In Cairo's Ard al-Liwa neighborhood – one of Egypt's most densely populated informal settlements – a team of architects, researchers and local craftspeople are tackling the growing challenge of urban heat. As climate change drives longer and more intense heatwaves, temperatures in Cairo often exceed 40°C. In areas like Ard al-Liwa, poor ventilation and tightly packed buildings make the heat even more unbearable. The team's mission: to develop low-tech, affordable cooling solutions that don't rely on expensive or polluting air conditioning.

Ancient ideas, modern materials

Local artist Ahmed Mokhtar's rooftop studio became the testing ground for a passive-cooling prototype. Drawing inspiration from ancient techniques like the solar chimney and the Mashrabiya, the team used wood, metal sheets, and plastic to build a structure that channels hot air upward and out. They also incorporated ceramics for evaporative cooling, helping to lower indoor temperatures naturally. These solutions are not only sustainable but also economically viable for low-income communities.

Supported by the CLUSTER urban research team and international partners such as AP+E and Studio Rene Boer, the project demonstrates how traditional knowledge and locally sourced materials can offer scalable solutions to climate stress. Urban climate expert Dr. Eman Abdelazem believes these grassroots innovations could be replicated across Cairo and other cities facing similar challenges. As Mokhtar explains, the goal isn't aesthetic perfection: it's functionality and affordability. In a city where heatwaves are becoming the norm, this rooftop experiment offers hope for cooler, greener urban living.

This video summary was created by AI from the original DW script. It was edited by a journalist before publication.