As part of their plan to relocate from Downtown to the new site in Dokki, where their library is already situated, the Goethe Institut in Cairo is interested in contributing to the local community through a public space intervention promoting more diverse and socially inclusive cultural activities within the existing yet underutilized garden.

The preliminary research phase, the first of a two-phase endeavor commissioned by the Goethe Institut, was carried out to understand the urban and social context of al-Misaha Square, in order to ultimately propose a sensitive and productive intervention. The study provided analyses of surrounding activities, usage, physical qualities, and a general understanding of the involved stakeholders, as well as the limitations and constraints of the site – physically, socially, and institutionally.

The subsequent concept design proposal included the sectioning of the park into different zones, each reacting to the surrounding site parameters and context. The proposed design elements and activities, informed by the preliminary research phase, included a children’s playground, event space, community gathering space, and recreational park. In addition to the everyday recreational use of the park, the design anticipated for the possibility of bi-weekly or monthly events and activities to be held by Goethe and other nearby institutions. This includes film screenings, performances, and workshops. Furthermore, the entire plot of the park could be transformed to accommodate seasonal festivals such as a flower festival or farmer’s market.