Heliopolis Urban Design Competition
Basilique Square & Al-Ahram Street
A heritage-led urban regeneration proposal that reclaims one of Heliopolis’ most significant historic corridors for people, culture and everyday public life. The project transforms a vehicle-dominated axis into a connected sequence of three public realms: an expanded green plaza around the Basilique, a shaded pedestrian promenade along Al-Ahram Street, and a youth and cultural hub at Korba. Improved walkability, micro-mobility, restored tree canopies and flexible event spaces are combined with contemporary architectural elements inspired by Heliopolis’ historic language, preserving its identity while adapting the district for a more sustainable and community-focused future.
THE BASILIQUE MONUMENTAL DROP-OFF PLAZA: A flexible drop-off and gathering plaza accommodates local and tourist buses, wedding events at the Basilique, and serves as a central assembly point for major events.
STAGGERED VIEWING STAGE: A staggered stage creates elevated seating to enjoy views towards the Basilique, while concealing four WC beneath it, ensuring visitors’ comfort and supporting longer stays in the street.
THE CENTRAL SPINE NODES: Each street crossing becomes a distinct urban node, combining Heliopolis’ heritage with a vibrant, contemporary experience through elements such as Baron Empain’s statue, a water fountain, and the “I Love Heliopolis” sign. Playful graffiti graphics at the crossings add character and energy to the public realm.
URBAN ELEMENT UNIT: To accommodate seating and flexible urban events such as bazaars, art festivals, Masr El Gedida Anniversary, Ramadan nights, Cairo Design Week, and the Cairo Marathon, we introduced a simple urban unit inspired by both identities of Korba. Its arches echo the Basilique’s form when viewed towards the church, while its opposite side draws from Korba’s iconic pointed arches facing the surrounding streets and buildings, bringing both identities together in one shared element.
ACCESSIBILITY STUDY: Each street crossing becomes a distinct urban node, combining Heliopolis’ heritage with a vibrant, contemporary experience through elements such as Baron Empain’s statue, a water fountain, and the “I Love Heliopolis” sign. Playful graffiti graphics at the crossings add character and energy to the public realm.
CYCLING CONNECTION: Each street crossing becomes a distinct urban node, combining Heliopolis’ heritage with a vibrant, contemporary experience through elements such as Baron Empain’s statue, a water fountain, and the “I Love Heliopolis” sign. Playful graffiti graphics at the crossings add character and energy to the public realm.
URBAN ELEMENT UNIT: Each unit provides shade during events and integrated power outlets to support various event needs.
THE SIGNIFICANT BAWAKI OF IBRAHIM EL LAKANI: Each street crossing becomes a distinct urban node, combining Heliopolis’ heritage with a vibrant, contemporary experience through elements such as Baron Empain’s statue, a water fountain, and the “I Love Heliopolis” sign. Playful graffiti graphics at the crossings add character and energy to the public realm.
THE KORBA YOUTH & CULTURAL REALM: A 100% pedestrian cultural realm integrating Al-Ittihadiya Palace as a civic backdrop, with youth recreation, flexible event spaces, and seamless connections to the Heliopolis Sporting Club and Al-Ahram pedestrian spine.
Case Studies that Informed Our Key Design Approaches
Strategic Street Zoning for Optimal Use
Pathway Diagram & Street Flow
Hardscape Design Inspired by the Basilique and the Iconic Arches of Ibrahim Al-Lakkany Street, with a Softscape Palette Inspired by the Original Plant Species Introduced to Heliopolis by Baron Empain
Urban Section Through Ibrahim Al-Lakkany Street
