POINT

Cairo University, Faculty of Engineering Architecture Department.

Project idea

The project (POINT) aims to establish a convergence point for Nile Basin countries in Damietta, particularly focusing on revitalizing the wood industries, specifically furniture production. This initiative is driven by personal ties to the city, childhood memories, and a desire to contribute to solving economic challenges.

Location and Potentials:
Damietta, with its unique location at the confluence of the Nile River and the Mediterranean Sea, presents a strategic advantage. The city's history as an industrial hub, particularly in woodworking crafts, further adds to its potential. The project envisions leveraging these assets to address economic crises and boost the local economy.

Challenges:
Damietta faces economic challenges, primarily related to the high costs of raw materials in the wood industries. The project acknowledges the importance of architecture in shaping the city's visual identity and, consequently, its economic appeal. The main challenge is aligning architectural interventions with comprehensive plans to promote Damietta as a major commercial center and tourist destination.

Approach:
The project's central approach revolves around reviving the wood industries, specifically focusing on furniture production. This rejuvenation is expected to have a positive impact on the city's economy, creating job opportunities for youth and encouraging entrepreneurship. The architectural interventions will not only enhance Damietta's visual appeal but also communicate a message of unity among the Nile Basin countries.

Objectives:
Revive wood industries in Damietta, particularly focusing on furniture production.
Boost the local economy and provide job opportunities, especially for the youth.
Showcase the complementary nature of Nile Basin countries through materials, handicrafts, and technological advancements in furniture production.
Establish Damietta as a global competitor in the furniture market, sending a message of capability to Western societies.
Outcome:
The project aims to position Damietta on the map of world cities, emphasizing its economic potential and unique cultural contributions. Through a harmonious blend of architecture, technology, and traditional craftsmanship, the initiative aspires to promote unity among Nile Basin countries while addressing the economic challenges faced by Damietta.

Project description

Theme
Architecture in the age of crises...

Vision
Contribute to solving the current Egyptian economic crisis by reviving the craft furniture industry in the city of Damietta.

Mission Statement
project is a woodcraft hub that capitalizes on the area’s unique craft and places the city on the global market, spreading this craft throughout the country (Egypt) and the region (Africa).

Concept
The project is a synapse, converging African resources with investments to generate a potent outcome.

Technical information

Landscape Study
The Landscape was designed to connect the project to the public street and achieving comfort inspiring urban spaces, also it was designed to create different spaces with different activities and experience.

Environmental Study
-Double Glass to decrease the internal heat gain and to provide Acoustic comfort.
-Green roofs to minimize the urban heat.
-Internal courts allowing natural ventilation and Lighting.
-piezoelectric tiles to generate electricity from people movement.
-louvers skin treatments allowing natural lighting to save energy.

Structure Study
-The main path is a wooden truss inspired from ships structure.
-waffle slab system was used to cover a span of 12 meters