Alexandria Engineering Journal (2019) 58, 333–343

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Alexandria University

Alexandria Engineering Journal

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ORIGINAL ARTICLE

A framework for architects’ role in attaining

sustainable community development in heritage
areas
Al-Darb AL-Ahmar, Islamic Cairo, Egypt as a case
Hend A. Alana a,b,*,1, Khalid S. Al-hagla b,c, Asmaa E. Hasan b

a
Department of Architecture, Faculty of Engineering, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafrelsheikh, Egypt
b
Department of Architecture, Faculty of Engineering, Alexandria University, Al-Shatby, Alexandria, Egypt
c
Faculty of Architectural Engineering, Beirut Arab University, Beirut, Lebanon

Received 9 September 2018; accepted 28 November 2018

Available online 24 January 2019

KEYWORDS Abstract Heritage areas fall under many urban pressures, due to the disparity between its old
Sustainable community physical structures and their inhabitants’ needs. However, heritage assets represent the main poten-
development; tial for such areas to achieve urban development. Architects play a pivotal role in materializing
Heritage; these potentials, through their role and practices, which serve as the cornerstone of the development
FHPGS; process. This paper outlines a framework for architects’ intervention, in order to attain the pro-
Architects’ practices; spects and improvements of a sustainable community development, and achieve the goals of revi-
Al-Darb AL-Ahmar; talization in heritage areas.
Framework To achieve its goals, this paper investigates three aspects of architect’s intervention in heritage
areas: Physical, Economic and Social Revitalization. In addition to these aspects, the framework
covers the practices and indicators followed by architects to achieve sustainable community devel-
opment. Finally, the applicability of this framework is investigated using the outcomes of the her-
itage conservation and community development project initiated by ‘‘Friends of Historical and
Public Gardens Society” (FHPGS) in (Al-Darb Al-Ahmar district, Historic Cairo).
Ó 2018 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of Faculty of Engineering, Alexandria
University. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/
licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).

