TRIVEX | Sports Complex

Cairo University, Faculty of Engineering Architecture Department.

Project idea

A series of interlocking folded forms defines the sports center, translating motion into architecture. The angular geometry shapes spatial hierarchy and visual rhythm, while generating shaded zones and controlled daylight, transforming the complex into an expressive landmark suited to Egypt’s environment.

Project description

The Trivex Sports Complex is a multi-functional sports destination designed to host professional sporting events, training activities, and recreational experiences within a unified environment. The project includes a 3,000-seat indoor arena, training halls, squash courts, spectator facilities, commercial spaces, administrative functions, and outdoor recreational areas.

Organized around a central public plaza, the complex provides a clear circulation system that distributes users to the different facilities while reinforcing the hierarchy of spaces. The main arena forms the dominant focal point of the composition, while secondary functions are arranged around it to create a balanced and intuitive user experience.

Open spaces between the volumes encourage social interaction, improve connectivity, and provide shaded outdoor environments suitable for Egypt’s climate. Together, the plaza, circulation network, and hierarchy of masses create a dynamic sports environment that balances functionality, accessibility, and architectural expression.

Technical information

Project Type: Sports Complex

Location: Sphinx International Airport Corridor, Giza, Egypt

Site Area: 65,000 m²

Arena Capacity: 3,000 Spectators

Main Users: Professional athletes, trainees, spectators, and recreational visitors

Urban Context: Located along the Sphinx International Airport corridor in West Cairo, the project benefits from a strategic position within a rapidly developing urban zone, serving both local communities and visitors while contributing to the area's recreational and sports infrastructure.

Design Approach: Folded geometric architecture inspired by movement, energy, and athletic performance

Structural Concept: A folded structural language that merges architecture and structure into a unified system. The angular folded forms contribute to both the visual identity and structural efficiency of the complex while accommodating the large-span spaces required for sports facilities

Spatial Organization: A central public plaza acts as the primary gathering and distribution space, connecting all major functions within the complex

Hierarchy Strategy: The main indoor arena acts as the dominant focal element, while secondary sports, recreational, commercial, and service functions are organized around it according to their importance and accessibility

Environmental Strategy: Folded building masses create self-shaded outdoor spaces and allow controlled daylight penetration, improving thermal comfort and responding to Egypt’s climatic conditions

Architectural Language: Contemporary geometric expression characterized by angular folded forms, dynamic massing, and a strong visual identity

Façade Materiality: A continuous aluminum cladding system wraps the folded masses, reinforcing the dynamic architectural language and accentuating the interplay of light and shadow across the faceted surfaces

Key Design Focus: Spatial hierarchy, user-oriented circulation, climate responsiveness, structural integration, and the translation of movement into architectural form.