Location: Cairo, Egypt
Client: RW-Armstrong
Gross Area: 20,900 m2
Year of Design: 2013-2014
Type of Assignment: Commission
Collaborator: MA Studio + AFH
The vision for this library has been created to reflect a
modem interpretaion of islamic architecture and creates
a dynamic intellectural atmosphere reflecting the role of
Al Azhar as a center for islamic education and culture
uniquly.
This building will represent the main scence for old cairo and its unique visual land mark
those who are coming or leaving the city, Azhar library is centrally located in the heart of
old cairodistrict and at the main axis of Salah El-dein citadel.
The new library resembley much more than just a place for books, it is a place to learn
,meet and explore the vital heritage as the new library comprises among others a large auditorium,
gallery, museum and a large stepped hall for reading.
The facade is a 3 dimensional calligraphy pattern that appears as a characteristic veil laid
over the building, this facade is designed to adopt perfectly to the conditions in Cairo, the
system of calligraphy pattern in and out from the vertical plane creates shade for one another
where it will prevent the beat gained from direct sun impact at south.