To approach this adaptive reuse project in a comprehensive manner, several studies and assessments

would be beneficial before proceeding to the design phase. Here are some suggested studies and
ideas to consider:

1. Community Needs Assessment: Conduct a thorough assessment of the surrounding

community's needs, aspirations, and existing resources. This could involve surveys, interviews,
focus groups, and participatory mapping exercises to understand the socio-economic conditions,
educational levels, cultural preferences, and potential areas for improvement.

2. Site and Building Analysis: Perform a detailed analysis of the existing Ahmed Oraby school
building and its site, including its architectural features, structural condition, accessibility, and
potential for adaptive reuse. Identify spaces that could be repurposed for community activities
and services.

3. Spatial and Functional Programming: Based on the community needs assessment and site
analysis, develop a spatial program that outlines the desired functions, activities, and services to
be incorporated into the adaptive reuse project. This could include educational facilities,
community centers, health clinics, vocational training centers, and recreational spaces.

4. Sustainability Assessment: Evaluate the existing building's energy efficiency, water consumption,
and overall environmental impact. Identify opportunities for incorporating sustainable design
strategies, such as passive cooling, rainwater harvesting, and renewable energy sources.

5. Stakeholder Engagement: Involve relevant stakeholders, including community members, local

authorities, educational institutions, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), in the
planning and decision-making process. Seek their input, build consensus, and foster a sense of
ownership.

Design Phase Ideas:

1. Modular and Flexible Design: Incorporate modular and flexible design elements that can adapt
to changing community needs over time. This could include movable partitions, multi-purpose
spaces, and convertible outdoor areas.

2. Participatory Design: Engage the community in the design process through participatory design
workshops, allowing them to contribute their ideas, cultural references, and local knowledge.

3. Integrated Community Spaces: Create shared spaces that encourage interaction and
collaboration between different community groups, such as multi-purpose halls, community
gardens, and outdoor plazas.

4. Educational and Vocational Facilities: Incorporate classrooms, workshops, and vocational

training facilities to support formal and informal education, skill development, and lifelong
learning opportunities.

5. Sustainable Strategies: Implement sustainable design strategies, such as passive cooling

techniques, green roofs, rainwater harvesting systems, and renewable energy sources (e.g.,
solar panels), to reduce the environmental impact and operational costs.
 6. Accessibility and Inclusivity: Ensure that the design is accessible to all community members,
including those with disabilities, by incorporating universal design principles and inclusive
spaces.

7. Cultural and Artistic Expression: Incorporate spaces for cultural expression, such as exhibition
areas, performance spaces, and art studios, to celebrate the community's heritage and foster
creativity.

8. Community Services: Consider integrating community services, such as health clinics, childcare
facilities, or centers for youth and elderly programs, to address specific community needs.

Remember, the success of this project lies in continuous community engagement, collaboration with
stakeholders, and a holistic approach that addresses social, economic, cultural, and environmental
aspects of sustainable development.

To create an effective physical connection between the Ahmed Oraby school and its surroundings
within the concept of a 15-minute city, it's essential to identify the key areas and facilities that should
be integrated or linked with the school. Here are some suggestions:

1. Residential Areas: Establish direct pedestrian and cycling connections between the school and
the surrounding residential neighborhoods. This could involve creating safe pedestrian paths,
dedicated bike lanes, or shared streets that prioritize non-motorized transportation.

2. Public Spaces and Parks: Integrate the school with nearby public spaces, such as parks, plazas,
or community gardens. This could involve creating direct access points, shared facilities (e.g.,
sports fields, playgrounds), or visual connections through landscaping and architectural design.

3. Commercial and Retail Areas: If there are nearby commercial or retail areas, consider creating
pedestrian-friendly connections that allow easy access for students, staff, and community
members. This could include covered walkways, shaded paths, or small-scale commercial spaces
within the school premises.

4. Public Transportation Nodes: If the school is located near public transportation nodes, such as
bus stops or metro stations, ensure seamless and safe pedestrian connections to encourage the
use of public transportation.

5. Community Centers and Facilities: If there are existing community centers, libraries, or other
public facilities in the vicinity, create physical linkages that allow for shared use of resources and
promote community integration.

To create these physical connections, you can consider the following architectural and urban design
strategies:

1. Pedestrian-Oriented Design: Prioritize pedestrian circulation and create a network of walkways,

paths, and shared streets that connect the school to its surrounding areas. Incorporate elements
such as shaded walkways, seating areas, and wayfinding signage to enhance the pedestrian
experience.

2. Architectural Integration: Design the school building and its surrounding spaces to visually and
functionally integrate with the neighboring areas. This could involve creating public plazas,
 courtyards, or shared facilities that act as transitional spaces between the school and its
surroundings.

3. Landscape Connectivity: Utilize landscaping elements, such as green corridors, linear parks, or
urban trails, to create physical and visual connections between the school and its surroundings.
This can also contribute to a more pleasant and sustainable environment.

4. Accessibility and Safety: Ensure that all physical connections are accessible to people with
disabilities and prioritize safety measures, such as well-lit pathways, traffic calming measures,
and secure entry points.

5. Community Participation: Engage with the local community and stakeholders throughout the
design process to gather their input and ensure that the physical connections meet their needs
and preferences.

It's important to note that the specific areas and facilities to be connected will depend on the unique
context of the Ahmed Oraby school and its surrounding environment. A thorough analysis of the existing
conditions and community needs should guide the decision-making process.