Cairo: Public Housing--Extended (2)




While in Zagazyg, most of the alterations to the housing were fairly minor (balcony extensions, moving the doors, etc.), the public housing of Ein El Sira was a totally different story. Extensions and additions were the norm, not the exception. In fact, there were so many additions, it was very often difficult to tell where the original building was. The interesting thing about all these public housing areas is that while the individual units are generally small and not very accommodating, the spaces in between the buildings are quite generous. Consequently, people have figured out many ways to use this space. And while many of the additions certainly serve to support only one family, many of them have to work together when families on the upper floors want to add on as well.

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