THE CONSTRUCTION OF URBAN COLLECTIVE MEMORY: THE NARRATIVE OF GIZA ZOO, EGYPT

Abstract Urban space acts as a dynamic backdrop for diverse activities and interactions - that helps in shaping the experiences and memories of its users. However, limited studies specifically explore how urban spaces act as sites for urban collective memory construction and how those memories can be preserved. This study aims to explore the construction and preservation of urban collective memory within the Giza Zoo, examining the roles of physical settings, mental images, and historical narratives. The objective of this study is to elucidate elements related to urban collective memory associations that promote the construction of memory in urban spaces. This study employs a qualitative research methodology, utilizing thematic analysis to understand participants' memories and experiences related to the Giza Zoo. Data were collected through in-depth semi structured interviews across different age groups, focusing on their recollections of spatial elements, historical narratives, and visual imagery within the zoo. The analysis was guided by the exploratory frame work. The study identifies three key conceptual associations in constructing urban collective memory: place, image, and history. 'Place' encompasses the zoo’s physical attributes, such as animal habitats, landscapes, and architecture, which influence visitors' experiences. 'Image' includes visual and symbolic representations, sensorial experience, social interactions, and cultural significance, showing the zoo's role as social and cultural hub. 'History' involves historical narratives and architectural elements that provide continuity between past and present experiences. This study bridges a gap in understanding how urban spaces like the Giza Zoo contribute to urban collective memory and offers implications for urban planning and design, emphasizing the value of incorporating elements that promote memory into urban spaces.