1. Introduction

Heritage is an important source of tradition and inspiration. It

* Corresponding author.
contributes to the formation of national and local community
E-mail address: hindali_27992@yahoo.com (H.A. Alana).
1
Address: Faculty of Engineering, Kafrelsheikh University, 5
identity [1]. There are great opportunities for community
Elgeish Street, P.O. Box 0473109533, Kafrelsheikh, Egypt. development, through identifying the cultural and natural her-
Peer review under responsibility of Faculty of Engineering, Alexandria itage assets. As a common responsibility, this development
University. shows the way for each partner to direct the needed change.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aej.2018.11.015
1110-0168 Ó 2018 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of Faculty of Engineering, Alexandria University.
This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).
334
Architects can play a major role, through their practices as
professionals and members of community as well. Actually,
their contribution to historical areas goes beyond the limits
of preserving the tangible legacy to include directing all aspects
of community development, in a sustainable way. They usually
have motivation and spirit of initiative to play this role. This is
the case of an initiative project called ‘‘Friends of Historical
and Public Gardens” (FHPGS) in Al-Darb AL-Ahmar in his-
torical Islamic Cairo.
In 2003, three associations: the Lovers of Trees Associa-
tion, the Egyptian Association for Community Service and
Environment Protection, and Zamalek Association for Ser-
vices Development established the association of ‘‘Friends of
Historical and Public Gardens Society (FHPGS)”. The associ-
ation’s main objective is to preserve historical sites and develop
all of the existing gardens surviving since the 19th century. The
organization has a variety of activities since 2003, one of these
activities is the contribution to the attainment of a sustainable
community development in Al-Darb Al-Ahmar district, which
lies between the Citadel Square and Bab Zuwaila.
This paper examines the association’s initiative to develop
the community in one of Al-Darb al-Ahmar’s districts, (Souq
Al-Selah), through the restoration of the historical house
‘‘Bayt Yaken Basha”.
In light of this vision of development, this research aims to
draw a framework for architects’ intervention to attain sus-
tainable community development. In addition, it attempts to
use this framework to evaluate the influence of architects’
practices on attaining development, on the bases of meeting
certain objectives. The aforementioned objectives are stated
as follows: Firstly, defining the aspects of sustainable commu-
nity development that architects can utilize in heritage areas.
The second objective is to conclude the indicators of sustain-
able community development. The third objective is about
determining the practices to be followed by architects to
achieve the required development. Through these three objec-
tives, a three dimensional framework is outlined.
The current research follows a methodology, encompassing
a number of inquiry approaches, as follows:
& The research adopts the inductive approach, through
reviewing the literature on sustainable community
development, in addition to the intervention and prac-
tices of architects in heritage areas.
& The pragmatic approach, associated with quantitative
and qualitative methods simultaneously, along with
the use of a variety of data sources to study the paper
case problem. The paper examines the findings of a
questionnaire, informative face-to-face interviews, and
field observations.
& Finally, the conclusion outlines the impact of archi-
tect’s practices on heritage as a tool to attainthe goals
of sustainable community improvement and
development.
2. Sustainable community development in heritage areas
The concept of community development includes correlated
terms such as: community organization, community building,
community capacity building, and community engagement
H.A. Alana et al.
[2]. In addition, it includes other overlapped conceptions such
as: social capital, strengths-based approach, asset-based
approach, and social planning [3]. According to Matarrita
and Brennan (2012), it is a process that entails facilitation,
organization, and action, which allows people to direct ways
to shape the community they prefer to live in. It is a process,
that provides direction, planning, vision, and coordinates the
actions, leading to address the desired goals (outcomes), asso-
ciated with the advancement of efforts, that aim to improve the
conditions, in which local resources operate [4].
All communities support development, however, the ability
to accept this development depends on the characteristics of
each community. The host communities of heritage are highly
qualified for development due to the distinguished nature of
their assets. According to Al-Hagla , these assets are vital in
any developmental process in historical areas, and marketing
them is considered a significant mean to attain sustainable
community development [5]. This is assured also by Throsby,
who highlighted heritage assets as capital assets, that is funda-
mental for community development, and they are seen as pre-
requisites for development [6].
There are many aspects to developers and architects’ contri-
bution to the adaptive use of assets, in order to establish sus-
tainable community development. Architectural intervention
has similar ideas to these of sustainability, in terms of: the
environmental, social and economic aspects. To formulate
these aspects to adapt to heritage trail, Keiner and UNIDO
addressed the interaction between heritage, and sustainable
community development to conclude the aspects that develop-
ers should follow to address the required development [7,8].
Sustainable community development discusses the environ-
mental aspect as a requirement for the human development,
through the optimal use of the environmental and natural
resources. It deals with the fundamental needs for human sur-
vival, so it is regarded as the most tractable dimension. In
addition, it focuses on addressing the pressing problems
related to maintaining the fabric of built environment [9].
The economic aspect is regarded as the most significant pre-
requisite for the real fulfillment of human needs and raising liv-
ing standards of a community. It refers to economic growth in
general, through the role of built environment [10].
The social aspect calls for the improvement of the quality of
life of a given community through: satisfying its needs, increas-
ing social equality, and raising the levels of well-being [11].
Depending on these visions of the three general aspects of
sustainable community development, Al-Hagla and El-
Sorady concluded three parallel aspect namely: Physical Con-
servation and Rehabilitation, Local-Economic Development,
and Social Revitalization [5,12]. Thus creating a ‘vicious circle
of development’ in areas of historical assets [13] as shown in
Fig. 1.
2.1. Indicators of sustainable community development
Investigating the indicators of sustainable community develop-
ment is the focus of many literature [14,15,12]. Four indicators
are concluded from these studies which are: Participation,
Social Capital, Quality of Life, and Security. To insure the
compatibility of these indicators with the needs of community,
they were compared to Maslow’s Hierarchy of needs. As a
consequence, this paper suggested adding a fifth indicator,
A framework for architects’ role in attaining sustainable community development
Fig. 1 Aspects of sustainable community development in her-
itage areas. Source: Author based on [5,12].
arranged from bottom to top as follows: Quality of Life, Secu-
rity, Participation, Social Capital, and Social Welfare, as
shown in Fig. 2.
Quality of life stands as the base of these indicators. At this
point, enhancement of cultural heritage can significantly con-
tribute to the improvement of citizens’ conditions. This belief
is particularly based on the projects of historic neighborhoods
and cities undergoing rehabilitation, often accompanied by
improvement in historical built environment [1].
The second indicator, security, which can be enhanced
through rehabilitation and development of historical sites,
whereas deterioration of these sites leads to widespread insecu-
rity, crime, and deterioration of facilities, because of shortage
of maintenance.
While the participation indicator stands as a pivotal
requirement for development, which would be unachievable
without the active participation of the local community. Thus,
it has become increasingly important to drive local communi-
ties to participate positively in decision making [16].
Social capital is the fourth indicator, which points to a sig-
nificant potential of heritage, in terms of: creating places for
community hubs, encounters, and sites of social inclusion
and integration. Such places shall function as a source of local
pride and identity. It is also concerned with activities of volun-
teers, NGOs, and common activities [17].
Finally, the fifth indicator, Social Welfare, which focuses on
the enhancement of living standards of populations, Empower-
ment of community members, respecting human dignity, and
supporting democratic decisions [9].
3. Sustainable community development in heritage areas:
architects’ practices
Architects have undeniable role and responsibility towards
community issues, including culture heritage. Beyond their
responsibility and professional contractual obligations, they
are capable of developing the community through their prac-
tices that enhance heritage assets, according to the available
aspects of contribution.
335
Social Welfare
Social Capital
Participation
Security
Quality of Life
Fig. 2 Indicators of sustainable community development.
Source: Author based on [14].
Fig. 3 Location of Bayt Yaken. Source: Author’s adaptation of
available google maps of Historic Cairo.
The first aspect of their intervention is: Physical Conserva-
tion and Rehabilitation, which is the most significant need for
host communities. Many global organization and architectural
codes set rules about the significant role played by architects in
the item’s creation, conservation, adaptation, and ongoing
management and maintenance [10]. Physical conservation rep-
resents the process of improving the condition of the historic
built environment and the related environment within it [18].
Furthermore, it sustains the meanings and values of commu-
nity practices, and environment, including but not limited to:
the historical, cultural, artistic, traditional, economic, experi-
ential, environmental functional and social aspects [19]. Actu-
ally, this aspect also raises the awareness of local community
about heritage and the importance of conservation.
The second aspect of intervention is: Local-Economic
Development, that has significant impact on local residents,
through satisfying their needs, and raising the standard of liv-
ing [19]. Doratli developed three strategic approaches for eco-
nomic revitalization, that architect can follow: Functional
Restructuring, Diversification, and Regeneration [20]. These
approaches seek to invest in historical sites to provide job
opportunities, equitable income, and positive impact.
According to Archer and Fletcher, this impact was classi-
fied to three categories: Direct, Indirect and Induced. Direct
impact results from the financial outcome of the direct involve-
336 H.A. Alana et al.

