Cultural and Behavioral Factors in Upgrading Deteriorated Urban Space - Case Study: Old Cairo

Abstract

Cairo has been suffering from growth of deteriorated areas in many old districts. Such deterioration is accompanied by a massive decline in the social, cultural and economic characteristics. Cultural and behavioral aspects are not fully taken into consideration while upgrading deteriorated areas in Egypt. The present work tackles the relation between residents’ culture and the use of urban space. The paper introduces a sequential matrix that relates cultural and behavioral patterns with the aim of finding the main development entries for deteriorated spaces. The way in which distinguished sociologists and urban designers tried to understand the nature of urban planning and human behavior is examined. Their theories are analyzed and categorized within the scope of the present work and an estimated sequential matrix is reached. The non-physical attributes are converted into physical dimensions to be measured and calculated in a numerical matrix. This matrix and its implementations as a checklist for Darb El Labbana area has been framed. Accordingly, development entries are identified and 3d development proposal is presented.