BEAUTY IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER @COTTONTOWN.ALEX Designing evocative scenographies for the iconic British colonial ‘Makbass Masr’ Cotton Building overlooking Minet El Bassal of Alexandria as spatio-cultural hotspot to reconnecting Egypt’s Centuries-old mastership of weaving to the 21st Century ‘fabric’ related skills of craftsmanship from the perspective of meshworking and contested legacy.
HANA AZMI
BEAUTY IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER@COTTONTOWN.ALEX | Hana Azmi
Master Dissertation of Hana Azmi Academic Year: 2020-2021 Publication: June 2021 Academical Supervisor: Prof. Dr. Arch. Marc Dujardin “Legacy- From Museumization to Spatio-Cultural Crossover” Cooperation: RAAAF Studio KU Leuven, Faculty of Architecture, Campus Sint-Lucas Ghent International Master of Science in Architecture
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@ All rights reserved under International Copyright Conventions. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or by any information storage retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher or specific copyright owners. Work and publication made during the course of a personal master dissertation project.
TABLE OF CONTENT TREASURING OUR CULTURAL PAST
Alexandria as a cosmopolitan city. Minet El Bassal: From the Onion Port to the Cotton Port. The White Gold Journey. Nationalization and post-British occupation. Political Shift and New Development: 2 Revolutions in 2 Years Rise of Local Brand: Regaining Culture Identity. Haute Couture in Egypt: Fashion Industry and Craftsmanship. Putting Egypt Back on the Map: From Exporting raw materials to exporting premium products.
MINAT EL BASSAL TODAY Accessibility. Minet El Bassal Zoning. Cotton Buildings. Souq El Gomaa. Makbass Masr Building. SWAT Analysis.
TRIGGERS AND APPROACH Matrix. Main Keywords. Synergies of the Functions.
DESIGN JOURNEY
Using Textile and Fabric in Architecture and Interior Design. Going back to the ancient history: Pharoas Golden Parade of 2021. Opening up to Cotton Town. Weaving techniques in the Façade.
COTTON TOWN ALEX
Brain Bar/Innovative Space Designing From The Interior: Market Stalls and Fabric Furniture Design. The Catwalk. Interactive Exhibition Semi-Open Space.
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BEAUTY IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER@COTTONTOWN.ALEX | Hana Azmi
THE PRESENT
BEAUTY IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER@COTTONTOWN.ALEX | Hana Azmi
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
I would like to thank my professor Marc Dujardin, who guided me through out this journey and constantly pushed me forward. My family who without them I would not be able to be here today. My friends who helped me when I faced challenges. My previous professors who helped me built my design foundation.
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BRIEF
BEAUTY IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER@COTTONTOWN.ALEX | Hana Azmi
Located in the west port of Alexandria, Makbass Masr building represents the hardcore heritage of the cotton industry between the 18th and 20th century. This project will museumize the cotton industry in Egypt, while preserving the identity of the site and take it further by combining the different functions to work in synergy together. It will consist of a fashion and cotton museum, a market hall with a brain bar, local Egyptian shops, a fashion school where you can learn about fashion design and craftsmanship, and last but not least, it will welcome the Friday Market in the open spaces of the building. Cotton Town Alex, will put Egypt back on the map in the cotton industry and showcase the new talents of the young Egyptian designers, craftsman, and entrepreneurs to the world.
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BEAUTY IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER@COTTONTOWN.ALEX | Hana Azmi
TREASURING OUR CULTURAL PAST
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ALEXANDRIA AS A COSMOPOLITAN CITY Alexandria is the second biggest city in Egypt and is the largest city on the Mediterranean Sea, also called the “Bride of the Mediterranean”. Its population is over 6 million with a major economic center.
It had the Light House of Alexandria, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. As well as the Great Library of Alexandria; the largest library in the world until it was burned in 50 BC.