Fig. 4 Bayt Yaken before and after restoration. Source: [32].

Fig. 5 A number of the association’s activities in Bayt Yaken. Source: [32].

ment of the local residents in the process of revitalization, such
as: salaries and profits. The indirect impact arises from the
individuals or groups that shall provide and promote their ser-
vices in a historical area or in the surrounding areas, including:
beverages, and other consumables. Induced effects can occur
due to raising income levels, as these incomes shall be used
to develop services [5].
The final aspect is Social Revitalization. Architects through
their social intervention can enhance the social structure of
community, and create active and dynamic chance of interac-
tion. Architect should seek to create opportunities for commu-
nity members to participate and get involved in enhancing
wellbeing. They can use the place to reveal the meanings and
convey the sense of place to strengthen the relation between
the setting, and local community [21]. Furthermore, social
revitalization depends on interrelated concepts such as: social
cohesion, community rehabilitation, and community empow-
erment. It aims to enhance the current condition of the whole
community and individuals, taking into account the qualities
of the upcoming generation [2]. Finally, it is concerned with
how the community lives and uses spaces, and how it deals
with the surrounding heritage to lead a strong cultural and
social life.
Table 1 states the concluded guidelines to be followed by
architects to develop heritage areas to attain sustainable com-
munity development.
3.1. Architects’ practices
In order to successfully achieve the proper development, the
practices to be followed by the architects must be realized.
A framework for architects’ role in attaining sustainable community development 337

