Design Studio 1993: “Rabat’s Urban Fringe,” Rabat, Morocco, Seminar Curriculum

Abstract

The Design Studio from Spring 1993, “Rabat’s Urban Fringe,” was led by Professors François Vigier and Mona Serageldin. The seminar focused on the informal housing fringe region around the old city sections of Rabat, Morocco.

See the Table of Contents [excerpt below] for Five chapters on urban development in Rabat, Morocco ca. 1992: “I. National Background, II. The Process of Urbanization, III. The Housing Sector, IV. Rabat-Salé: The Capital City, and V. The Southern Fringe of Rabat. “

Section 5 on the Southern Fringe contains an expansive study of Squatter Settlements, Historic Regions, and Upgrading in Rabat, with details on squatter regions and upgrading activity zones, including an analysis of the social and economic impact of housing projects underway. A final section (5.5) details Case Studies of Doum: (Shacks A and B) and (Houses A and B), and informal housing in Takadoum, and La Butte.

Excerpt

[Excerpt: Table of Contents fo Rabat’s Urban Fringe, October 1992]

This document presents an overview of the Design Studio, authored by Drs. Vigier and Serageldin in October 1992, for use in the Spring 1993 Design Studio curriculum. This topic was reused from the Design Studio from 1989 (Design Studio 1989: “Rabat’s Urban Fringe,” Urbanization Analysis of Rabat, Morocco – Seminar Curriculum).

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Project Year:	1993
Project Type:	Urban Design Studio
Geographic Regions:	Rabat, Morocco
Reports:	1993 Design Studio: Rabat’s Urban Fringe (Report)
Authors:	^{Mona Serageldin; François Vigier;}
Sponsors:	^{The Aga Khan Program for Islamic Architecture at Harvard University;}
Categories:	Design Studios; Education;

ID:	1993_00_001

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January 1992January 2024

Design Studio 1992: “Cairo and the Medieval City” &”Urban Regeneration in Medieval Cairo,” in Cairo, Egypt, Seminar Curriculum

Abstract

The Design Studio from Spring 1992, led by Drs. François Vigier and Mona Serageldin, focused on urban regeneration in the Medieval sector of Cairo, Egypt.

Two reports use maps and photos to propose preservation solutions for buildings in the Darb Qirmiz area, the Darb al-Asfar area, and the northern Gamalia region of Medieval Cairo. Teaching scenarios range from realistic issues, to illustrative examples. Students modeled this detailed survey of Cairo’s historic district in a collaborative report based on their study.

Documents from 1992 include a full Report on “Cairo and the Medieval City” prepared by Drs. Vigier and Serageldin, followed by a student paper on “Medieval Cairo” (by Eurico Francisco and Georg Schrom). Finally, is a contextual overview titled “Urban Context: The Greater Cairo Region.” This topic was repeated for Design Studios from 1998, 1999 and 2000, offered by the Unit for Housing and Urbanization.

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Project Year:	1992
Project Type:	Urban Design Studio
Geographic Regions:	Medieval Cairo, Egypt (Darb Qirmiz, Darb Al-Asfar, and Gamalia Quarters)
Reports:	“Cairo and the Medieval City,” (Vigier and Serageldin, 1992) Medieval Cairo (Final Report, Eurico Francisco and Georg Schrom) Urban Context: The Greater Cairo Region, (Overview)
Authors:	^{Mona Serageldin; François Vigier; Eurico Francisco; Georg Schrom; Jana Pereau; Katherine Dunham; Catherine Miller; Christophe Drumain; Siew-Leng Fun; Christopher Lane; Muhammad Abdus Sabur; Markus Leibenath; Yu-Hua Wang; Darlene van der Breggen; Stefanie Wagstaff; Samy Zaghloul;}
Sponsors:	^{The Aga Khan Program for Islamic Architecture at Harvard University;}
Categories:	Design Studios; Education;

ID:	1992_00_002

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Related by – Design Studio Seminars, 1981-2003

Related by – Historic District Preservation

Design Studio 1981: “Housing Design in Islamic Cultures” in Algeria, Bangladesh, Egypt, Iraq, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Indonesia, Seminar Curriculum

“Economy of Historic Preservation” in Erbil, Kurdistan, Report for Strengthening Urban & Regional Planning (SURP), UN-HABITAT, 2014

“Comprehensive Plan for Makkah, Madinah and Mashaer,” Urban Development Strategy for Ancient Holy Sites in Saudi Arabia, 2009

“Sustainable Development Based on Valorizing the Historic Urban Fabric,” Paper by Dr. Mona Serageldin, 9th World Congress of the Organization of World Heritage Cities in Kazan, Tatarstan, Russia, 2007

“Integrated Area Management Action Plan,” Urban Management Plan for the Ancient Walled City Icheri Sheher, Baku, Azerbaijan, 2006

