How CLUSTER is Bridging Western Urban Understanding From the Middle East to North Africa

In this episode, my co-host Sami Ferwati and I chat with Salma Elbasty from CLUSTER (Cairo Lab for Urban Studies, Training and Environmental Research). CLUSTER undertakes research, architecture, and arts-based urban initiatives with a special focus on analyzing urban informality and highlighting its role in our cities. We explore the impact of two of CLUSTER's major projects, the CAUL (Critical Arab Urban Lexicon) and their Creativity in Action toolkit, and how through their diverse programming they work with artists, artisans, academics, businesses, and communities to bring their projects to life. In this episode, you'll learn about: - Urban informality and its role in creative cities - The process CLUSTER follows to undertake their creative, community-based activities - The Critical Arab Urban Lexicon (CAUL) and the importance of translating urban terms - ALFABRIKA, CLUSTER's maker space and community hub - And much more Guest: Salma Elbasty, CLUSTER, clustercairo.org