Port Said historic markets: a tool for urban revitalization

Abstract

PurposeThis paper investigates urban potentials of historic covered market buildings. Generally, these structures witnessed the apex of construction during the turn of the 20th century in Europe and beyond. They thrived until the second half of the 20th century when they started to decline and their existence became threatened due to several factors. This research focuses on recent regeneration attempts that consider the qualities of these structures, not only as individual buildings but also as an important tool for the revitalization of their surrounding contexts.Design/methodology/approachThis paper focuses mainly on the Egyptian network of historic indoor markets with special reference to Port Said markets which are currently in decay and in urgent need for intervention. Through the consultation of the Barcelona Model for Markets, Spain and the survey of Port Said historic markets; the present study suggests a framework through which the network of local markets can regain their positive role and contribute to the revitalization of their surrounding context.FindingsFindings reveal that historic indoor markets are complex structures that cannot be regenerated in isolation from their usually fast changing contexts. Intervention in this prototype needs to balance between traditional imaginary of these buildings, including the protection of their historic features and the protection of vulnerable local trades; and at the same time, the adaptation of market buildings to contemporary needs to improve their competitiveness on the commercial level.Originality/valueThe present study suggests a two-level framework and approach through which the network of local markets in Egyptian cities can regain their positive role and hence contribute to the revitalization of their surroundings.

Knowledge spaces in architecture and urbanism – a preliminary five-year chronicle

“…Recent contributions that strengthen this knowledge space include the work of Furlan et al. (2019) which examines the authenticity of place-making and associated issues of the visual and spatial character development in the context of the regenerated historic district in Msheireb, Downtown Doha, Qatar; the work of Sharif (2020) which offers an enunciation of an actor-network theory inspired ethnography for recording heritage buildings in the context of Irbid, Jordan; the work of AlSadaty (2020) which places emphasis on the Egyptian network of historic indoor markets with special reference to Port Said city markets that are in critical need for serious intervention; the work of Kudumovic (2021) which examines the historic core of Sarajevo, its physical attributes, sensory experience and activities towards potential revitalization efforts. Also recently, the work of Daher (2021) goes a step further beyond discussing a specific case or building typology and provides a critical assessment of the trajectory and nature of the production of knowledge on cultural heritage in the Arab world.…”