“Revitalization of Kars Historic Center” & “Strategies for Sustainable Development,” Technical Assistance and Capacity-Building for Kars, Turkey, 2004-2008

“Cooperation and Capacity Building for Promoting Cultural, Natural and Built Heritage in Transylvania,” Technical Assistance Report for Brașov, Sibiu, Sighișoara and Târgu Mureș, Romania, 2004

“Continuity and Change” by Dr. Mona Serageldin, Topic Paper for 48th World Congress, International Federation for Housing and Planning (IFHP), 2004

“Historic Center of Mexico City” Diagnostic Summary, Technical Assistance for Mexico City, Mexico, 2003

“Master Plan for the Revitalization of the Older Urban Fabric,” Preservation in the Old City of Al Qusair, Egypt, 2000

“St. Petersburg Center City Rehabilitation Project,” Urban Planning Network for St. Petersburg, Russia, 2000

“Preserving the Historic Urban Fabric in a Context of Fast Paced Change,” Research Essay by Dr. Mona Serageldin, 1998

“Lublin Local Initiatives Program” & “Lublin Old Town Rehabilitation Project,” Technical Assistance for Urban Upgrading in Lublin, Poland, 1994-2000

“Samarkand, Uzbekistan: Revitalization and Rehabilitation of the Historic District,” Technical Assistance for the City of Samarkand, Uzbekistan, 1994

“Upgrading and Conservation of the Walled City of Lahore,” Regional Report on the Preservation of Historic Lahore, Pakistan, 1988

Related I2UD Photography Galleries

Galleries 6-7 – Egypt: Cairo and Helwan, 1986, 1990

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July 1989June 2024

“Environmental Health Factors in Housing,” Design Study for the Rapid Urbanization of Low-Income Settlements in Urban-Fringe Districts, 1989

Abstract

“Environmental Health Factors in Housing” was a study from 1989 by the Unit for Housing and Urbanization — addressing the link between rapid urbanization and rapid densification of low-income housing settlements in economically struggling cities — called the “Third World” in 1980s-era economic terminology.

The report addressed the environmental hazards, poverty, disease and slum housing conditions emerging in areas around housing developments built recently but lacking adequate infrastructure for socio-economic longevity and community health. The Unit presented their aim to form a model for affordable, practical design criteria that paid attention to both economic and social factors for urban-fringe districts.

Documents include working reports from April, July and August 1989, a Study Summary, and a Research Strategy and Methodological Guidelines by Rafique H. Keshavjee (Ph.D. Orville Solon, Ph.D.) from December 1989.

Excerpt

[Excerpt: Study Summary, I. Overview, July 1989, p. 2]

“Most urban settlements in lower-income countries, whether they are new settlements built by the government, established informal communities or new squatter areas, are subject to tremendous pressures of population growth and economic and physical change. The greater the pressure for development, the more rapid the transformations brought about by this maturation process. This continuous growth and change can rapidly transform their original physical forms beyond recognition and alter the community’s social and economic functions. The process is further intensified when governments introduce improvements such as water, sewerage, basic services and housing. For example, carefully planned housing projects designed according to standards which assume a segregation of commercial and residential activities will find that, overtime, these activities will occur simultaneously in the same area.

The need of low-income families to generate additional income and living space results in the construction of new rooms and apartments which were often not anticipated in the original design of the site or its infrastructure. In such cities as Karachi, Dhakka and Cairo, where housing shortages are high, additions to structures can reach over six stories in less than five years, raising densities from under 400 to over 1,000 persons per hectare. The most dynamic aspect of transformation within a community affects housing, small scale commercial establishments and the disappearance or overuse of communal open
spaces.”

…..

[Excerpt: Study Summary, III. STUDY DESIGN, July 1989, p. 7]

“The purpose of the Study is to develop practical, affordable design criteria which are responsive to the social and economic dynamics of low-income settlements. It will focus on aspects of housing and community design which have received little attention in the past. Most notably, the long-term impact of rapid growth in low-income urban settlements and the effect of the resulting transformation of housing and environmental conditions on the health of the residents. The definition of this linkage and the development of appropriate environmental design criteria, will allow decision makers to choose physical improvements that will maintain their positive impacts as a community matures.“

Project Year:	1989
Project Type:	Environmental Climate Research Paper
Geographic Regions:	Global / None Specified
Reports:	Environmental Health Factors in Housing: (April 1989) Environmental Health Factors in Housing: (August 1989) Environmental Health Factors in Housing: (July 1989) Environmental Health Factors in Housing: (Summary, July 1989) Environmental Health Factors in Housing: Research Strategy and Methodological Guidelines (December 1989)
Authors:	^{Rafique H. Keshavjee, Ph.D.; Mona Serageldin; François Vigier;}
Sponsors:	^{World Health Organization; Ford Foundation;}
Categories:	Climate Change and Resilience Building

