Arts Thread

Project Theme: Garbage City is one of the most densely packed areas with garbage in Cairo, yet it is one of the most important areas as almost 80% of Cairo’s garbage is recycled. People of garbage city, named Zabbaleen, live in harsh conditions where they are prone to diseases due to their direct contact with garbage every day, as garbage fills every street and house of the district. Project Goal: In hopes of transcending the chaos on ground, the Community and Learning Center eventually gives the Zabbaleen a chance to socialize in a space away from the garbage that surrounds them and to work in hygienic conditions. Furthermore, the chimneys aim to reduce the piling of garbage on the streets and reduce the bad smell of the district. The project also aims to reverse the stigma of the site by giving the chance to the upper class of Cairo to learn about recycling which has brought change to their city. Concept: The concept of the project revolves around transcending the chaotic living conditions the Zabbaleen (garbage collectors) have been struggling with. The ultimate escape on the Mountain is reached by a journey they go through. Having a Community and Learning Center on Mokattam Mountain would eventually allow them to escape the chaos and the claustrophobia they deal with on ground through socializing and interacting in new activities whilst recycling in hygienic matter.