The historiography of present-day Alexandria is deeply dominated by its classical history. There are barely any connections to the city’s present and living heritage where millions live and coexist. Contemporary Alexandria is facing long-impacting economic, demographic and social challenges. This could be due to the absence of strategic vision and appropriate planning based on a public participation process leaving the city unable to adequately meet society’s needs. Resulting in a deformed homogenetic urban fabric, impacting people’s quality of life, and creating social gaps and inequality among all levels of the Alexandrian society. However, the city’s significant tangible and intangible cultural heritage is in a continuous dynamic process of appropriation and reinterpretation. The rapid and urban growth has catalysed society’s creativity. Alexandria’s inhabitants sought to balance their lives and rehabilitate the city in a way that made it work for them. They had transformed the spaces (the creation of the past) into livable places, turning the deteriorated environment into a resilient, rich, and dynamic ecosystem.

Alexandria’s unique identity which is composed of diverse segments from the past and present, provides a rich source of inspiration. Architects, artists, and professionals might need to stop searching for solutions inside studios and rather start looking for inspiration ground and within the people. Architects and artists can benefit from social science methodologies to enhance their understanding of how such modern societies function, which is a key to a sustainable future.

In “The Alexandrian” artwork and urban research, Gohar utilises his artistic visual language alongside architectural and heritage experiences. He examines the dynamics of present-day Alexandrian society and their influence on the evolution of the city’s urban and built environment. The aim is to observe and analyse the communal behaviours of the city users, focusing on fostering an objective understanding of the changing values and cultures. Additionally, it promotes communication and knowledge-sharing through readable artistic language among the diverse social groups in contemporary Alexandria.

Mohamed Gohar is a 20-year experienced architect, artist, and urban heritage strategist. He is currently a master’s scholar at the University of Liverpool, Sustainable Heritage Management. In his professional and research work, he studies how social behaviour and culture influence the built-environment and urban transformation in old downtown areas of cities. Since 2020, he has been working as an independent cultural consultant with a focus on Mediterranean collaborations for academic and cultural establishments located between Alexandria and Marseille. His skill set includes conducting field research, as well as planning, creating, and executing urban heritage initiatives that are linked to social customs. Additionally, he is actively involved in teaching via action-driven educational initiatives focusing on the collective cultural heritage. By merging scientific research and artistic practice, he aims to examine the socio-cultural dynamics/ patterns of modern Alexandria and similar urban settings in other Mediterranean cities. Through analysing spaces where communities gather and interact, often referred to as “Society’s living room,” he seeks to uncover alternative grassroots narratives of societal development. By delving into the tangible and intangible legacies that have shaped cities, he tries to understand how society operates today and how individuals adapt their physical surroundings to suit their needs. Mohamed studied Urban Heritage Strategies at IHS, the Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies, Erasmus University Rotterdam, in 2022. He also earned a post-graduate diploma in Architecture at the Arab Academy in Alexandria. In 2005, he obtained his Bachelor in Architecture at the Faculty of Fine Arts, University of Alexandria University, Egypt.