Ahmed Hossam Saafan builds a yellow cultural center in one of Cairo's most populated slums
2020.04.26
With the idea of changing architectural paradigms within one of Cairo’s largest informal settlements, Ahmed Hossam Saafan has designed the Dawar El Ezba cultural center in the heart of Ezbet Khairallah. Realized for dawar arts, which is an independent cultural organization based in the Egyptian capital, the building intends to provide a place for community arts and social interaction, in addition to creating a vibrant new landmark.
With an estimated population of over 700,000, Ezbet Khairallah is not only one of the largest slums in Cairo but also one of the most densely populated. Yet despite the size of the community, there is just one school provided in the neighborhood. This project by Ahmed Hossam Saafan therefore seeks to provide a valuable place for the activities of Dawar arts. Forming a vertical extension to the existing Dawar arts kitchen in Ezbet Khairallah, the program of the new cultural center comprises an art studio, a gathering space, an administration office and a theatre/workshop area.
The design of the cultural center reconsiders the use of locally-available building resources, making the new intervention act as a ‘living agent’ within its context. Given the vast number of metal and wood workshops in the neighborhood, a timber structure and corrugated metal cladding were therefore applied. This strategy aims to express that the building is there for the people, all the while showcasing the potential of available materials to create an aesthetically-pleasing and functional design.
As well as providing a platform and cultural center for the people of Ezbet Khairallah, the building also aims to create a bold landmark, which it effectively does through the application of bright yellow metal cladding. Internally, the building intends to create a seamless environment that suggests solidarity while endorsing and celebrating diversity.
Dawar arts is an independent cultural organization based in Cairo, Egypt. They utilize a range of arts-based processes for healing, dialogue and social change from the grassroots up. Their practitioners include artists, educators, community organizers, physicians and health workers. Together they facilitate psychosocial interventions in partnership with individuals and communities impacted by poverty, war, displacement and other forms of adversity. Their pedagogical branch offers workshops, classes and professional training programs in applied theater, therapeutic drama and community arts. They also hold cultural events including live music, literary readings and theatre performances.
*** Author: A.H.Saafan
*** Source: https://www.designboom.com/architecture/ahmed-hossam-saafan-cultural-center-cairos-most-populated-slum-03-13-2020/
*** Source of Pics: Ahmed Hossam Saafan
