Local character analysis

Research Analysis
Research Name:
LOCAL CHARACTER
AS AN INDICATOR OF SUSTAINABLE
TOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN
COASTAL AREAS
A CASE STUDY OF HURGHADA, REDSEA, EGYPT
Author:
RASHED E. F., ABDEL-FATTAH, H. K.

1.Abstract
The authors
explained
the
importance
of tourism in
Egypt as a
rationale
(why they
approached
that topic).
They stated
that tourism
and local
character
should be
connected.
 Tourism is the most important
sector in Egypt for economical
reasons.
 Tourism development aims to:
1) Sustain the environment & socio-
cultural resources
2) Fulfilling tourist needs
(entertainment)
 Touristic projects have to express
local character.

1.1Objective
The authors
picked
Hurghada as
their case
study.
They observed
that there were
investments
made and alien
architecture
resulting, and
will try to prove
that the identity
loss was due to
the rushing
investments
bringing in
alien designs.
 The paper studies the concept of
local character in Hurghada as an
international touristic attraction.
 Proving that the attention to
investment in the districts of the
touristic place lead to identity loss,
due to prevailing alien architecture
designs and planning schemes,
even in districts with specific typical
context.

1.2 Methodology
The study
steps are :
1. Definition of character and sustainable
tourism development
2. Investigation of character as an indicator of
sustainable tourism
3. Consideration of the regional architecture
language of the red sea region
4. Analysis of the character issues in coastal
resorts
5. A comparative study for the innovated
character of some hotels in El-Gouna ,
Hurghada.
6. Concluding with a set of guidelines and
recommendations to preserve the local
character in coastal resorts, as to realize the
concept of sustainable tourism development.

2. Introduction
Notes :
They defined
Sustainable
tourism
development
after stating the
importance of
tourism in the
world and its
potentials in
Egypt.
Then defined
the problem to
be the identity
crises in resorts’
development in
Egypt.
 “Tourism is one of the world’s largest industries, generating an
estimated 11% of global Gross Domestic Product (GDP),
employing 200 million people and transporting nearly 700 million
international travelers per year. [1]
 Coastal tourism and recreation are important parts of this largest
and most rapidly growing activity in the world; tourism. [2]
 Today’s tourists expect more than scenery. They expect a wide
variety of associated leisure activities and experiences including
sports, cuisine, culture and natural attractions.
 Local people are keen on preserving their local heritage and their
identity.
 Sustainable tourism development emerged to balance both the
tourists’ and local residents’ needs with environmental and
economic objectives.
 Resorts’ development in Egypt in general, and in Hurghada as a
case study, has been accompanied by identity crises and
conscious breaks with heritage.

3. Character: Concept, Levels and Components
Through
literature
review, the
authors defined
the character
of place from
several
references,
combined them
and analyzed
them.
They then
defined the
Physical
character and
said it
expressed the
link between
culture and
built
environment.
 “The character of a place "genius loci" is frequently used to refer
to the sum of visual components and references of a certain
community, or it can be broadly defined as the combination of
complex qualities distinguishing a place, including all the physical
and non-physical components, relating to society, local
communities, physical context and time; all of these are
interdependent “[5, 6, 7, 8].
 In analysis to the definition the author said that , the character
involves two dimensions: the physical dimension, dependent on
the characteristics of place and surrounding environment; and the
civilized / cultural dimension, dependent on the qualities of
community; its activities, its different behavior patterns and its
various ideologies.
 The physical / architectural character represents the appropriate
device forthe settlement of relation between the culture of
communities and its built environment. It can be considered as a
vibrant record for the culture of communities. It represents also
an important criterion in physical / urban and architectural
morphology processes and a dominant element in the built
environment of communities [9].

 The physical character of places can be decomposed into
three paramount components:
Architectural character: involves the architectural
language, its elements and the features of shape /
volume, while focusing on touristic accommodation units
as individual inputs of the character array.
Builtscape /Townscape /Formal Morphology : takes in
consideration the physical morphology of the resort, its
elements and components (images, tissue, urban spaces,
zoning and grouping of buildings and structures).
Contextual character: : concentrates on the physical and
natural context features (position, environment, soil,
topography, plants, activities, uses, interrelations with
surrounding environment and other created features). [9].

3. Sustainable TourismDevelopment
The authors
stated what
tourism has
an impact on
, defined the
socio
cultural
impacts of
tourism and
what makes
it arise.
 According to UNEP, the three interconnected aspects of
tourism industry are the environmental, socio-cultural
and economic impacts [11].
 The socio-cultural impacts of tourism are the effects on
host communities of direct and indirect relations with
tourists, and of interaction with the tourism industry. The
impacts arise when tourism brings about changes in value
systems and behavior and thereby threatens indigenous
identity. Tourism can cause change or loss of local identity
and values, brought about by several closely related
influences like co-modification; standardization; loss of
authenticity or staged authenticity; and adaptation to
tourist demands. The result can be an overexploitation of
the social carrying capacity (limits of acceptable change in
the social system inside or around the destination) and
cultural carrying capacity (limits of acceptable change in
the culture of the host population) of the local community
[12].

