Reviving Old Cairo

American University of Sharjah, College of Architecture, art and Design, Sharjah

Project idea

The project is situated in the heart of medieval Islamic Cairo, which inspired the concept of pulling the urban fabric from the busy streets on Al-Muizz Street deeper into the neighborhood. This draws life inward and establishes a flow between contrasting urban environments. 
Given that the program for the project is the arCHIAM research center, rather than viewing the center as an embellishment, we intend to use it as a catalyst for reshaping the cultural fabric to reflect the new, modern way of life. As a result, the ArCHIAM research center breathes new life into a historic site. Adjacent to the landmark House of Jamal al-Din al-Dahabi, now a museum, the center bridges past and present through thoughtful design. Inspired by the fading vibrancy of Cairo’s once-bustling alleys, the project draws activity inward, revitalizing the abandoned surroundings with pathways that guide visitors from the lively Al-Azhar Street into quiet, engaging spaces. This project embodies a dialogue between tradition and modernity, memory and sustainability, restoring not just a site but a sense of life and identity to a quiet corner of historic Cairo.

Project description

The project’s programs are distributed between two buildings that frame a public plaza. This plaza is intentionally designed to greet visitors with an expansive view as they exit a narrow harrah, creating a moment of contrast and openness. The plaza extends into the ground floor of the buildings, forming a seamless link to the main street and ensuring vibrancy through active public engagement. The southern building takes the angular shape of the existing site, adhering to its conditions, while the building attached to the House of Jamal al-Din al-Dahabi follows the geometry of the historic house. Composed of a series of volumes arranged like interlocking parts, the building integrates with the shared wall of the old house. These volumes define the programs while creating varied spatial experiences—some cantilevering to provide shade for the public plaza and others delineating distinct areas. The pale pink concrete facade, inspired by medieval textile patterns, uses trapezium-shaped perforations to form a dynamic mashrabiya, transitioning from void to solid and mimicking the natural decay of fabric.

Technical information

The building is constructed using recycled steel from abandoned on-site concrete structures integrated into the new construction, embedding a narrative of renewal into its very fabric. The integration of steel structures with historical architecture creates a design that celebrates the past while embracing the future, resulting in buildings that are both timeless and contemporary. The contrast emphasizes the historical significance of the original building while introducing modern architectural innovations. In addition, pink concrete is used to translate the traditional material into the new, incorporating vibrant colors. This material choice reflects Cairo’s historical penchant for bold and expressive architectural elements. It symbolizes the city’s blend of tradition and modernity and connection to the past while embracing contemporary design trends, making it a significant material in the city’s ongoing architectural narrative.

Documentation

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