women in the community an opportunity to leverage their culinary skills, support their families' incomes, and enjoy flexible working hours.
Underlying this project is the objective to reinterpret urban settings as dynamic spaces for learning, particularly for the youth. It commenced with the construction of an educational urban landscape, mapping the complex neighborhood of Mit Uqba in Cairo. Through extensive study spanning months, numerous educational layers inherent in the area began to emerge. The heartbeat of the community resided in the local market (known as Souq), which served not only as a hub for purchasing fresh produce and poultry but also as a place for vehicle repairs, appliance fixes, and clothing alterations.
The proposed intervention targets an abandoned section of the souq, tucked away from the bustling crowds and adorned with old trees. Within this tranquil space, a small outdoor coffeeshop already possessed an inviting atmosphere. The proposal suggests the establishment of an outdoor kitchen where women from the community can cook and sell fresh meals. This endeavor acts as a small business incubator, empowering the women of Mit Uqba and providing them with an additional source of income. With flexible working hours that align with their daily lives, it supports both stay-at-home women and those with demanding jobs who struggle to find time to cook for their families. The outdoor kitchen will utilize resources from the existing souq while drawing clientele from the populated neighborhood. It revitalizes this serene corner of the souq, benefiting individuals of all genders and age groups throughout different times of the day.
Studying The Neighborhood
Vision
Ridley's was a temporary summer installation situated in Dalston's Ridley Road market in East London. It was a collaborative project between The Decorators and Atelier ChanChan, involving designers, artists, and architects. The installation centered around a restaurant concept that aimed to enhance the street market experience. Visitors would check the daily shopping list and then proceed to purchase the required ingredients from the market. These ingredients could then be exchanged for a freshly prepared lunch. The structure of Ridley's was constructed using scaffolds provided by a construction company. The ground floor housed the kitchen, where meals were prepared. A mechanical table would then lift the meals to the first level, which served as the dining area.
Mit Uqba's Market had all the resources needed to create a similar experience in Cairo. In an attractive relatively-abandoned section of the souq, tucked away from the bustling crowds and adorned with old trees, there is an existing coffeeshop that already serves drinks and provides tables and chairs for dining. With a few add-ons like kitchen counters and appliances, the women of the community can cook using the fresh food sold in the market and sell fresh meals. This endeavor acts as a small business incubator, empowering the women of Mit Uqba and providing them with an additional source of income, while simultaneously revitalizing this section of the market.
Design Intervention
Brochure Design
For this proposal, bi-fold brochures were designed to introduce the community to their new street kitchen in Mit Uqba, Cairo. The brochures feature a clean and modern layout that is easy to read and understand. The use of white space and carefully selected clear Arabic typography creates a sense of balance and harmony throughout the design. The color scheme is intentionally curated to be eye-catching, contrasted by black & white tones that complement the illustrations included in the brochures. The overall design of the brochure communicates the essence of the proposed project in a way that is visually appealing and engaging.
The cover image of the brochure is the designed logo for the incubator. It then unfolds into multiple squared-pages that introduces the project in 5 sections:
1- Working Hours of 3 daily meals.
2- Drinks menu, in collaboration with the adjacent coffeeshop.
3- Highlighting the project’s relevance and unique location.
4- How it contributes to the community.
5- Offering Catering for private events.
1- Working Hours of 3 daily meals.
2- Drinks menu, in collaboration with the adjacent coffeeshop.
3- Highlighting the project’s relevance and unique location.
4- How it contributes to the community.
5- Offering Catering for private events.