The authors
discussed
the WTO
revision of
sustainable
tourism
definition ,
which aims
to reflect
better the
sustainability
issues in
tourism.
Sustainable tourism should:
 Make optimal use of environmental
resources maintaining essential
ecological processes and helping to
conserve natural heritage and
biodiversity.
 Respect the socio-cultural
authenticity of host communities.
 Ensure long-term economic
operations.

4. Local Characteras an Indicatorof Sustainable
Tourism
The authors
discussed
the role of
architecture
on the
physical and
spiritual level
in a
community.
They defined
the nature of
folk
architecture.
 At the physical level, local architecture
embodied centuries of learning with regard to
orientation, climate, building materials and
construction techniques. At the spiritual level,
the built form conveyed total harmony with the
lifestyle in all its daily as well as seasonal
rituals, unifying the socio-cultural and religious
aspirations of the individuals and the
community [15].
 Folk architecture is the direct and
unselfconscious translation into physical form
of a culture, its needs and values – as well as
the needs, dreams and passions of a people.
[16]
 The historic legacy of different regions can be
used for tourism development.

The authors
stated the
possible
positive
impacts of
tourism. And
then
concluded
that local
character
preservation
is directly
linked to
sustainable
tourism and
is an
indicator of
its
development.
 Potential positive impacts of tourism include the
revaluation of culture and traditions. Tourism can
boost the preservation and transmission of cultural
and historical traditions, which often contributes to
the conservation and sustainable management of
natural resources, the protection of local heritage,
and a renaissance of indigenous cultures, cultural
arts and crafts. Tourism also helps raise local
awareness of the financial value of natural and
cultural sites and can stimulate a feeling of pride in
local and national heritage and interest in its
conservation.
 Hence, preserving local character is an indicator of
sustainable tourism development. Broadly speaking,
indicators are central to the monitoring and
reporting of progress towards sustainable
development; which is a continuous process and
requires constant observation of impacts.

5. Historical development of physical and
architectural morphology in Hurghada
He analyzed
architecture
in Hurghada
And
classified it
into 4 main
types
charachteriz
ed by
absence of
a unified
physical/arc
hitectural
character
due to a
variety of
cultures.
1. Built forms of Islamic ages.
2. European styles was adopted in
the late 90th
century.
3. After the1952 revolution,the built
forms were developed due to the
emigration from the Nile valley to
the Red Sea coast.
4. Ultra modern universal, due to the
tourism development boost since
the mid of seventies.

(1 ) She ikh Tawfik ho use , traditio nalIslam ic archite cture , (2) Marco ni Co m pany
ho use s built in 1 9 th
ce ntury illustrate Euro pe an influe nce , (3) Acco m m o datio n o f
e ng ine e rs and e m plo ye e s within the pho sphate co m pany co m ple x, e arly 20 th
ce ntury archite cture
Re d Se a Re g io nalArchite cture

6. Physical /Architectural CharacterIssue
in Coastal Resorts
Dimensions
of losing the
character in
5 points
1. The absence of clear criteria and guidelines
reflecting the authentic values of traditional
architecture for planners and architects.
2. The failure of urban and architectural ambitious
projects due to neglecting the socio-cultural and
human aspects of these projects and focusing on
economic dimension only.
3. Misuse of local architecture .
4. The existing confusion concerning the definition of
the term "character" and its components in coastal
cities is one of the issue reasons that led to the
insufficiency of regulations
5. Regulations and executive decrees for controlling
the character are often absent in required
situations

7. Analysis of the CharacterIssue in
Hurghada (El Gouna Resort)
Three hotels
were
selected
according to
the above
criteria:
Three
Corners
Ocean View
Hotel,
Sheraton
Miramar
Hotel, and
Three
Corners
Rihana
Hotel.
The sample of hotels was selected to reflect the
two mentioned types. The selection procedure
took place according to a number of criteria;
 Three constants: resort single ownership:
Orascom Projects and Tourism Development;
typical context: one climatic zone and similar
natural constraints affecting the physical
planning and architectural design processes;
and typical regulations applied to the whole
resort and dominating its tourism development.
 One variable: the variety of architects working
on the design for each hotel; the variance of
their nationalities, the difference of their socio-
cultural backgrounds as well as their preferred
planning and architectural models.

