Terracotta Tower

Department of Architecture of the Faculty of Engineering, Ain Shams University in Abbaseya, Cairo

Project idea

Pottery is one of the oldest and greatest crafts in Fustat, the design—called The Terracotta - pottery modeling – is based upon the local tradition of ceramic artisans, thus restoring a sense of heritage to the region and city.

While providing good lighting and ventilation, the courtyard additionally connects back to the concept of ceramics in its resemblance of a potter’s wheel. Similarly, the potter’s wheel served as inspiration for the building’s appearance, which appears as though it has been cut, carved, and turned on a potter’s wheel.

Project description

• Project location: Ain elsera lake, Fustat, Egypt
• Built area: 3,000 m2
• Site area: 10,000 m2

Fustat in Egypt is famous for its handicrafts and craftsmen, but these crafts are close to disappearing Heritage & History are the keys to civilization & community development.
Heritage revival and rescuing old craft, Arts like pottery and ceramic is the main aim for my project.

Vision

create a landmark for pottery and touristic magnet, which attract people from all over the world.
reviving the crafts industry and developing it at the same time.
offering job opportunities and enhancing the economic level.
getting the locals to make use of their free time, and developing their skills in the crafts industry.
focusing on making this project a cultural hub for the city.

Technical information

Structure System

Terracotta is designed with a double-helix structure that twists up around a fixed central core built mostly from concrete for seismic stability.
All levels are linked by mega columns.
This structure enables maximal flexibility in terms of interior layout. It ensures also an optimal visual permeability (indoor-outdoor connectivity) towards the suspended gardens of the balconies in the foreground and the urban panorama in the background.
Each floor presents a storey structurally made with Vierendeel beams system behind glass and terracotta panels facades.
This structure enables maximal flexibility in terms of interior layout.