Table 1 Guidelines for architects’ intervention in sustainable community development in heritage areas. Source: Author, 2018.
Aspect of development
Physical Conservation and
Rehabilitation
Local-Economic Development
Social Revitalization
Guidelines for architects
& Preserve the historical sites and buildings.
& The quality of architectural product.
& Preserve and protect the community’s parks and open space.
& Preserve and enhance a place’s local identity and character.
& Implement sustainable practices.
& Develop and generate more economic opportunities for the local members of the community
& Ensure affordable quality for all community members.
& Attract businesses, new residents, and visitors.
& Provide or facilitate public services.
& Engage the public in transparent planning processes to assess the current and future needs of the
community
& Promote community pride and stewardship of place.
& Preserve the historic and cultural heritage of a place
& Showing appreciation and a better understanding of a community’s cultural diversity
& Facilitate connections among, or reduce barriers between diverse groups (e.g., Age cohorts, ethnic
groups, socioeconomic classes).

According to many literature [22,12,23] these practices could
be summarized as:
3.1.1. Heritage conservation
It is about considering the heritage as a resource of develop-
ment. It contributes to the proper conservation and under-
standing of the historical built environment. Architects can
engage in preserving heritage, taking into consideration the
constant composition of meanings, identities, and traditions
[1]. In addition, the process of conservation in addition, the
process of conservation makes it possible to place the heritage
in a convenient setting, that has a sense of citizenship and pro-
motes the quality of life, that aims at the commemoration of
memory and respect of cultural diversity [24]. Furthermore,
it seeks to foster the sustainable use of cultural heritage
resources for the benefit of the local population and economic
growth.
3.1.2. Public engagement
It plays a key role in preserving cultural identity and promot-
ing the quality of life, social inclusion, conservation, and sus-
tainability. Hence, effective development should be realized
through participatory approach. Consequently, communities
need to be aware of the issues of heritage conservation and
development [2]. Architects should play proactive role to raise
the awareness of the public about the importance of heritage
conservation, and to convince them of their significant role
in decision-making to promote the required development.
3.1.3. Enhancement of livability
Architects, through development process, should seek to create
flexible built environment and approach the historical sites,
bearing in mind the ability to adapt to the changing needs
and expectations of community and individual. Livability
deals with the economy, environment, culture and other life
circumstances [25]. Employing flexibility and livability in creat-
ing opportunities for a diversity of activities and uses will
enable communities to meet future challenges successfully.
3.1.4. Creating opportunities for economic growth
This action highlights the importance of improving the eco-
nomic conditions of community members. Architects can pro-
vide proper built environment, which attracts investment and
local economy. In addition, they can provide key infrastruc-
ture that facilitates community and business connectivity [26].
3.1.5. Community empowerment
Empowerment is defined as a process, by which the public
have full control over their lives and their community and
are able to critically understand their surroundings. Through
development, architect should give community members a
chance to exhibit the spirit of leadership to direct their commu-
nity [2].
3.1.6. Enhancement of local culture and awareness
Local culture represents local pride and sense of community.
So, these social values enhance the people’s sense of pride
stemming from their local heritage, and their appreciation
thereof [1]. As a result, community members shall take action
to look after their heritage, and show a better way of coping
with development. Architects can highlight the assets and val-
ues that influence culture and raise the awareness of the com-
munity members, through their practices.
3.1.7. Strengthening social structure
Social structure can be supported through participatory
approach, which is far effective for the regeneration of com-
munity. In the field of cultural heritage, architects can create
opportunities for people to volunteer and play an active role
in the projects of heritage management and development [27].
3.1.8. Social change
It has been significantly associated with the development pro-
cess. Its core is sharing of knowledge, aiming at reaching con-
sensus, regarding the action plan, that takes into consideration
the needs, interests, capacities of all of the concerned parties
[28]. In development, architects should be role models, with
338 H.A. Alana et al.

