Temporal Resilience - Reclaiming Neglected Spaces
Temporal Resilience - Reclaiming Neglected Spaces
Catherine Bassem Raouf
Rawan Waleed Elnemr
Egypt
Project Description
Our project reimagines Maadi’s neglected under-bridge corridors and unused spaces—often defined by flood risk, traffic, and social neglect—into vibrant public platforms that heal at three scales: personal, communal, and ecological.
People: The design introduces accessible green areas and shaded gathering spaces where residents can picnic, children can play, and vendors can thrive. By adapting to the temporal element of daily rhythms, seasonal events, etc.
Community: Through participatory design with the Maadi community, the proposal transforms void infrastructure into flexible platforms for cultural exchange, markets, and festivals. This adaptive reuse strengthens social ties, supports local livelihoods with their different neighborhood schedules, and celebrates diverse cultural identities.
Planet: Nature-based items, such as “living bricks” and permeable surfaces, absorb humidity and rain, storing water for reuse and mitigating flood impact. Planting strategies and biodiversity zones create a cleaner, more resilient ecosystem that supports both people and wildlife.
Project addresses six SDGs, including:
3.Good Health and Wellbeing
6.Clean Water and Sanitation
9.Industry Innovation and Infrastructure
13.Climate Action
15.Life on Land
17.Partnership for the Goals
This proposal is grounded in extensive on-site research, face-to-face surveys identified residents’ needs. After developing the proposal, we returned to the same community members, confirming their strong support.