The Challenge Between Traditional And Environmental Aspects Against Modern Architectural Design, a Case Study

1.INTRODUCTION Modern designed buildings in the mamiluk and Fatimid part of Cairo represent an odd vision for the mere observer and the relevant visitor .This part of Cairo displays an array of historical cultures exhibiting the sequence of very outstanding and important episodes in the Islamic history of Egypt. The Children's Cancer Hospital near the River Nile at Cairo is a worldclass pediatric facility dedicated to the care of children with cancer .While in the heart of Islamic Cairo it has its outlines relying more to reform than to tradition. The designer inspired the boats in the river for his structure. How this design has served the purpose and functions of the building and the compatibility to the Islamic culture of the environment, is the aim of this paper. The tools used by the author include an analysis of the plans from ecological and site environmental point of views. A comparison study was made for other new buildings in the area namely, Dar El Eftaa and Mashiakhet Al Azhar where some Islamic traditional considerations were adopted. The challenge is how these traditional outlines can best fit the function of the building and the facilities intended to be offered to the patients from one side, and how the new building has satisfied the requirements of the traditional environment. The hospital and the two other establishments were analyzed along, data collection including plans and elevations, elements of design and architectural treatments that achieve ventilation and thermal balance. Other elements such as esthetical considerations, facades, and ornaments were also analyzed. The results show increasing usage of glass in the hospital which does not offer sufficient heat insulation or reasonable lighting. Internal spaces were not efficiently utilized. The site and the available area are quite limited, wasting of spaces therefore, is critical. The design of this building relied on its position near the river Nile in an area of Islamic traditions which gives an odd appearance. The two other establishments although of completely different functions, their design considered and recognized the environmental requirements, and the historical background