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Fustat Park

Cairo, Egypt

2019 - 2024

Cultural HeritageGreen SpacesUrban Park

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Project Description

Approach Words: Heritage Preservation, Urban Livability

Public Policy Instruments: Physical Intervention, Planning, Regulatory

Fustat Park is a redevelopment project, that transforms a historic dump site into a vast urban green space in the heart of Historic Cairo. Located near key landmarks such as the Civilization Museum, Ain El-Serra Lake, and Amr ibn Al-Aas Mosque, the park is designed to enhance the ecological and cultural fabric of the area.¹ The project was envisioned as ‘a true part of Old Cairo, proposing a place where urban life, nature, and history can coexist’.² ³ The primary objectives of the project are to revitalize the historic area, increase green spaces, boost tourism, and provide recreational and educational facilities while preserving the historical and archaeological significance of the region.⁴ ⁵ ⁶

Title: An aerial perspective showcasing the project's development and urban design.

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Title: Detailed overview of the project's master plan design and layout.

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Title: A blend of historical Cairo aesthetics with contemporary design to rejuvenate the city.

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Title: Integration of the project’s landscape design with the surrounding site context.

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Title: An aerial perspective showcasing the project's development and urban design.

Source: Click Here

Title: Detailed overview of the project's master plan design and layout.

Source: Click Here

Title: A blend of historical Cairo aesthetics with contemporary design to rejuvenate the city.

Source: Click Here

Title: Integration of the project’s landscape design with the surrounding site context.

Source: Click Here

Originally initiated in 1989, the Fustat Park project faced delays due to jurisdictional conflicts between the Cairo Governorate and the Ministry of Antiquities, as well as concerns over the preservation of significant archaeological sites.⁷ In 2019, the project was revitalized as part of Egypt’s broader effort to develop Historic Cairo into a major cultural and tourist destination, emphasizing the integration of historical preservation with modern recreational facilities.⁸

The master plan of Fustat Park spans 500 acres, featuring densely forested areas with minimal construction, creating an environment that promotes both ecological sustainability and the users’ recreational enjoyment. Key components of the park include:

Development of extensive footpaths and green spaces.⁹
An open theater for public events.¹⁰
Children’s playgrounds and two cafeterias.
The evacuation and relocation of 4,700 families from informal squatter settlements to prepare the site for the park’s development.¹¹
Integration of the park with surrounding historical sites, linking them through a series of defined interventions.¹² ¹³

In terms of sustainability, Fustat Park emphasizes the integration of natural landscapes with historical and cultural elements, blending gardens, museums, and monuments into a unified recreational space. The park is designed to educate visitors on Egypt’s historical value through immersive experiences that highlight significant events, such as the Battle of Kadesh and the construction of the Babylon Fortress.¹⁴

Owner/Developer (Public)

Central Agency for Reconstruction ²²

Ministry of Housing, Utilities, and Urban Communities ²³

Consultant/Designer

EHAF Consulting Engineering ²⁴

DLR Group ²⁵

Funder

Urban Development Fund ²⁶

Contractor/Implementer

Cairo Greater Reconstruction Agency ²⁷

Owner/Developer (Public)

Central Agency for Reconstruction ²²

Ministry of Housing, Utilities, and Urban Communities ²³

Contractor/Implementer

Cairo Greater Reconstruction Agency ²⁷

Funder

Urban Development Fund ²⁶

Consultant/Designer

EHAF Consulting Engineering ²⁴

DLR Group ²⁵

The project is a collaboration between the Egyptian government, including the Ministry of Housing and Urban Communities, and the Cairo Governorate, with contributions from local and international construction companies as Saudi Egyptian Developers (SED),¹⁵ DLR Group,¹⁶ Gama Construction.¹⁷ Implemented in multiple phases since 2021, the project has seen the successful relocation of informal settlersto the Al-Asmarat housing project site in Cairo, which presents as a model for the housing of former residents.¹⁸ ¹⁹The final vision is to create an integrated civil project that not only serves recreational and educational purposes but also enhances the cultural and tourism appeal of Historic Cairo.²⁰ ²¹