Revisiting ‘Sabil’ buildings as nuclei of sustainable urban mobility in Fatimid Cairo: An urban-touristic approach considering urban and environmental qualities

Abstract

This study adopts two levels of comparative urban analysis to investigate the current role played by Sabil buildings as nuclei for sustainable urban rehabilitation in Al-Muiz Street, Fatimid Cairo, Egypt. The study is tackled from an urban touristic approach to promote linear and diffused mobility. Hence, Linear Urban Mobility Analysis divided the linear spine into nine sectors based on Sabil locations. These varied in densities, activities, services, social behaviour and opportunities. They were compared based on a matrix including quantitative and qualitative parameters reflecting the existing urban conditions, and were added to an ArcGIS ModelBuilder to develop a spatial assessment model. Then, for a Diffused Urban Mobility Analysis, three proposed itineraries were compared using validated software programs to scrutinise their urban and environmental qualities. The results present a pilot study for promoting sustainable urban mobility in historic cities based on Sabil buildings contextual settings.

Keywords

• Urban mobility
• Environmental quality
• Historic Cairo
• Sabil buildings
• Sustainable urban rehabilitation
• Visual exposure