Building on the success of our previous trips to the Isle of Arran and Dunkirk, LRG is thrilled to announce its third Critical Field Study (CFS), set in the city of Cairo. Arriving on the evening of September 19th, participants will embark on a five-day, six-night immersive itinerary. This CFS offers participants a unique opportunity to explore the rich and layered landscapes of Cairo, investigating the city’s historical, social, and ecological dimensions.
Through a series of site visits and engaging discussions, the participants will explore the evolution of Cairo’s natural and urban environments. The itinerary and program are designed to provide the participants with various opportunities to engage with the tangible and intangible landscapes of Cairo, and with researchers from Egypt aiming to pave the way for future partnerships, collaborations and research outputs.
Cairo is currently facing rapid urban transformations jeopardising the ecological integrity of the city. Thus, an in-depth understanding of the situational complexity of the city through the historical and present spatial, social, cultural, economic, and environmental transformations are crucial for negotiating its future.
Target Audience
We strive to bring together a vibrant mix of participants, from MSc and PhD students to early-career professionals and seasoned experts, fostering a truly multidisciplinary exchange of ideas. This field study will welcome 25 international and 5 local participants, drawing researchers, academics, and practitioners from fields such as landscape architecture, urban studies, social and environmental sciences, and related disciplines. Our goal is to engage individuals passionate about the intersections of landscape studies, ecology, urban development, history, anthropology and geography, with a particular focus on Cairo’s dynamic urban landscape.
Selection Process
Participation in CFS is through a competitive process. The groups are carefully assembled to ensure synergies among participants and to maximise the potential for meaningful outputs.
While distinct from traditional symposia or conferences, these field studies are intended to align with institutional funding mechanisms. Participants should expect to be able to apply to their universities or organisations for funding to attend.
Trip Overview & Themes
This year’s project will engage with two main themes:
- The role of the Nile River in shaping Cairo’s natural and cultural landscape.
- The landscape colours of Cairo throughout different historical periods.
Each day will offer opportunities for group reflection, discussions, and presentations on these diverse landscape perspectives.
Cost
The CFS is supported both financially and administratively by the LRG, ensuring the programme runs efficiently and offers an enriching experience to all participants.
The trip spans five days and six nights, beginning with arrival on Friday 19th September 2025. The first day of the programme starts at 8:00 AM on Saturday 20th September 2025, and concludes with check-out on the morning of Thursday 25th September 2025.
The cost for attendees is divided into two categories: one for international participants and one for local participants, offering a reduced rate to make the experience more inclusive.
International Attendees
£400
Full 5-day itinerary, including travel around Cairo, entrance tickets, talks, guides, lunch and dinner.
£240
Hotel accommodation with breakfast for six nights, twin room shared with another participant. A single room can be arranged for a total of £375.
Local Attendees
£200
Full 5-day itinerary, including travel around Cairo, entrance tickets, talks, guides, lunch and dinner.
By offering a discounted rate to local participants, we aim to make these enriching experiences more accessible to the people who live and work in the area, fostering greater engagement and connection.
Important Note
Participants are responsible for arranging and covering the costs of their travel to and from Cairo, as well as securing any necessary visas or permits required for the trip.
How to Register
Complete this form or click the button below to register your interest by Friday 21st March 2024.
All range of careers levels, disciplines and geographical base are very welcome and encouraged.
Dates
Register your attendance via the Google Form by Friday 21st March 2025.
If successful, LRG will contact you with payment details by Friday 11th April 2025
Final payment to be received by LRG by Wednesday 23rd April 2025.
FAQs
What can we expect?
This trip follows on from our hugely successful trips to the Isle of Arran, Scotland, in October 2022, and Dunkirk in October 2023. We aim to actively explore the current issues on the ground in various places, relating to landscape research, exchange knowledge and build networks of practice. For a taste of previous trips you can view the participants reflections from both the Isle of Arran, and Dunkirk.
What does the price include?
Full 5-day itinerary, including travel around Cairo, entrance tickets, talks, guides, lunch and dinner. For international participants it includes hotel accommodation and breakfast. It does not cover travel to and from Cairo nor permits/visas.
Can I attend for only one day or a portion of the trip?
Participants are required to attend the full five-day itinerary to benefit fully from the immersive experience and the carefully planned programme. Each day builds on the previous one, offering a cohesive and enriching journey through Cairo’s landscapes and complexities.
Can I pay in instalments?
Yes, you are welcome to pay in two instalments if that is more convenient for you. If you would like to proceed with this option, please email us to confirm. We kindly ask that the final payment is made by Tuesday 23rd April 2025.
Are there any security or safety concerns I should be aware of?
Cairo is generally a safe city, and millions of visitors enjoy its vibrant culture and rich history each year without issues. That said, as with any international travel, we recommend staying aware of your surroundings and following general safety precautions.
Will there be research outputs?
Building upon the competitive credentials of a conference or symposium, the CFS is constructed to build opportunities for research outputs and networks, particularly for our journal Landscape Research.
As in previous years, we also encourage participants to share their responses and reflections on our Landscape Exchange website following their participation.
If you have any further questions, email Charlotte Mitchell