Rue Chérif Pasha
Alexandria - Saad Pasha Zaghloul Square - Ramleh Station 1956 https://www.pinterest.com/pin/774124914149676/ https://www.pinterest.com/pin/557883472577101559/ https://www.facebook.com/alexandria1900
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BEAUTY IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER@COTTONTOWN.ALEX | Hana Azmi
Woman on the beach 1965
Founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BC. It has gone through many different cultural transformation. It used to be the capital of Egypt until 641 AD when the Arab conquest of Egypt happened.
BEAUTY IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER@COTTONTOWN.ALEX | Hana Azmi
Manshaya Square
Mohamed Aly’s Place
Saad Zaghloul Boulevard
Fuad Street
Place des Consults
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Ramleh Station http://levantineheritage.com/alexandria.htm https://www.facebook.com/alexandria1900
From the late 18th century, Alexandria became a major center of the international shipping industry and one of the most important trading centers in the world, both because it profited from the easy overland connection between the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea, Suez Canal and the lucrative trade in Egyptian cotton.
Patisserie Zarzopoulo
Walking around the famous Fuad avenue or Saad Zaghloul boulevard, you can still see some of the original French and Greek shop signs today. There are many second and third generation of the Europeans migrant who still live in Alexandria and call it home.
A group of Alexandrians enjoying the beach
The welcoming nature of Alexandrians, economic power, its Mediterranean sea and culture diversity have made Alexandria a true cosmopolitan city that you can see and live history just by strolling in the city center.
Anna Bajocchi on a balcony, overlooking Fuad avanue
http://www.bu.edu/arion/haag%E2%80%99s-many-alexandrias/ https://www.facebook.com/alexandria1900
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BEAUTY IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER@COTTONTOWN.ALEX | Hana Azmi
Many foreigners from different parts of the world came to live in Alexandria. Most of them came from Greece, France, Italy, Britain, Cyprus. They opened up businesses and worked together along with the Alexandrians to diversify the city and to make it a true cosmopolitan city.
BEAUTY IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER@COTTONTOWN.ALEX | Hana Azmi
Alexandria Map in 1890
10 | https://www.etsy.com/listing/219382705/map-of-alexandria-fine-print-giclee
ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE OF ALEXANDRIA During the 19th and the 20th century, when the city had great wealth, many buildings were built by European architects. This has transformed the city to be influenced by European architecture. Later, by the second generation European-Egyptian architects, they combined a mix of European and Arab style and motifs.
https://www.greategypt.org/p/egypts-belle-epoque-architecture.html
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BEAUTY IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER@COTTONTOWN.ALEX | Hana Azmi
Located in the heart of Alexandria, Little Venice Building was designed by Italian architect Giacomo Loria in 1929
BEAUTY IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER@COTTONTOWN.ALEX | Hana Azmi
Alexandria Opera House 1917 (Theater Mohamed Aly)
The Cordahi Complex built in 1928 and designed by the French-Egyptian architect G Parcq
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https://www.greategypt.org/p/egypts-belle-epoque-architecture.html
Heikle Building complied in 1929 by Egyptian Architect Ricardo Smith
https://www.greategypt.org/p/egypts-belle-epoque-architecture.html
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BEAUTY IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER@COTTONTOWN.ALEX | Hana Azmi
Societe Immobiliere building was designed by Greek-Egyptian Architect N. Gripari, for the Italian Family Averino
BEAUTY IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER@COTTONTOWN.ALEX | Hana Azmi
MINET EL BASSAL: From the Onion Port to the Cotton Port.
