Historic architecture is rapidly being replaced by cookie-cutter high-rises in Cairo, much to the displeasure of local architects and historians.
They worry that much of the city's charm will be destroyed, killing off its former reputation as the "Paris of the Middle East".
"The adventurous architecture was a synthesis of European and Middle Eastern. It became an expression of the city's self-confidence.
'It was the opening of commercial life, the opening for industry, the opening for culture itself, which gave this dream for the people to build such buildings,' explains architect Mona Zacharia, who has been involved in some impressive restoration projects.
Now, the demise of the villas has its own message."
FULL STORY: Cairo's architecture gems left to crumble
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This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
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