Egyptian Handicrafts Center

Faculty of Fine Arts, Alexandria University in Alexandria

Project idea

The idea of ​​the project is to provide a place to learn about Egyptian handicrafts and their importance. Therefore, the goal of the project was to build a center for Egyptian handicrafts, and its goal is to provide a place for the tourist and his family or the Egyptian citizen to spend an entire day in it. The goal of the center is touristic through the presence of a museum that includes a group of Handicraft products, a store that sells products, and a small restaurant and café.
The other goal of the place is educational, by providing handicraft teaching workshops for adults and children, preventing the provision of a library that includes a collection of educational books on Egyptian handicrafts with the development of times.

Project description

The proposed location for establishing the center: Arts Complex in the Heritage City of New Alamein.
The project consists of the following parts:
1- The main entrance, then the reception area, which contains the main staircase and 2 panoramic elevators.
2- On the right side of the building, we find a museum that includes a collection of Egyptian handicraft products.
3- On the far right, we find a gift shop divided into spaces, each space containing a specific handicraft product available for display and sale. We also find a number of tables overlooking the building’s outer garden where you can sit to have drinks and rest.
4- On the far left we find a small restaurant and a cafeteria.
The upper floor consists of:
1- The far right handicraft workshops such as pottery, copper, jewelry, wickerwork, etc. There is also a children’s workshop.
2- The left side is a library that includes introductory books on Egyptian handicrafts throughout the ages, and the far left side is a terrace that complements the library.

Technical information

The building is built according to the structural method using columns.
Regarding the external form of the building and the structure covering some internal columns, two construction methods can be used:
1- Using 3D printing because it is a method characterized by design flexibility, speed, and low cost.
2- The second method of construction can be using green concrete to encourage the idea of ​​sustainability because it is manufactured from waste from ovens, construction waste, plastic waste, etc., and is distinguished by its resistance to cracks, flexibility, fire resistance, and other features.
Construction method: Create a light metal structure in the required shape, then install a specific type of fabric on it, then use pumps to spray the concrete after adding the required color in order to form a light layer that does not pose an additional load or danger to the building.

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