TABAYOUN Cultural Center

Idea projektu

Tabayoun, is derived from the Arabic word "تباين", meaning contrast, and the contrast in our project is embodied in almost each aspect of it. As in past and future, fluidity and rigidity, neglect and revival, the center’s dialogue with its context, or the diverse in culture it targets. the project is designed to engage three distinct user groups: the locals, the city’s broader population, as well as the newcomers or visitors arriving from further away.
It connects back to what was once central to life for the locals in this area: the Mahmoudiyah Canal, a vibrant element that supported daily activities they grew up with. Which included ones that are as simple as clean drinking water, as the canal was once the main water source for Alexandria at the time, alongside fishing, trading, and and eventually supporting industrial functions and product shipping.
For the city residents, it evokes a sense of heritage as they enter the space, they are reminded of the canal’s past importance, and how a once dynamic element, has been neglected and polluted, and eventually converted into a lifeless, solid ground, a change that reflects a sense of crisis, that challenged Alexandria.
For new visitors, the project presents a clear visual and spatial contrast with its surrounding, and stands as a symbol of renewal in a site that remains vacant and in need of activation, which resonates with what they call- the bilbao effect: where architecture plays a key role in redefining underutilized urban spaces and restoring cultural relevance.

Popis projektu

The project is a cultural center located in Alexandria, Egypt, Alexandria, pecisely along the newly developed Mahmoudiyya Axis Road. The challenge was to design a new learning enviroment that could engage both local residents and non-locals, while also preserving the site’s heritage, and introducing new activities that could benefit the surrounding community.
One of the key additions to the project is an activity program titled: Seed to Sale Program, which guides participants throught the three historical stages that defined the area: agriculture, industry, and trade. It replicates the prcess of all 3 together allowing users to grow a fresh crop from scratch, and craft it into a usable product, and learn then learneny key essentials in packing, trading, and selling strategies. And each week, a bazzar is held for the participants to present and sell their products, transforming theoretical learning into a hands-on, self-sustaining cycle.
The project incorprated as well is a futuristic workshop, which ensures that the focus is not solely on historical or traditional practices. It's dedicated to keeping pace with modern innovations, offering learning opportunities tied to current technologies and developments. And thats how we ensure moving forward, and preparing brilliant minds for the future.
Ultimately, this approach aims to nurture a generation that is very much needed in Egypt, and a first step to revivng the Mahmoudiyya Axis Road, aligning with the broader vision it is sought to achieve.

Technické informace

The project cluster is fully oriented toward the direction of the prevailing wind which is north-west, maximizing natural ventilation and enhancing airflow throughout the site.
The sloped roofs are angled to the north, ensuring access to filtred natural light, where skylights in selected areas introduce larger amounts of daylight into interior spaces.
The library and gallery are strategically placed on the northern edge of the site and at the lowest level, to optimize the penetration of light into the rear masses. The gallery is positioned as the first building encountered on the site, to draw attention to exhibtion openings and inviting visiotrs through light installations and curated visual experiences. While the library designed with 0% glare, to ensure a comfortable readering controlled lighting conditions.
The project is fully accessible to people with disabilities and features two main entry points: one from the main road and another from the parking area. Both access points are linked by the fluid spine that traverses the entire project.
Two distinct structural systems are employed: The fluid, elevated spine is constructed using a steel ribbed shell with cantilevered supports, exploiting the relation between the spine and the project’s architectural masses, and anchored from both ends with solid reinforced concrete, enabling large spans of approximately 20 to40 meters. The buildings themselves use post-tensioned slabs to support the sloped roofs and allow for broader interior spans.
The library features a folded roof system, with openings in each fold to capture north-facing daylight, while simultaneously reflecting the harsher southern light, contributing to the optimum lighting of the space.

Dokumentace

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