After the civil war between the United States of America and Great Britain. The British needed a new cotton hub and they choose to invest in Alexandria Egypt, as the Egyptian cotton was and still the finest in the world. Cosmopolitan and beautiful Alexandria was the epitome of Mohammed Ali’s modern Egypt and the seat of the oldest cotton market of the world. In 1865, the first sale of cotton was recorded. Cotton exporters courted the best growers. Reliability and timing were essential to sales profit. Quickly, the business of cotton moved to a cafe in a nearby building, where the Association of Cotton of Alexandria (Alexandria General Produce Association then or AGPA) was founded for the trade protection of cotton seeds, flocks, and global grain markets. The traditional export of Minet el Bassal (Port of the Onions) was then replaced by the new white gold “Cotton”. The Alexandria Cotton Exchange rivaled both the one in New York and Liverpool and brought vast wealth to the cotton merchants. The stock exchange is located in Mohamed Ali’s square where it has became the city’s symbol. Portrayed in postcards, books and guides to the city, it was a the center of attention of the international financial community. 14 |
The city of Manchester, for years, owed almost its entire textile industry to Egyptian cotton, a producer that brought great immense of fortune for the United Kingdom. The land reform from 1950, promoted by President Nasser control of the agricultural trade returned to the State. Nasser announced the opening of the Suez Canal to the international media in July 1956, from the balcony of the Exchange. The exchange of Alexandria was the symbol of Egypt in the world for a short period of time. https://www.thecottonmuseum.com/
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BEAUTY IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER@COTTONTOWN.ALEX | Hana Azmi
Only two were Egyptian of the 35 cotton brokers registered in 1950. The AGPA was heavily influenced by British. It was indisputable, and dominated by the large exporters.
BEAUTY IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER@COTTONTOWN.ALEX | Hana Azmi
MAP OF MINET EL BASSAL (West Harbor of Alexandria)
Map of Alexandria 1 - Bank of Alexandria 2 - Cotton Bourse 3 - Makbass* El Nile 4 - Makbass Masr** 5 - Warehouse Bank Masr 6 - Makbass 45 7 - Makbass El Tareekh*** 8 - Souk El Gomaa****
8
8
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*Makbass = Cotton Pressing ** Masr = Egypt
*** Tareekh = History **** Souq El Gomaa = Friday Market
Located at the center of the world.
BEAUTY IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER@COTTONTOWN.ALEX | Hana Azmi
Located in the West harbor of Alexandria, Minet El Bassel (Port of the Onion) districted was first established when the Ottoman ruler Mohamed Ali Pasha recognizing the importance of the Industrial revolution. He wanted to industrialize Egypt by exporting first food grains, sugar canes, and long staple cotton. The Minet el Bassal was named after its strong onion export. The British saw the potential of cotton export in the district and began to invest in it. It had the oldest cotton stock market in the world, Bank of Alexandrian, and plenty of warehouses and pressing cotton factories, while also very close to the harbor and on the Mahmoudeya Canal. The whole neighborhood worked together in synergy for the cotton industry. The building are connected through multi leveled layer, with bridges above the streets. The buildings were built all with the same architectural typology of the British industrial buildings. They consisted of concrete skeleton with red bricks.
Mahmoudeya Canal of Minet El Bassal
This type of Architecture is unique to the neighborhood than the rest of Alexandria. Bridges of Minet El Bassal
Cotton Exchange of Minet El Bassal https://inta-aivn.org/images/cc/Transmed/NassarD_NewLife.pdf
Tram passing by Minet El Bassal Buildings | 17
BEAUTY IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER@COTTONTOWN.ALEX | Hana Azmi
THE WHITE GOLD JOURNEY
Cotton Harvesting done by Farmers.
Cotton is cultivated in southern Egypt along the banks of the Nile.
Woman also worked on the cotton field.
“Still today, cotton is harvested exclusively by hand in September in five consecutive stages, so that at each step only the bolls with the right level of maturity are harvested. Care taken in the cultivation and the manual harvest prevents the use of pesticides and other chemicals, commonly used in mechanical harvesting. The bolls are removed from the stem from the ground upwards, so that residues from the leaves and branches which may become detached when gathering the bolls don’t get mixed in with the other flocks.”
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Young children picked cotton during harvesting seasons.
BEAUTY IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER@COTTONTOWN.ALEX | Hana Azmi
The Harvested cotton were inspected by hand.
