Reviving Tahrir Square: A Blend of History and Modernity

Dalia Sadany's Award-Winning Urban Renewal Design for Cairo's Iconic Public Space

The design was inspired by the square's rich history and the ongoing debate among architects and city planners about its future. Sadany's vision involves an overhaul of the entire area to reflect its modern revolutionary essence and to provide a recreational space in the heart of Cairo. The design is unique in that it merges some streets into the square, creating zones for pedestrian, recreational, and commercial uses. It also includes a memorial, a recreational area, and a commercial area, making it a multifunctional space.

The design's realization was guided by the goal of unlocking the untapped potential of public recreational areas. It aims to bring urban planning and design to the forefront of solving Egypt’s lack of recreational space and provide opportunities for private sector and non-governmental organizations to participate in local development activities. The master plan not only blends with the existing landmarks but enhances the commercial functionality of the overall area.

Technical specifications of the design reveal an estimated footage area of 490,000 square feet. Features include a glass memorial wall, a retail mall and coffee shops, and a steel sculpture to visualize the struggle for freedom. The flooring is made of various shades and finishes of Egyptian marble and cobalt tiling, adding a touch of local authenticity.

The design's interaction with the existing environment was a crucial aspect of the project. The modern design blends with the existing historical landmarks, and the master plan involves closing off some of the streets and merging them into the existing square without upsetting traffic flow. The plan took into account sufficient space for strolling and seating areas and a high green area ratio to introduce color to the city.

Work on the conceptual plan started in August 2013 and ended in February 2014. The project involved extensive research in several areas, including public landscape, urban furniture, monuments, memorials, water features, and commercial spaces. Each element has its own style, color scheme, and materials, all blending into one harmonious design. The most challenging aspect was gaining access to maps and studying traffic flow.

In conclusion, Dalia Sadany's design for Tahrir Square is a testament to the power of innovative urban design in reviving and transforming public spaces. It is a design that respects and celebrates the square's historical significance while introducing modern elements to meet the needs of a bustling metropolis. The award-winning design serves as a model for other cities around the world facing similar urban design challenges.