whom community members would work, for the sake of their
community.
Such architectural practices, along with the aspects of inter-
vention of the architects, and the five indicators of sustainable
community development establish the designed evaluation
framework. Architects can rely on this framework to direct
sustainable community development in heritage areas, and
evaluate their impact on community (see.Table 2).
4. Al-Darb Al-Ahmar district
Al-Darb Al-Ahmar is one of the historical districts in Islamic
Cairo, which is distinguished by the architectural features of
historical eras such as: Mamluk Era, and the Turkish Era.
Its inhabitants (about 100,000 person) are among the poorest
populations across Egypt. While featuring rich concentration
of Islamic monuments, it suffers from the lack of adequate
infrastructure and services. As a consequence, high percentage
of residents suffer from health-related issues [29]. Yet, all of
these conditions cannot refute the fact that Al-Darb Al-
Ahmar remains an extremely vibrant commercial productive
area of Cairo.
The district benefits from a socially cohesive population of
long-term residents, many of whom are involved in numerous
industries and workshops, focusing predominantly on: furni-
ture production, shoe making and inlay-work. With appropri-
ate guidance, many of such industries, especially carpentry
have proven to be capable of producing high quality products,
when the shortcomings of cheap mass production have become
evident [30].
Despite years of decline, Al-Darb Al-Ahmar’s built envi-
ronment has numerous compensating qualities: as its closely-
knit urban fabric has helped maintain a strong sense of com-
munity identity, and its historical buildings, with their court-
yards, light wells and large windows have the prospects of
creating unique architectural character for the district [31].
Despite all its potentials, Al-Darb Al-Ahmar’s current state
may make regeneration appear overly optimistic.
5. The intervention of (FHPGS) association in the sustainable
community development of Al-Darb Al-Ahmar district
The historical house Bayt Yaken Basha lies in Cairo, nearby
Hamam Bashtak, in Souq Al-Selah (Arms Market) Street,
which is narrow, only 220 m long, and lies in the heart of Isla-
mic Cairo. The street was named after numerous workshops
that sold all kinds of weaponry. Architect Salah Zaki and Alaa
Al-Habashy bought Yaken House to be transformed from
butcher shop into a historical destination, and the official
office of (FHPGS) association (see. Fig. 3).
On 20 August 2017, Yaken House was opened after
restoration as a focal cultural, social and developmental desti-
nation, also as a model for those interested in saving the histor-
ical memory and identity of Islamic Cairo. Rehabitation of
Bayt Yaken depends on the flexibility, which allows for many
activities, such as: the establishment of architectural work-
shops and inhabitations, (see. Figs. 4-5). Alaa El-Habashy,
the official representative of (FHPGS) association determined
the aims and practices of the architects and participants in the
association as shown in Table 3.
In order to evaluate the practices of the association’s archi-
tects, the suggested framework is applied in Table 4.
6. Survey results
As an integral part of the analytical studies, a field study-
including survey interviews and questionnaires with the com-
munity members, BaytYaken visitors, and FHPGS members-
was conducted. The interviews were conducted with 70 inter-
viewees, who were asked questions regarding the five con-
cluded indicators: Quality of Life (i.e., the importance of
Bayt Yaken restoration, its role in enhancing tourism in the
district), Security (i.e., What is their perception about their
community, has livability been enhanced (, Participation (i.e.,
Did they participate in the decision-making process and activ-
ities, how did they take part in decision-making). Social Cap-
ital (i.e., Did they give time as a volunteer in Bayt Yaken, How

Table 2 Evaluation framework for the architects’ impact on sustainable community development in heritage areas. Source: Author,
2018.
Indicators of sustainable
community development
U Direct impact.
 Indirect impact.
Aspects of architects’ intervention
Physical Conservation and Local-Economic Development Social Revitalization
Rehabilitation
Quality of U Heritage conservation U Creating opportunities for o Raising awareness
life economic growth.
Security o Heritage conservation U Enhancement of livability U Public engagement
o Enhancement of
livability
Participation o Heritage conservation U Public engagement
Social U Enhancement of
Capital culture and awareness
U Strengthening social
structure
Social o Creating opportunities for U Empowerment
Welfare economic growth U Social Change
A framework for architects’ role in attaining sustainable community development 339

