Kodak Green Oasis
Cairo, 2014-15
The Kodak Passage, a linear space flanked by a U-shaped building, connects Adly Street to Abdel Khalek Tharwat Street in downtown Cairo. Inspired by the existing tranquility of the Kodak Passage, our design enhances this stillness, creating an oasis of calm and greenery in bustling downtown Cairo. Our stakeholder analysis confirmed that users wished to preserve the passageway as a peaceful environment, reinforcing our goal of providing a quiet retreat from the city's hustle and bustle. Our “Green Oasis” transformed the Kodak Passage into a pedestrian park, introducing seating and shading to encourage people to linger and enjoy the passage tranquilly, with subtly integrated lighting enhancing safety at night. The indoor spaces surrounding the Kodak Passage now offer potential for pilot art and cultural project spaces, which could extend into the passageway and engage a broader public. We planted basil, shrubs, and other plants that retain soil moisture and minimize maintenance costs. Deciduous trees with translucent leaves, such as bonsai and acacia trees, were strategically placed to filter sunlight, providing adequate shade without blocking the light needed for the shrubs. Our design respects the existing context and history, avoiding extensive intrusive changes. The introduction of a garden in a dry concrete setting acts as a spatial equalizer, creating a softer and environmentally enhanced experience.