To complement the restoration programme for Old Cairo’s historic churches, it was necessary to rethink their existing context, which has morphed considerably, especially in the last two centuries, and now rests uncomfortably within Cairo’s urban sprawl.

Fort Babylon’s remaining walls and gates, the Hanging Church and the Coptic Museum came to be the core of the plan, being the largest and best known landmarks. The concept proposed emphasising the original approach from Bawabet Amr, finding a small, multi-level plaza off it that would introduce visitors to the immediate area, and absorb the change in street level, accumulated over the years.

The street network and alleyways would be restored, as much as practically possible, to their original state, bringing the churches back to their original pattern, while the clusters of dwelling in the area would be repaired as part of a community development initiative.