Saffron Chrono "Adaptive reuse of Saffron Palace"

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

Project idea

The Project aims at leveraging the role played by architecture designers as Conservators, and not just as Form Generators.

Concept:
Adapting Saffron Palace using the idea of Timelessness due to it is rich culture and history, emphasizing it is historical significance and allowing for modern adaptation.
This can be achieved by using elements of the palace but with a futuristic twist.
The concept will be reflected in the building's Function creating multifunctional spaces.

Project description

THE AREA OF THE PROJECT
Saffron Palace in Ain shams university campus.
It is one of the most impressive Cairo palaces in Egypt.

PROJECT VALUE
1. The Palace was designed in the Moorish Revival style, which was popular in Europe at the time.
2. It Went through many historical Events which led to the change of it is use multiple times.
3. The palace represents the center of the university.

DESIGN CRITERIA
Values that could be considered for the adaptation of Saffron Palace into a new use could include: Historic preservation: preserving the history and cultural significance of the building. Sustainability: incorporating sustainable design and building practices to minimize the impact on the environment. Accessibility: making the building accessible to people of all abilities. Innovation: incorporating cutting-edge technology and design to create a unique and modern experience. Community engagement: involving the local community in the development and use of the building. Economic development: creating jobs and promoting economic growth in the surrounding area. Cultural exchange: promoting cultural exchange and understanding through the use of the building.

Technical information

The project is all about reusing the old office building, keeping it is use while introducing new functions to it.
I chose to keep only the columns and slabs, while adding new columns to introduce new open space for employees, also creating new spaces for students.
ELEMENTS STUDY
Using elements from the palace to form the new building to fulfill the concept idea:
1. The palace Stairs
2. The colored Glass
3. The Arches
Converting them into:
1. A ramp connecting different levels.
2. The glass for the Façade.
3. The arches in the old theme sides of the building

USERS SCENARIO
The project targets 3 users:
1. The Employees: the people who already work in the building.
2. The Administration spaces in the palace: Moving some rooms to the new building due to the change in the palace rooms.
3. The students: A new place for them to study and socialize.

New elements added to the building:

Spiral Stairs

A stainless-steel spiral stair connected to the slabs by bolts, connecting all the left side of the offices in the building together while creating an outdoor area for the employees and allowing sunlight and fresh air into the building.

The second spiral stairs are smaller than the first one, it is located inside the right side of the offices in the building creating an atrium and connecting all the floors.

 
The Ramp

The ramp created by stretching of the building mimicking the stairs of the Saffron palace is connected from the landscape all the way up to the coworking space in the third floor of the building.

The structure holding the ramp is Voronoi diagram inspired from the historical nature surrounding us, consisting of a set of points and edges holding the ramp in place. The Voronoi diagram is a system that divides the space into sub-spaces in an organic way. The diagram uses points to create cells that surround these points.

The average walking speed is 1.5 meters per second, so it will take the average person 75 seconds to reach the end of the ramp.
Ramp Section

Hologram Ball

A hologram ball used as a map to guide people in Ain Shams university.