The designed concept for the pedestrian bridge reimagines the futuristic landscapes as it unites the two banks of the Nile river: on one side, Egyptian Museum and on the other, Cairo Tower. The proposed design site is located in the center of Cairo, over the Nile River, connecting its banks. Due to the present development of Egypt’s administrative capital to the east of Cairo, there exists an inevitable scope for regeneration in the selected project site. The idea was to design a living pedestrian bridge over the Nile in Cairo, connecting Al-Tahrir square to Al-Zamalek, and to re-imagine the public space on the east bank of the Nile. The main objective of the living bridge is to maximize pedestrian exposure to the Nile, via stitching the urban fabric of the two banks together. The form was generated as a result of two main paths. Firstly, an unobstructed linear path directly linking the Egyptian Museum with Cairo Tower. Secondly, a semi-elliptical path was generated to embrace the two opposite banks; the Cultural Nile Plaza and the Elevated Garden. This path is meant to be pleasant, playful, and links successive attractions and socio-economic hubs. The paths incorporate together to create a single continuous leaning body blended into the land on both sides, offering panoramic views of the Cairo downtown, Nile, and the surrounding iconic attractions. Moreover, the bridge is acting as an urban park with two concealed lower floor levels above the Nile, including recreational, commercial, cultural, administrative, and social spaces. The six flowing structural columns maximize the visual connectivity between the indoor and outdoor spaces, as well as the natural ventilation and lighting. Besides, the top layer consists of concrete tiles and grass, driven parametrically based on pedestrian flow. For the sake of achieving the project objective, it is proposed to bury a 200 m stretch of road along the Nile River and build a park on top. Additionally, it is proposed to relocate the exit of the sixth of October Bridge. Accordingly, Cairo central downtown will be valued as a breathing sanctuary for people and will transform into pedestrian-friendly spaces.

The main perspective shot showing the dialogue between Cairo Tower and the Egyptian Museum

The design attempts to stitch the urban fabric of the two banks together, which resulted in a massive form, firstly connecting an unobstructed linear path (between the Egyptian Museum and Cairo Tower) and secondly, a semi-elliptical path housing the Cultural Nile Plaza and the Elevated Garden acting as a socio-economic hub.

Interior framed shot from the tourist information center showing the Cairo Tower

The resulting bridge would serve as a catalyst for embracing and experiencing the multiple layers of the city and its ecosystem as the present issue is that most of the experiences are arranged in a fragmented spatial setting, leading to loss of intimacy and connection between the different communities and citizens.

Project's Layout showing how the design appears to be hugging its own piece of the river and fostering life within its boundaries

A pedestrianised bridge or access in Cairo then mainly focussed on addressing the areas of concern like pollution due to noise, air, light, and the areas of opportunities like recognising and highlighting the historical legacies of the region.

Aerial perspective shot from Cairo Tower towards the living pedestrian bridge

The starting plaza of the bridge at the eastern side is larger and more spacious to assure the relative importance of this side (the location of the former National Democratic Party). The bridge design is clear, dynamic, and successful, and the structural system complies with the requirements of river navigation.