At the Design Build Breathe 2018 conference in Cairo, our CEO and Design Director, Khaled, delivered a landmark presentation that offered a compelling look into the philosophy that drives Schaduf Landscape Architects. Drawing from his formative years as a landscape architect, he presented a powerful case for the “Social Impact of Open Spaces in Egypt,” using a monumental project from his past to illustrate his guiding principles and vision for the future of urban environments.
Lessons from a Landmark: The Al-Azhar Park Story
Central to his presentation was an in-depth look at the creation of Al-Azhar Park, a project that remains a benchmark for urban renewal in Egypt. Khaled shared his unique perspective as a key member of the design team at Sites International, the firm responsible for this incredible undertaking. He detailed the journey of transforming a site that for over 600 years served as one of Cairo’s largest dumpsites, a seemingly impossible canvas that had accumulated a staggering 60 meters of debris and construction leftovers from across Greater Cairo. The area was so degraded it was considered by many to be undevelopable.
This experience was instrumental in shaping Khaled’s approach to landscape architecture. It was here he witnessed firsthand the immense potential for green spaces to not only reclaim derelict land but to actively heal and uplift entire communities. He explained how the project evolved from a “revolutionary idea” into what one Swiss journalist described as a “shock of green” in the heart of the city, a vibrant lung for a metropolis in desperate need of a place to breathe.
A Design Rooted in History
The design philosophy was deeply reverent of its historical context. The master plan was conceived as a series of formal Islamic gardens set within a larger, naturalistic park, creating a dialogue between structured design and organic beauty. A powerful main spine was designed to create a direct visual axis to the historic Citadel of Salah al-Din, while a subtle rotation in the path realigns visitors with the famous mosques of al-Rifa’i and Sultan Hassan. This meticulous planning ensured that the park was not an isolated entity but was woven into the very fabric of Islamic Cairo.
To welcome visitors, an entire orchard of citrus and lemon trees was planted, engaging the senses with pleasant aromas before they even reached the main vistas. This multi-sensory approach is a hallmark of a truly immersive landscape experience.
Overcoming Monumental Challenges
Khaled detailed the immense technical hurdles the team faced. The project required building over three massive underground concrete water tanks, each with an 80-meter diameter and resting on piles driven 60 meters deep into the unstable ground. These were ingeniously concealed beneath the formal gardens, a feat of integrated engineering and landscape design.
Furthermore, stabilizing the steep, toxic slopes of debris required innovative bio-engineering solutions. Deep-rooted plant species were meticulously selected and planted across the slopes to bind the soil and prevent erosion, ensuring the park’s long-term stability. To achieve the authentic planting palette required for the Islamic gardens, the team established a dedicated on-site nursery, importing and cultivating rare plant species from across Asia that were previously unavailable in Egypt.
A Philosophy of Engagement and Impact
Khaled highlighted that the true success of Al-Azhar Park lay in its profound social impact—principles that have become the bedrock of his leadership at Schaduf:
- Community-Centric Design: He recounted the revolutionary decision to involve local artisans from the impoverished Al-Darb al-Ahmar district directly in the park’s construction. By empowering the community to build their own park, from the intricate marble seating and lighting features to the ornate fountains, the project fostered a powerful sense of ownership and provided sustainable economic opportunities.
- Respect for Context and Heritage: The meticulous restoration of the ancient Ayyubid wall, discovered buried under the waste, became a project in itself. Khaled explained how, with funding from the Swiss Bank, the team used advanced technology to scan the wall stone by stone, identifying which pieces needed restoration or replacement.
- Capacity Building: He shared how the project brought in two Italian restoration experts to train local artisans, ultimately creating a skilled workforce of over 40 local craftsmen who became proficient in monument restoration. This initiative revived not only the wall but also the community’s connection to its heritage, with many of those trained later establishing their own workshops.
The Schaduf Vision: Building a Greener, More Equitable Future
Today, as the leader of Schaduf, Khaled channels these formative experiences into every project we undertake. His vision is clear: to create landscapes that are not just environmentally sustainable, but also socially equitable and restorative. The park’s immense success, drawing 2 million visitors annually and up to 200,000 on a single weekend day, is a testament to the power of this approach.
The story of Al-Azhar Park is more than just a past achievement; it is the foundation upon which Schaduf is built. It is a powerful reminder that a thoughtfully designed park, a green roof, or a community garden can be a catalyst for profound change, altering a society’s relationship with its environment and its history. Under Khaled’s leadership, Schaduf Landscape Architects continues to champion this philosophy, designing spaces that breathe new life into our cities and the communities within them.