AL-AZHAR PARK

Location: Cairo, Egypt
Master Planning, Landscape Architecture,
Architecture, Engineering, Site Supervision,
Project Management
The Aga Khan Trust for Culture appointed Sites International as the lead consultant to
develop and design the final master plan, landscape architecture, selected architecture
and site supervision/project manage ment of Al Azhar Park. The 74-acre site is uniquely
situated amidst the splendor of Old Cairo, atop a 500 year old landfill and is defined
along its western boundary by the 800 year old Ayyubid wall. The design theme is
derived from the contextual Is lamic heritage of Old Cairo and the design intent is to
provide green open space for the densely populated city. The master plan centers on a
major pedestrian spine that extends north-south, linking the to  pographically-varied
landscape elements of the Park. Furniture and lighting fixtures were custom designed
by Sites Interna tional, using local artisans from a nearby quarry district. Al Azhar Park,
now a Cairo landmark, was instrumental in the devel opment of environmental awareness
and a better understanding of the profession of landscape architecture in Egypt. The
Park’s diverse planting material is a valuable educational resource for botany and
horticulture students. Throughout the design process, Sites International was mindful of
sustainable design issues. Native and adaptive trees and shrubs were used to provide
shade and heat relief and the   irrigation system uses raw water from the Nile. Al Azhar
Park transformed one of the poorest, most populous and historically rich parts of Cairo
into a sustainable open space, stimulated social and economic development and
generated revenues exceeding operational and maintenance costs.