Architecture

Layers of Life

Logain Ayman Khames, Nourhan Mohamed Hosny, Ahmed Sayed Laithy, Rouqayah Yasser Hamza, Nadine Mohamed Ryead
Helwan University in Zamalek, Department of Architecture of the Faculty of Fine Arts, Cairo
Egypt

Project idea

The idea of this project is to create an Eco-Educational Public Center in Stryi, Ukraine, that redefines sustainable community spaces through vertical programming. It aims to integrate commerce, culture, education, and resilience in a compact urban plot using environmentally friendly systems like solar panels, wind turbines, rainwater harvesting, and piezoelectric flooring. The goal is to build a self-sustaining ecosystem that fosters community empowerment, youth engagement, and environmental awareness.

Project description

This project consists of a three-story public building with a basement. It includes:
• A commercial ground floor with a café and retail to ensure financial sustainability.
• A first floor designed for community programs like youth engagement zones, children’s activity rooms, MPU, and workshops.
• A second floor with offices and meeting rooms for eco-social initiatives.
• A basement serving as an air raid shelter and housing technical systems.

The design enables layered spatial programming, blending green infrastructure with public activity zones.

Technical information

• Structure: Compact, up to 12m high, with ~600 m² plot area and ~220 m² floor area.
• Systems:
• 114 solar panels on roof/façade (est. $54,720)
• 2 wind turbines (3kW each, $16,446.64 total)
• Piezoelectric tiles for footfall energy (~$7,725)
• Rainwater harvesting, greywater recycling, natural ventilation, and BIPV glass panels
• Materials: Local and recycled materials, wood cladding, green roofs
• Sustainability Focus: Designed to achieve near-zero energy consumption with a 9.24-year renewable payback period.

Documentation

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