Awda Cultural Center

Alexandria University - Faculty of Fine Arts

Project idea

A cultural center designed to highlight the experiences and stories of refugees. The concept statement is 'Refugee Experience' — the interior spaces reflect their journey from uncertainty and displacement toward hope and new beginnings.

Project description

This cultural center is designed to highlight the experiences and stories of refugees. The interior spaces reflect their journey from uncertainty and displacement toward hope and new beginnings. Spatial design, materials and lighting are thoughtfully orchestrated to evoke emotional responses, allowing visitors to experience the challenges, resilience, and aspirations of displaced communities. The center aims to serve as a platform for awareness, reflection, and community engagement, offering an immersive environment that fosters empathy and understanding. Located in Alexandria, Egypt, the project features symbolic elements, exhibition sculptures, café sculptures, and carefully designed working details.

Technical information

The project includes a ground floor plan and first floor plan at scale 1:100, a mass plan, ground floor zoning, and first floor zoning diagrams. The design incorporates a bubble diagram, matrix, and mood board for material and color selection featuring deep reds, browns, and neutral tones. Working details and symbolic sculptural elements are integrated into the design.