Table 3 The aims and practices of (FHPGS) association, according to the three aspects of sustainable community development.
Source: Author deepening on interviews, 2018.
Association’s aim Practices
Aspects of Physical – Reviving the culture heritage – Rescue of BaytYakn from destruction and misuse
intervention Conservation – Being an intermediary between community and to be a role model for those who are interested in
and governmental authorities, with respect to heritage heritage preservation.
Rehabilitation preservation and local projects – Addressing the responsible authorities to solve the
problems of deterioration of heritage in Historic
Cairo. In addition to serious attempts to restore
historical sites, For example: the entrance of the
historical site of Hamam Bashtak and the works
of cleaning the stone of the historical Gate of
Manjak al Yousoufi.
– Architects involved in community understand
desires and suggest architectural projects that
serve the community sector, then deal with gover-
norate authorities in order to execute these pro-
jects. For example, designing the urban space in
front of Hmam Bashtak. The association released
architectural competition to design this urban
space for the sake of community development.
Local Economic – Supporting community to enhance the local – Architects depend on the flexibility of the restora-
Development economy tion of Bayt Yaken, where they can use the house
as an exhibition to develop famous traditional
crafts and art works.
Social – Enhancement of social structure Bayt yaken as a historical place gained attention from
Revitalization – Empowerment of local community to be responsi- community members, so it represents a destination
ble toward heritage and its development. and a proper space of interaction.
– Raising the awareness of community members – The vision of the association work is to encourage
residents to take part in decision making. Resi-
dents were invited to participate in the restoration
of Bayt Yaken, and attend activities and architec-
tural workshops.
– An example of community empowerment was the
participation of the members of the local commu-
nity as jury for the competition, set for the devel-
opment of the urban space in front of Hamam
Bashtak. Architects described the projects for res-
idents, then residents voted for the project that
serve their best interest.
– Architects give lectures to raise awareness about
heritage, For example: lectures on the topic of
‘‘Building National Capacities for Managing the
Risks Threatening Cultural Heritage in Case of
Emergency” to encourage community members
to be active participants.

many new friends have they made because of their involvement
in activities in Bayt Yaken) and Social Capital (i.e., Did they
feel that they have the motivation and responsibility to develop
the goals of the association. have they felt a change, at the per-
sonal and social level since the restoration of Bayt Yaken).
While the questionnaire was conducted on a sample of 78
residents representing the local community of Souk Elselah
Street. The sample included all available categories of commu-
nity members, with a variety of criteria. The participants in the
questionnaire were asked to answer three groups of questions
regarding different types of information. The first group aimed
at gathering general information about residents, including:
gender and age, in addition to questions about their relation
to the district, and their knowledge about the heritage of the
district.
The second group of the questionnaire consisted of five sec-
tions investigating the five indicators of sustainable community
development: Quality of Life, Security, Participation, Social
Capital, and Social Welfare. Every section measured one indi-
cator using four questions following a Likert scale, consisting
of five levels used to score the residents answers. The results of
the survey show that the average rating of the five indicators
was high 3.82, 3.2, 3.83, 3.75 and 3.35 (out of 5), respectively.
The last group of questions pertained to the community
vision about activities. Respondents were asked to answer four
(4) questions;
1. From your point of view, what is the most significant activ-
ity, sponsored by the association, and affecting the district?
2. Why do you regard this activity the most significant one?
340 H.A. Alana et al.

Table 4 Applying the suggested framework on the intervention of the architects in Aldarb Al-Ahmar. Source; Author, 2018.
Aspect of architects’ intervention in historical areas
Physical conservation Local-Economic Development Social Revitalization
Indicators of Quality of U Preservation of U Workshops and exhibitions about o Developing famous traditional
sustainable Life Bayt Yakn and the built crafts and art. crafts and arts
community environment of the o Introducing workshops related
development district to Public Health and heritage
importance.
Security o Preservation of Bayt U Opportunities for economic growth, U Social activities
Yakn and the built through workshops and exhibitions about
environment of the crafts and art, in addition to tourism.
district
o Enhancement of liv-
ability due to provid-
ing areas of
gathering.
Participation o Participation in the U Participation in decision
restoration of Bayt making and different activities.
Yaken
Social U Develop famous traditional
Capital crafts and art
U Providing a library in Bayt
Yaken
U Using Bayt Yaken as a space
for interaction
Social o Opportunities for economic growth U Empowerment of community
Welfare through workshops and exhibitions members to judge the architectural
about crafts and art, in addition to competition and make the decision.
tourism. U voluntary work and change in
community members perception
U Direct impact.
 In-direct impact.

