Secondhand books industry between extinction and challenges of the new millennium: insights urban and architectural considerations from Al-Azbakeya book market.

Authors

• Ahmed M. Selim, Associate Professor at: Department of Architecture, Faculty of Engineering, Sinai University, Kantara Branch, Egypt..Follow
• Heba M. Gaber, Lecturer at: Department of Architecture, Modern Academy for Engineering and Technology, Cairo, Egypt.
• Nehal M. Elmahdy, Lecturer at: Department of Architecture, Modern Academy for Engineering and Technology, Cairo, Egypt

Subject Area

Architectural Engineering

Article Type

Original Study

Abstract

At the beginning of the 21st century, the printed and secondhand book industry has faced enormous challenges, particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic, when book consumers sought to engage directly with e-books. The Azbakeya Book Market in Egypt is one of the markets that confronts this challenge, while maintaining its distinctive historical character. This study aims to rehabilitate the secondhand book market in Al-Azbakeya district as a model that simulates the potential urban and sustainable architectural design strategies for reviving this industry. The study framework was comprised into four sections. First, "desk-based research" was conducted to discuss the secondhand book industry challenges and the history of the study area. Second, based on the “evidence-based design to improve performance” approach, a baseline survey (questionnaire) was conducted with relevant stakeholders, including book market owners and visitors. Third, statistical analysis was conducted based on the questionnaire results, where seventeen owners’ questions and thirteen visitors’ questions were ranked from high (H) to medium-low (M-L). Fourth, a design criterion for book kiosks were agreed upon. The finding identified current challenges, and stakeholders' needs and requirements. Finally, urban and sustainable architectural design considerations were formulated as a guide to revive this industry, while respecting the study area's identity and culture. Additionally, the study proposed an architectural model for the kiosk incorporating kinetic system techniques as part of an innovative and sustainable architectural design approach, considering future visions for development, rehabilitation and preserving the history of the study area.

Keywords

Historical cities, Cairo, Al-Azbakeya, book market, architectural model, Kinetic, innovative and sustainable architectural design, environmental and social sustainability

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.

Recommended Citation

Selim, Ahmed M.; Gaber, Heba M.; and Elmahdy, Nehal M. (2026) "Secondhand books industry between extinction and challenges of the new millennium: insights urban and architectural considerations from Al-Azbakeya book market.," Mansoura Engineering Journal: Vol. 51 : Iss. 3 , Article 5.
Available at: https://doi.org/10.58491/2735-4202.3456