Abstract

Times of crisis can be theorized from a Deleuzian perspective as a ‘rupture’ to the normative modes of living, where, in the case of politically driven migration, both the displaced population and the host society are impacted by imperative change. Recognizing the transformative nature of these ruptures is crucial as they offer the potential to transition from one paradigm to another.

This research aims to investigate how the displaced Syrian population inhabit the new settlements of Al Hossary Area in 6 October and El Rehab City gated community Souk in New Cairo differently due to the limitations and opportunities their context allows, and in relation how these methods of inhabitation impact the urban fabric of the two cities differently. The Syrian population in Cairo is used as a case study due to their successful economic model of integration through the food industry within the Egyptian context, due to Egypt’s ‘ambivalent policies.’ While Al Hossary and El-Rehab City Souk are used as comparative examples, they represent two variegated architectural typologies of a mosque and gated community, acting as urban catalysts in the desert edge. The research aims to trace how the Syrian restaurants interact with such external urban spatial setting differently. Accordingly, the research question is: What is the socio-spatial urban dynamic between El-Rehab City Souk and Al Hossary as urban catalysts and the Syrian refugees’ food industry as a method of finding livelihoods?

As the research focuses on socio-spatial dynamics, the methodology is divided into two parts that, firstly, focuses on the people, secondly, the place. Firstly, the people aspect is researched through a series of field visits, where semi-structured interviews and non-participant observation is conducted with Syrian restaurant owners and employees to create a framework for lived experiences within the space. Secondly, the place aspect is researched on the urban catalyst of Al Hossary and El-Rehab city Souk through a series of archival research, spatial mapping, and non-participant observation to understand how ruptures are manifested spatially and thus transform space over time.

This research aims to present a framework of guiding principles which facilitate a toolkit for urban designers and policy makers in Cairo to rejuvenate underutilized spaces on the basis of Syrians’ drifting of spaces.

School

School of Sciences and Engineering

Department

Architecture Department

Degree Name

MS in Architecture

Graduation Date

Winter 1-31-2024

Submission Date

9-30-2024

First Advisor

Momen El Husseiny

Committee Member 1

Amr Abdel Kawi

Committee Member 2

Abeer Elshater

Extent

233 p.

Document Type

Master's Thesis

Institutional Review Board (IRB) Approval

Approval has been obtained for this item

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