REACTIONS TO ARCHITECTURAL GLOBALIZATION IN THE CONTEXT OF CONTEMPORARY CAIRO

The impact of global forces on architecture has been discussed thoroughly in the literature. Key issues relevant to cultural, economic, environmental, as well as morphological factors have always been drivers of the discourse. However, the interaction between them has been seen intellectually as an imperative that should govern reactions to globalization. In light of the key points raised in the literature, this paper traces key reactions to architectural globalization by the professional community in Cairo. Methodologically, this is based on adopting two approaches. The first is an attitude survey that captures views on globalization as conception, its tools, and the understanding of cultural change. The second is a case study that critically analyzes the impacts of globalization in relation to three projects located in Cairo on the basis of a number of factors: technological, morphological, cultural, and environmental. These projects are the American University in Cairo (AUC), Futures University (Futures), and Smart Village. The study relies on a number of sources of data including field visits where field observations and analytical descriptions are formulated, information from the clients regarding their requirements and the original architectural designs, site photography. Analysis and discussions are centred on establishing links between globalization as a concept with the experience of local architects and practitioners so as to develop a holistic understanding of architecture in contemporary Cairo within the context of globalization, thereby encouraging architects in to continuously assess the current realities of architectural practice.