I. Three Corners Ocean View, Architect:
Alfredo Freda, 2001.

II. Sheraton Miramar, Architect: Michael
Graves, 1997.

III. Three Corners Rihana, Architect: Rami
El Dahan and SoheirFarid, 1992.

8. Analytical Study Findings
A number of
findings
were derived
from the
experiences
of the
fieldwork
and its
results
 The designers adopt foreign western models
and patterns.
 Adoption of the Nubian architecture as a
visual reference is an obvious hint at an
association with Hassan Fathy's signature
style.
 The cultural and historical backgrounds of the
designer play a fundamental role in the
design.
 Character and the built environment is
characterized by the absence of intimacy.
 Lack of detailed plans for resort development
with appropriate regulations……

9. Guidelines to Control the Physical and Architectural
Characterof Coastal Resorts in Hurghada
In this part of
the study,
the authors
will deduce a
set of criteria
and
mechanisms
in the aim to
achieve and
preserve the
local
character.
(Recommen
dations)
 9.1. Physical Planning Guidelines
 9.2. Architectural Design Guidelines
Pro po se d
PhysicalPlanning
Sche m e (by
autho rs) fo r the
De ve lo pm e nt
o f . Co astal
Re so rts

10. Concluding Recommendations
 The respect of design context should be emphasized. Contextual analysis
is a prelude to designing for context. The site conditions as well as the
natural and physical constraints should be identified and respected.
 The utilization of indigenous architecture; its language, elements and
models, should take place without blind imitation. Instead, a more
sustainable design is encouraged.
 The realization of physical and architectural characters has to be
emphasized, by respecting the principles of local architecture and
sustainable tourism development.
 The existing tourist resorts must be evaluated in terms of local character.
Appropriate guidelines should be developed for each region separately.
 Programs must be launched in the aim to raise the awareness of actors in
coastal tourism development toward cultural sensitive issues related to
development, like visual character, heritage and aesthetic values.
 Detailed plans of coastal areas should include the basics and principles of
sustainable planning and design.
 Planning and environmental decisions must blend in one integrated array,
involving both the natural and built environments, to achieve the best usage
of resources.

References:
1. World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), International Federation of Tour Operators (IFTO), International Hotel & Restaurant Association (IH&RA), International Council of Cruise Lines (ICCL) and
United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). Industry as a Partner for Sustainable Development: Tourism. London: WTTC, 2002.
2. "Coastal Tourism and Recreation". The National Ocean Conference, Monterey, California, 11-12 June 1998. 3 January 2005 <http://www.yoto98.noaa.gov/yoto/meeting/tour_rec_316.html>.
3. El Hamshari, M. Local Character in the Design of Tourist Villages. M.Sc. Dissertation, Architecture Department, Faculty of Engineering, Cairo University, 1996.
4. B. M. Aly. Sustainable Beach Resort Development: A Decision Framework for Coastal Resort Development in Egypt and the United States. Ph. D. Dissertation, Faculty of the Virginia Polytechnic
Institute and State University, 2001.
5. S. Ettouney. "On Physical and Architectural Character". On Housing and the Built Environment, Vol. 1. Cairo: El-Arabi, 1992.
6. S. Ettouney. "Physical Design: the Concept and the Importance". On Housing and the Built Environment, Vol. 2. Cairo: El-Arabi, 1992.
7. S. Ettouney. "On Culture and Architecture - Inquiries". On Housing and the Built Environment, Vol. 2. Cairo: El-Arabi, 1992.
8. S. Ettouney. "On Culture and Architecture – Adjustment of Relation." Proceedings of the 8th
Conference for the Society of Egyptian Architects, "Culture and Architecture", Cairo, December 1992.
9. S. Ettouney and N. Abdel Kader. Physical Tissue and Character. Cairo: El-Arabi, 1997.
10. T. Ando. "Genius Loci". Anywhere. Ed. C. Davidson. New York: Rizzoli International, 1992. 100-105.
11. United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). Sustainable Tourism. 3 January 2005 <http://www.uneptie.org/pc/tourism/sust-tourism/home.htm>
12. United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). Negative socio-cultural impacts from tourism. 3 January 2005 <http://www.uneptie.org/pc/tourism/sust-tourism/soc-drawbacks.htm>
13. Agenda 21 for the Travel and Tourism Industry: Towards Environmentally Sustainable Development. WTO, 1996.
14. WTO. Concepts & Definitions: Sustainable Development of Tourism. 3 January 2005 < http://www.world-tourism.org/sustainable/top/concepts.html>
15. B. V. Doshi. "Cultural Continuum and Regional Identity in Architecture". Regionalism in Architecture. Ed. Robert Powell. Singapore: Concept Media/the Aga Khan Award for Architecture, 1985.
16. A. Rapoport. House form and culture. New Jersey: Prentice Hall, 1969, 2.
17. C. Moulin. "Changing Values and Approaches in Appreciating the Built Environment by Tourists and Host Communities". Cultural Tourism. Sri Lanka: ICOMOS, 1993.
18. A. M. Salama. "Rediscovering the Heritage of Quseir: Past Port, Present Challenge, and Future Dreams". Medina 11, January-February 2000, 46-51.
19. E. Abdel Aziz. Regionalism in Physical and Architectural Expression of Egyptian coasts. M.Sc. Dissertation, Architecture Department, Faculty of Engineering, Cairo University, 1995.
20. M. Mustafa. "Consumable Culture: Resort Development - Four Case Studies". Medina 15, September-October 2000, 28-37.
21. CNN. Legacy of Egyptian architect seen in Graves hotel. 10 January 2005 <http://archives.cnn.com/2000/STYLE/design/08/24/egypt.graves.ap/>

THANKS.
Hagar M. Mamdouh Nehal El
Hagene

Local character analysis

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Local character analysis