Al-Azhar Park

Lonely Planet review

Al-Azhar Park is a triumph of thoughtful urban planning, inspired architecture and sensible environmental management - a rare mix indeed in this muddled megalopolis. A restaurant and gallery building on the park's northern hill boasts spectacular 360-degree views of the city and a design referencing surrounding historic buildings.

Work took over a decade and started with the grading of the site and the construction of three enormous underground water tanks and a pumping station to bolster Cairo's water supply. The water tanks, which were funded by Usaid, were incorporated into the park's master plan by the Cairo-based concept designers, Sites International, and the Boston-based landscape architects, Sasaki Associates. During the regrading of the site, 1.3km of Ayyubid-era city wall was uncovered; its conservation and incorporation into the master plan for the park became an important part of the project.

The former rubbish heap now sports lush formal and informal plantings, a small lake, a central palm court, water channels, informal pathways, a children's playground and fruit orchards - all designed to reference classical Islamic gardens.

Its Egyptian architects, Rami el-Dahan and Soheir Farid, have clearly been inspired by the architecture of the Darb al-Ahmar district and have used vaulted ceilings and delicate archways to wonderful effect. The park's other building, a lakeside pavilion, is a modern interpretation of classical Islamic pavilions designed by French architect, Serge Santelli.