Neighborhood Initiative

AUC has a long tradition of civic engagement through a variety of programs. As such, the establishment of a Neighborhood Initiative on both its Tahrir and New Cairo campuses presents an opportunity for AUC to reflect on place-based strategies that combine elements of civic engagement and anchor strategies relevant to the region. The Neighborhood Initiative is focused on how an urban university can play a transformative role in its city by working toward a livable, just and sustainable neighborhood.

The American University in Cairo (AUC) was established in 1919, and has become one of the leading universities in Africa and the Middle East. AUC has a long tradition of civic engagement through a variety of programs.  As such, the establishment of a Neighborhood Initiative on both its Tahrir and New Cairo campuses presents an opportunity for the AUC to reflect on place-based strategies that combine elements of civic engagement and anchor strategies relevant to the region.  

The Neighborhood Initiative adopts a place-based strategic approach that focuses on physical and environmental improvements, combined with a civic engagement approach, focused on social development and an anchor strategy to tackle economic development. In this way, AUC, similar to the American University in Beirut (AUB), is striving to promote sustainable development on and around its campuses in a manner that supports the creation and preservation of a just, livable and diverse neighborhood.

The Neighborhood Initiative works collaboratively across the University with faculty, students, staff and administrators, as well as neighborhood residents, businesses, and public sector decision-makers.

Working Towards a Livable, Just and Sustainable Neighborhood

Magda Mostafa

"I see the Neighborhood Initiative as a crucial hinge between AUC and its communities on many levels: on the level of research, pedagogy, outreach, symbiotic support and the creation of informed and civically engaged students."

Magda Mostafa
Associate Professor, tenure, Department of Architecture

Magda Mostafa

Khaled Tarabieh

"The Neighborhood initiative is a key aspect of the University's efforts toward achieving institutional sustainability. It resembles a point of convergence between different branches of the university, allowing for more integration between the university and the city through community driven projects and events."

Khaled Tarabieh
Assistant Professor Department of Architecture

Khaled Tarabieh Assistant Professor, Architecture Department

Meet the Team

magdamostafaweb

Magda Mostafa

Associate Professor, tenure Department of Architecture
Khaled Tarabieh

Khaled Tarabieh

Assistant Professor Department of Architecture

Khaled Abdel Halim

Associate Professor Department of Policy and Administration

Heather Hunt

M.A. Candidate, Middle East Studies, American University in Cairo, Researcher
Salma-Belal

Salma Belal

Researcher
hajer_awatta

Hajer Awatta

Researcher

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