3. How does this activity impact you? Direct or indirect
impact?
4. Do you feel that the activity has short or long-term impact?
Answers about the most significant activity could be sum-
marized in the following three activities: Preservation of Her-
itage, Social Activities, and Improvement of the Built
Environment. Preservation of heritage was the highlight of
the majority of answers, about 76%. At the end of the ques-
tionnaire, they were asked to write any notes if they want.
The majority of the written notes supported the idea that
architects should focus on their goals to preserve heritage,
and increase architectural workshops and events.
7. Discussion
The responses asserted that the community witnessed develop-
ment and improvement, because of the appropriate use of such
practices (see Table 3). Table 3 indicates the applicability of
the suggested framework on a questionnaire discussing the sus-
tainable development of Al-Darb Al-Ahmar community.
Architects of FHPGS association were successful in addressing
the aspects of sustainable development. The physical conserva-
tion and rehabilitation was addressed by the restoration of
Bayt Yaken. 78% of the respondents expressed their overall
satisfaction with the new function of Bayt Yaken, and revealed
its significant role in promoting integral development. In addi-
tion, results of the last part of the questionnaire proved that
the physical intervention was the most influential among other
activities.
As for the economic development, physical intervention
and raising the abilities of community members had a positive
impact on economic development, which remains a key consid-
eration in heritage areas. 71% of respondents gave positive
feedback concerning the flexibility of transforming Bayt Yaken
to be an exhibition that developed their economic condition.
Economic development in the district had two types of
impact: Indirect and Induced. The indirect impact results from
raising the revenues of the surrounding commercial activities
after the restoration of Bayt Yaken. While, the induced impact
can be seen in the satisfaction of the residents with the new
development in services.
Concerning social revitalization, it drew significant atten-
tion due to the focus of the association members on enhancing
the social structure and interaction of community members. As
more than three quarters of respondents showed their satisfac-
tion with two indicators: participation and social capital. Fur-
thermore, the main aim of the association is to empower
community members to act for the sake of developing their
community using heritage assets. The responses of the resi-
dents on their ability to direct change and demonstrate leader-
ship revealed the success of the association members to
empower community.
As for the indicators of Sustainable Community Develop-
ment, Fig. 6 shows that the indicators of participation, social
capital, and quality of life (highlighted in blue) ranked higher
A framework for architects’ role in attaining sustainable community development 341

Total Average 3.576 than the average of social welfare, and security (highlighted in
yellow). Participation indicator received the highest rating in
Social Welfare 3.35
this criteria, which reflects the high number of residents partic-
Social capital 3.75 ipating in the activities and development, having a positive
Parcipaon 3.83 sense of belonging and social interaction. Quality of life, and
Security 3.2 participation were nearly neck and neck. This high rank for
Quality of life 3.82 quality of life shows the perception of community members
mainly about the improvement in the physical intervention,
2.8 3 3.2 3.4 3.6 3.8 4 and partially about the economic and social revitalization.
Meanwhile, social capital had the third rating expressing the
Fig. 6 The ratings of the local residents regarding the indicators
role of architects in enhancing the social networks between res-
of sustainable community development. Source: Author.
idents, and involving the residents in community activities. The
lowest rating in this criteria was security, but still shows
acceptable level at (3.22).
Rank of men 3.96 When processing the results from a sub-group perspective,
Rank of… 4.11 significant differences cannot be ignored. For example women
ranked the indicators higher than men, nearly about (4.11 vs.
3.8 3.9 4 4.1 4.2 3.96, respectively), especially regarding the indicators of: Par-
ticipation and Quality of Life. The reason behind this differ-
Fig. 7 Rating of local residents about sustainable development
ence is related to the high number of women participating in
according to gender. Source: Author.

