Urban renewal of heritage sites and re-planning of waterfronts in historical areas : “case study of the vicinity of the historic qaitbay citadel in Alexandria-Egypt”

Abstract EN

The rehabilitation of heritage sites in line with the revival of the historical waterfronts.

The study focuses on the Qaitbay Citadel area as an urban model as one of the most important historical cultural tourism areas in Alexandria and how to maintain the continuity and development of tourism with its cultural heritage value.

Within an integrated framework for preserving the urban heritage of historic waterfronts, a new design proposal has been conducted to preserve the urban heritage, while keeping pace with the functional tourism requirements of the area.

Furthermore, it reviews the analysis of the physical and design conditions based on old maps, photographs, questionnaires and a SWOT for rehabilitating the area to be an economic center and a tourist attraction.

Major results of the study include; the redevelopment process aims to preserve the remaining heritage to revive the identity, restore and improve landscapes that have changed and deteriorated due to human activity, enhance and improve the landscape to revitalize the tourist waterfront.

The waterfront was designed using flexible elements that allow it to adapt to the new variables to support the long-term development and success of the waterfront redevelopment and to enhance visual interest.

It was concluded that coastal cities can create a distinct sense of place by preserving valuable heritage and historic buildings to attract visitors and investors.

Therefore, new developments or major improvement must be complemented by the old urban fabric while preserving their distinctive features to support the city’s identity