Billboards, Smartness, and Nightlife Atmospheres in Old Cairo

Abstract

This chapter explores the random configurations of lighting elements of billboards and outdoor screens in historical public spaces. This chapter built a theoretical base on a systematic review of research indexed in Web of Science (WOS) as hot topics and highly cited in the field published in the last five years. Reflecting on the case of Old Cairo, the argument distinguishes between the three concepts of smartness—smart city, smart community, and smart places—and identifies the differences between conventional places and smart technology. The change in urban nightlife atmospheres and the loss of belonging are the main findings of systematic research for how to reconstruct nightlife atmospheres to enhance belonging in public spaces in Cairo's old districts. A critique of the transformation of nightlife atmospheres in public spaces of historic significance is offered due to the random use of technological elements, whether implemented by local authorities or residents. Findings also have implications for urban planning and design guidelines.