Table 5 Selected community improvement indicators and measures in Aldarb Al-ahmar, (related to the questionnaire and interview
questions and results. Source: Author.
Practices Samples of measures Questionnaire Evidence from interviewees comments
responses%
Yes No Not
sure
Quality of & Heritage & Impact of Bayt Yaken restoration 78 12 10 & Significant usage of the historical
life conservation & Change in number of tourists after % % % area.
& Creating oppor- Bayt Yaken restoration 72 15 13 & Satisfactory working/living in a her-
tunities for eco- % % % itage area
nomic growth & Good Improvement in cultural
& Raising tourism
awareness
Security & Heritage & Effect on the sense of belonging 65 17 18 & Diverse use and liveliness of Bayt
conservation & Effect on the perception of security % % % Yaken
& Enhancement of in the district. 63 18 19 & New perception of the district and
livability % % % heritage areas
& Public
engagement
Participation & Public & Participation in the restoration of 81 8 11 & High rate of participation in activities
engagement. Bayt Yaken and its associated % % % and improvement plans
& Heritage activities. & Considering community consultation
conservation & Participation in decision making in decision- making process.
and different activities 72 & Feeling that community member is
% 10% 18 the focus of the development process.
% %
Social & Enhancement of & social interaction between residents 78 11 11 & Suitable place to gather
Capital culture and due to the involvement in the associ- % % % & Activities encourage wide range of
awareness ation activities society categorizes to interact.
& Strengthening & perception about the architects of & New relations between community
social structure the association 73 9 18 members
% % % & Architects became as community
members
Social & Empowerment & Effect on leadership among commu- 65 16 19 & Members of community feel responsi-
Welfare & Social Change nity members. % % % ble for their heritage and their
& Creating oppor- & Effect on community’s ability to environment
tunities for eco- direct change 69 18 13 & Leadership in community issues
nomic growth % % % & Better understanding of the impor-
tance of heritage and how heritage
can improve their life.
342
Bayt Yaken activities, if compared to the number of men (see
Fig. 7).
Another difference, respondents under 40 years old also
ranked the indicators higher than others aged over 40 years
(3.98 vs. 3.76, respectively). The reason behind this, is that
most of the participants in the activities of the association were
under 40. Consequently, architects of the association have a
drawback of not engaging all community segments. While
about 92% of respondents are original residents expressing
the social cohesion of their community, more than two- thirds
of the answers in the criteria concerning the extent of knowl-
edge about the heritage of the district show that they have
an average knowledge about it.
In addition, two- thirds of the respondents who answered
that they have average not full knowledge about the heritage
of the district ranked the quality of life indicator higher than
others (4.15 vs. 3.89, respectively). One of the questions about
this indicator was ‘‘Did the restoration of Bayt Yaken
increased the number of tourists in the area”. This result indi-
cates that the restoration of Bayt Yaken helped residents to
recognize the importance of their cultural heritage and how
it could be used as a tool to attain development. It also shows
the negligence and lack of awareness about the importance of
the district heritage. In general, the research results showed
that architects of FHPGS played a fundamental role by apply-
ing their practices to achieve overall sustainable community
development, through their architectural intervention in Bayt
Yaken (see Table 5).
8. Conclusion
Architects practices are a pivotal tool to serve the interest of
the community. Therefore, sustainable community develop-
ment in heritage areas is one of the domains, where such prac-
tices can be influentially applicable. To validate this impact,
evaluation framework was proposed and applied on architects’
intervention in Bayt Yaken, in the historical area of Al-Darb
Al-Ahmar district. Results revealed that architect’s interven-
tion can achieve sustainable community development in histor-
ical areas, through the appropriate application of the
suggested framework. In addition, it is concluded that the
physical intervention in heritage assets is the core of the
development.
There are priorities to apply the required development, the
communities hosting heritage react more positively toward
physical improvement, if compared to the other aspects of
intervention. As a consequence, the first practice that archi-
tects should follow is: Physical Conservation of Heritage
accompanied by Public Engagement. Furthermore, participa-
tion is the base indicator to be applied even before any of
the steps of the development process is taken, through: raising
conscious toward heritage importance and active engagement.
Depending on participatory approach, architects can easily
motivate community members and meet their needs, through
the development process.
Afterwards, architects should seek to apply the other indi-
cators of sustainable community development, in parallel with
their practices and aspects of intervention, according to the
suggested framework. A significant criterion of architects’ suc-
cess in creating sustainable community development is their
H.A. Alana et al.
ability to lead the community toward empowerment and
directing their own development.
Over all, the suggested framework is applicable and serves
as a guide and evaluation tool for assessing architects’ inter-
vention, evaluating the success of the development, and its
drawbacks. This paper recommends that the suggested frame-
work shall be followed by architects to address their role in
attaining sustainable community development in heritage
areas.
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