Tashabok (تشابك)

Misr International University (MIU)

Project idea

Tashabok (تشابك), meaning Interlacing, is a contemporary cultural and educational hub located beside Mastabet Elmahmal alongside Cairo Citadel in Historic Cairo. The project draws inspiration from the historic craft of weaving the Kiswa of the Holy Kaaba, once produced at this remarkable site.
By reinterpreting the weaving process into an architectural language of interlacing forms, the project transforms a forgotten landmark into a vibrant destination for learning, craftsmanship, culture, and social interaction. Through workshops, exhibition spaces, craft markets, educational facilities, and public gathering areas, Tashabok bridges the past and the future while celebrating Egypt's rich cultural identity.

Project description

For decades, Mastabet Elmahmal stood as a symbol of one of Egypt's most significant religious and cultural traditions—the crafting of the Kiswa of the Holy Kaaba before its ceremonial journey to Makkah.
As modernization brought this tradition to an end, the ceremonies disappeared, the craftsmanship declined, and following the revolution, the landmark was severely damaged, leaving behind only the ruins of a once-celebrated heritage.
Tashabok was conceived as a response to this loss. The project seeks to revive the spirit of this forgotten craft by creating a contemporary hub where traditional arts and craftsmanship can flourish once again. Beyond preserving cultural heritage, the project supports local artisans, creates new employment opportunities, strengthens community engagement, and enhances tourism within Historic Cairo.
Through architecture, Tashabok transforms memory into experience, ensuring that the legacy of Mastabet Elmahmal continues to inspire future generations.

The concept of Tashabok is derived from the traditional weaving process of the Kiswa, where warp and weft threads interlace to create a unified fabric. This principle is translated into architecture through overlapping building strips that physically and visually connect different functions.
Rather than designing isolated buildings, the project creates a continuous network of interconnected spaces that encourages movement, interaction, and cultural exchange. The interlacing masses also generate shaded terraces, courtyards, and visual connections with the surrounding historical landmarks, making the architecture itself a reflection of the craft that inspired it.

Technical information

The program accommodates textile workshops, design studios, educational facilities, exhibition galleries, craft retail, administration, and public gathering spaces. Functional zoning responds directly to the surrounding urban context by positioning production spaces adjacent to the existing craftsmen district, locating exhibition and retail functions along the Cairo Citadel edge to engage visitors, and orienting public spaces to optimize environmental performance.

The overlapping building masses create naturally shaded terraces, enhance daylight penetration, promote cross ventilation, and establish continuous visual connections with the surrounding heritage landmarks. A hybrid structural system comprising steel frames, reinforced concrete flat slabs, and steel trusses enables the project's long spans, cantilevers, and interlacing architectural language.

The project adopts a contemporary material palette that balances durability, sustainability, and contextual integration. Exposed concrete, natural limestone, steel, and high-performance glazing define the architectural identity, stone paving and native landscaping strengthen the relationship with Historic Cairo. Together, these materials reinforce the concept of interlacing while ensuring environmental performance and long-term resilience.

Documentation

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