ID:	1989_07_001

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January 1989January 2024

Design Studio 1989: “Rabat’s Urban Fringe,” Urbanization Analysis of Rabat, Morocco – Seminar Curriculum

Abstract

The Design Studio from 1989, “Rabat’s Urban Fringe” presented the urban evolution of Rabat, Morocco from 1987 to the early 1990s. The seminar covered Rabat’s urban development experience as a case study for Seminar attendees. The Seminar was hosted by the Harvard Aga Khan Program for Islamic Architecture at Harvard University, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Professors Dr. Francois Vigier and Dr. Mona Serageldin led the sessions, research, and discussions.

Seminar materials focused on analyzing methods to accelerate the release of land for urban development in Rabat, and to discourage imbalanced city growth patterns. The Studio covered the application of standards that balance climate requirements, socio-cultural needs, and affordability, the creation of cost-efficient designs to support the economic life of projects, and the use of politically-feasible mechanisms to improve cost recovery and affordability. This topic was repeated for Urban Design Studio curricula from 1989 to 1993.

Documents include: A Seminar Syllabus and overview report; A Full report, “Rabat’s Urban Fringe,” with text by Dr. Mona Serageldin, supported by Seminar’s research team, and a final student report on urban planning in Rabat.

Excerpt

[Excerpt: Syllabus, Overview, Spring 1989, Mr. Vigier, Ms. Serageldin, pp. 1-2.]

“Urban Housing in Rabat, Morocco,” An Overview:

“Urban areas of Third World countries are growing rapidly as a result of a high rate of natural increase of the population and of migration from rural areas. In older areas, usually highly accessible to a broad range of job opportunities, continued population pressures is causing a densification of the housing stock which is deteriorating rapidly from lack of maintenance and subdivision into smaller units. Their infrastructure systems are utilized well beyond their design capacity, creating an increasingly unsanitary environment and threatening the structural soundness of buildings. More recently, governments have had to cope with a dynamic private sector whose activities have proved difficult to control.”

“At present [ca. 1989], the urban fringe is developing rapidly as squatter and informal settlements, ranging in quality from little more than shacks to sound housing for moderate income households striving to improve their standard of living, are built illegally. Currently accounting for sixty to eighty percent of housing starts, these fringe developments present an unprecedented challenge to planners and public officials concerned with preventing urban sprawl and maintaining control over the dynamics of growth in order to provide efficiently the necessary infrastructure and services.”

“Planning and Design Issues. High rates of urban growth necessitate forceful public interventions to direct the development of the urban fringe and improve the functional efficiency of older districts. Located in both older areas and on the urban fringe, large-scale projects are being undertaken to upgrade the infrastructure, extend the capacity of transportation systems, provide public amenities, and build mixed-use developments.”

“Yet, the prevalence of poverty has overtaxed the ability of governments to provide adequate public services or enforce even minimum sanitary standards of housing for the majority of urban households. Government housing policies have sought to reconcile three potentially conflicting objectives:

— “A commitment to improve the standard of life of a population largely unable to afford safe and sanitary housing on the open market.”

— “The desire to utilize planning and design standards reflecting international norms as the means to provide an acceptable level of amenities in both older areas and the developing urban fringe.”

— “The necessity to keep public subsidies at a manageable level in the face of the rising demand generated by the rapid growth of the urban population.”

Al Quds City Model House, for Casablanca, showing Front and Side Elevation, Sections, Ground, First and Second Floor, and Foundation building layouts. Original Source: Ministry of Housing and Land Development

*Graphic Map showing the Distribution of Urban Settlements, Morocco, showing data for large settlements in Casablanca, Rabat,* Fez, Marrakech, Meknes, Sale, Tangier, and Tetouan.

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Project Year:	1989
Project Type:	Urban Design Studio
Geographic Regions:	Rabat, Morocco
Reports:	1989 Design Studio: “Urban Housing in a Developing Country: Rabat Morocco” (Syllabus) 1989 Design Studio: “Rabat’s Urban Fringe,” Mona Serageldin (Final Report) 1989 Design Studio: “Urban Housing in a Developing Country, Rabat Morocco” (Student Report)
Authors:	^{Mona Serageldin; Samir Abdulac; Fathahah Debbi; Agnes Deboulet; Isabelle Ouetta; Jennifer Wayne; Hung-Song Oh; Randa Tukan;}
Sponsors:	^{The Aga Khan Program for Islamic Architecture at Harvard University, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology}
Categories:	Design Studios; Education;

ID:	1989_01_001

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Gallery 10 – Morocco: Fes, Casablanca, and Rabat, 1983-1993

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January 1987December 2023

“Upgrading and Conservation of the Walled City of Lahore,” Regional Report on the Preservation of Historic Lahore, Pakistan, 1988

Abstract

The project “Upgrading and Conservation of the Walled City of Lahore” was implemented by Drs. Rafique H. Keshavjee, Mona Serageldin and François Vigier (of the Unit) in 1987, to address the urban circumstances surrounding the historic Walled City in Lahore, Pakistan.

