Contextual Design for New Additions in Historical Complexes (Cairo University Campus)

Abstract

The addition of ancient buildings and sites is an established phenomenon as old as architecture itself. It was a familiar phenomenon in ancient Egyptian architecture and Islamic architecture history. For example, the Temple of Hatshepsut was added to the Temple of Mentuhotep III site in Deir El-Bahari, and the Karnak Temple witnessed a series of additions to the original site built more than a thousand years ago. Egypt includes historical sites that are still alive and functioning, such as the Al-Azhar Mosque. In addition, it has heritage complexes from modern histories, such as Cairo University and the Egyptian Parliament. Therefore, it requires the knowledge of adding a new building to historical sites. The research discusses the issue of adding a new building to a historical site and presents its causes and problems. It also discusses the distinctive design approaches, strategies, and theories involved in adding a new building to a historical site. The research also documents and analyzes the layers of additions to the Cairo University campus, which witnessed a series of additions to its buildings and open spaces that spanned over a century and included additions of modern and postmodern styles to its original buildings, which were of the neoclassical style.