Revalidating Organic Unity

Urban fabrics in contemporary Egyptian cities are torn between two development orientations. On one hand, there is the booming urban phenomenon of erecting walls and gates to house people within enclosed (gated) communities, which fragment urban fabrics while giving rise to isolated/secluded urban “islands.” On the other hand, there is the urban malpractice of “jamming” building blocks on empty plots in open urban fabrics; which continues to fuel urban sprawl. Both orientations have worsened the quality of urban living in Egyptian cities. They are deemed inherently irreconcilable especially in light of their traditional implementation scenarios. The aim of this research article is to attempt to reconcile these orientations and overcome their drawbacks by formulating an urban design process on the basis of “Organic Unity.” The research article endeavors to validate “Organic Unity” both as a concept and an application through a simulation design trial that fits the economic, sociocultural, legal, and ecological forces in the country