The report was part of a larger project undertaken between 1978 and 1980, “Lahore Urban Development and Traffic Study” (LUDTS). This study defined issues of urban economics, housing dilapidation, infrastructure development, urban management and finance — in order to develop comprehensive strategies to implement improvements for Lahore, specifically the Walled City.

Documents include a Primary Information paper, Background paper, Preliminary report, Interim report, Progress report and a Project Summary paper. This study format — a robust detailed review and strategic presentation for improvements in historic and low-income urban spaces — was replicated throughout the Unit, CUDS and I2UD’s later work.

See below: Photography Galleries of Lahore, Pakistan: Photography of the Walled City of Lahore — including streetscapes, housing exterior and interiors, and historic architecture in the Walled City. Photography taken for the Unit’s study, later used as case study material, and curated within Dr. Serageldin’s slide collection.

Excerpt

[Excerpt: Overview of the Walled City of Lahore, Primary Information Paper, Page 9-14]

“The Walled City of Lahore, one square mile (2.5 sq. km) in area, is the oldest and most densely populated quarter of the provincial capital of the Punjab. It acquired some of the greatest monuments of Indian Muslim architecture. The palace-fort complex, the vast badshai mosque, as well as the superbly decorated Wazir Khan mosque, with its attached madrasah, bindery stalls and hammam are among the symbols of the heritage of Pakistan. The domestic architecture is also of value, and numerous dwellings, often with rich hierarchies of space, ranging from large homes to palaces of city notables, especially from the Sikh period, dot much of the area….Numerous shrines, mainly tombs of Muslim saints and sages, within and just outside the walls, entire some venerated regularly, some periodically by thousands of Muslims each year, usually in large processions. In short — with its proud history, varied urban texture, 20 protected national monuments, numerous shrines and other estimated 4,000 buildings of cultural value, the Walled City is one of the richest repositories of the nation’s cultural heritage.”

“The Walled City is an integral and vital component of the metropolitan complex. It provides shelter and employment to more than 8% [circa 1988] of Lahore’s population, and contributes about 8% of the revenues collected through property tax, and about 13% of the octroi (trade tax) revenues….”

“…Yet Lahore has one of the highest densities in the world and represents a major concentration of urban poor in the city as a whole. Population densities are the highest in Lahore, ranging around 1,100 persons per hectare…The man-made mound of the old city provides an unstable base for foundations. This, coupled with a falling water-table, frequent seepage from water mains and age, has weakened many of the buildings structurally and even to the point of danger [of collapse]…Of the 22,500 premises, more than one eighth lie vacant where houses have collapsed and not been rebuilt, and more than every twelve is structurally dangerous. Less than 18% of the buildings have been constructed since partition (1947).”

“As a result about one third of the population now live in dilapidated buildings and most dwellings are overcrowded, with nearly seven persons per household….The structures, mainly of burnt brick walls and timber floors and balconies, are densely packed into tiny plots of 42 to 62 sq. m each, rising often 3 or 4 stories. More than half the premises are occupied by single households, about a quarters contain two households each, while the remainder house three or more.”

“Recent Trends – Upgrading and Affordability: Owing to the constraints of cost and logistics, increasing attention has been given to in-situ slum upgrading. A prime component of this approach is legalization (through leases) and upgrading of squatter settlements. The Government has also begun to consider the need to reduce land development standards. This is critical to increasing the affordable housing stock, as well as to encouraging conformity of the “informal” building sector with new standards.”

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Project Year:	1987
Project Type:	Regional Report
Geographic Regions:	Lahore, Pakistan
Reports:	Upgrading and Conservation of the Walled City of Lahore: (Primary Information Paper, 1987) Upgrading and Conservation of the Walled City of Lahore: (Background Paper, 1987) Upgrading and Conservation of the Walled City of Lahore: (Preliminary Report) Upgrading and Conservation of the Walled City of Lahore: (Interim Report) Upgrading and Conservation of the Walled City of Lahore: Long Term Human Activities and Ecosystem Responses (Progress Report, 1988) Upgrading and Conservation of the Walled City of Lahore: (Project Summary Paper)
Authors:	^{Rafique H. Keshavjee, Ph.D.; Mona Serageldin; François Vigier;}
Sponsors:	^{Lahore Urban Development and Traffic Study}
Categories:	Historic Districts

ID:	1987_00_003

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Related I2UD Photography Galleries

Gallery 11 – PAKISTAN: Lahore and Karachi, 1982-1993