A Field Trip for Students to Fatimid Cairo
As part of the Faculty of Engineering's community outreach efforts and its commitment to fostering the values of cooperation and social responsibility, the Community Service and Environmental Development Sector, under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Hinar Abu El-Magd, Vice Dean for Community Service and Environmental Development, organized a field trip for students to Fatimid Cairo – Al-Muizz Street (from Bab El-Futuh to the Sayyid Al-Hussein Mosque). The trip was supervised by Dr. Marwa Sayed, with the assistance of Ms. Ragda Adel and Ms. Ahmed Adel.
The visit aimed to introduce students to the importance of studying the historical urban environment and analyzing its components. This was intended to develop their ability to evaluate the spatial and aesthetic qualities of urban design within a unique heritage setting, and to apply the elements of visual imagery according to Kevin Lynch's model to the site's mind map. The visit also included analyzing the components of the urban space, studying the relationship between historical buildings and surrounding social activities, and integrating community dimensions into the design process to achieve human interaction with the place. The visit witnessed significant student engagement, with students demonstrating a clear interest in understanding the unique architectural characteristics of the historic district and a keen desire to incorporate their field observations into their academic projects. At the conclusion of the visit, Dr. Marwa Sayed emphasized the importance of integrating theoretical study with field observation to enrich students' practical knowledge and enhance their awareness of the value of architectural heritage and its role in shaping urban identity.
The activity aimed to promote architectural and urban awareness through the study of historical environments and to bridge the gap between academic theory and practical application.