Old Gourna: The Complexity of Vernacular Architecture/Urbanism and Cultural Heritage

The ruins of Old Gourna in Luxor amid the Theban Necropolis evoke a lot of questions. The complexity and success of its vernacular architecture/urbanism continue to perplex experts till today. After several attempts to relocate its residents, first at Hassan Fathi's new Gourna, then in the 2nd New Gourna, Old Gourniis are still nostalgic about their old village. The main objective of this paper is to demonstrate the authentic urban/architectural particularity and cultural heritage of the Old Gourna compared to the other two New Gournas. This will be achieved via the analyses of Urban Design Dimensions in relation to the social production of urban spaces in the 3 Gournas.