Carved Paths

Project idea

Carving Connections, Creating Experiences - A crafts production hub at Port Said, designed as a waterfront cultural production facility using modular craft units.

Project description

The project is a crafts production hub located at Port Said's waterfront. The design follows a form generation process starting from modular craft units to create a waterfront cultural production hub. The process involves six steps: 1) Assemble - a single footprint mass composed of parallel strips connected to the waterfront, 2) Divide - the mass is divided into four clusters separated by free-wave curves creating voids between them for circulation, light and ventilation, 3) Shift - the clusters are then shifted and oriented toward the water, enhancing views and creating openings for public movement, 4) Connect - path carves link the four clusters together with integrated bridges enhancing connectivity and spatial dynamics, 5) Cluster - terraced volumes form courteous massing while voids are modeled within the form creating more dynamic spatial experiences within the clusters, 6) Engage - pergolas are added to provide shade and deliver social activities while the design embraces its integration strengthening the project's connection to the waterfront.

Technical information

The design uses modular construction units with brick/terracotta-patterned facades and concrete structural elements. The massing strategy creates ventilation corridors and visual connections to the waterfront through strategic voids and shifts in the building volumes.