Ras El Bar, a unique coastal city where the Nile meets the Mediterranean, experiences a remarkable transformation each summer as its population swells from 25,000 permanent residents to over 250,000 visitors. This seasonal surge places immense pressure on the city’s infrastructure, making thoughtful urban renewal projects like the Street 51 renovation essential to ensuring a sustainable and welcoming environment for all.
In partnership with the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN Habitat) and the Governorate of Damietta, the Street 51 project is part of an ongoing commitment to enhance Ras El Bar’s urban fabric. Building on recent improvements such as the redesigned beach promenade and the new public market, this project focuses on transforming an 830-meter stretch of Street 51 into a “complete street”—a modern urban design concept that prioritizes the safety, comfort, and accessibility of all users, from pedestrians and cyclists to drivers.
The comprehensive redesign incorporates dedicated bike lanes to encourage cycling, lush landscaping and greenery to elevate the street’s aesthetic and environmental quality, and thoughtfully selected street furniture to enhance user comfort. A carefully designed lighting system ensures safety and visibility, while durable, context-appropriate materials guarantee longevity and cohesion with the city’s character.
Our approach included a detailed survey and as-built drawings to capture existing conditions, followed by the development of technical designs aligned with UN Habitat’s vision. The project package delivers precise construction drawings, 3D visualizations to bring the streetscape to life, and a thorough bill of quantities outlining materials, labor, and cost estimates. Throughout construction, advisory support ensures design integrity and addresses challenges as they arise—all within a targeted three-month timeframe.
The Street 51 renovation is more than a street upgrade—it is a vital step toward a more sustainable, inclusive, and vibrant Ras El Bar, enhancing daily life for residents and visitors alike while respecting the city’s distinctive coastal heritage.