They were put into cotton bales.
https://www.thecottonmuseum.com/
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BEAUTY IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER@COTTONTOWN.ALEX | Hana Azmi
“The flocks of cotton, collected in straw woven baskets and placed into large jute bags, are transported to the collection point on the shoulder or with the help of work animals such as donkeys, horses and camels.
Stuffing the Cotton Bales.
The Nile river has always been used for the transport of goods. A wooden model of a classic felucca boat full of cotton bags.”
Transporting the cotton bales to Nile river.
A barge loaded with bales of cotton in the Nile River to travel North to the Delta of Egypt. 20 |
There supply chain of the cotton was used different transportation to bring cotton from the south of Egypt all the way to the north to Alexandria.
Unloading the cotton bales at the train station.
A truck loaded with cotton bales headed to the cotton buildings https://www.thecottonmuseum.com/
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BEAUTY IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER@COTTONTOWN.ALEX | Hana Azmi
Cotton bales transported on rail tracks with a steam locomotive to travel to the Minet El Bassal Train Station.
BEAUTY IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER@COTTONTOWN.ALEX | Hana Azmi
Small independent farmers take heavy bales to sell to the Cotton Exchange on small hand-pulled wagons.
Cotton exchange, producers and cotton merchants at the negotiation table in Minet El Bassal.
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BEAUTY IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER@COTTONTOWN.ALEX | Hana Azmi
Weighting the cotton bales at the Minet El Bassal Cotton buildings.
The offices were on Mezzanine to overlook the factory floor, where it had skylight coming from the Atrium that also circulated the airflow.
https://www.thecottonmuseum.com/
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BEAUTY IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER@COTTONTOWN.ALEX | Hana Azmi
“The tufts of cotton are manually mixed with the traditional “coltsfoot” method, to carry out an initial removal of foreign particles. Typically, this takes place on surfaces of dense wooden slats raised above the floor, so that the heavy residues of leaves or small branches fall through the cracks, leaving the clean flocks on the surface.” Tufts of cotton. The cotton pressing is an important step that helps to facilitate the logistics and to decrease the volume.
Pressing of the cotton.
Making the cotton bales to be shipped abroad. 24 |
The cotton industry offered many job opportunities to the Egyptians and provided great wealth to the British companies.
Workers in the factory in Minet El Bassal
The cotton industry influenced greatly the Egyptian social life; such as marriage. People used to wait to fund marriage ceremonies from the profit season of the cotton.
Descending cotton bales in the courtyard to send it to the port. https://www.thecottonmuseum.com/
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BEAUTY IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER@COTTONTOWN.ALEX | Hana Azmi
British exporters with Egyptian merchants and farmers. The “hats” that the men wears distinguished social status and “importance”.
BEAUTY IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER@COTTONTOWN.ALEX | Hana Azmi
During the 18th century the cotton was exported to the world. At this time people used to load the cotton bales to the ships using wooden carts, animals and other primitive tools.
Cotton bales are unloaded on the port.
Minet El Bassal Port.
Cotton bales are shipped from the Minet El Bassal port to the world and mostly Europe. 26 |
https://www.facebook.com/alexandria1900
BEAUTY IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER@COTTONTOWN.ALEX | Hana Azmi
King Fuad of Egypt (1868 – 1936) is welcomed in England cotton factories.
He sees the Egyptian cotton being processed with textile mills into yarn in the British textile factory. https://www.greategypt.org/
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BEAUTY IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER@COTTONTOWN.ALEX | Hana Azmi
NATIONALIZATION & POST-BRITISH OCCUPATION
In July 1952, a group of the “Free officers” of the army founded by Gamel Abdel Nasser. Initiated a revolution to overthrown King Farouk of Egypt. Which ended the monarchy in Egypt. Gamel Abdel Nasser later became the president of Egypt in 1956. He nationalized many of the private owned businesses. “On July 26, 1956, Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser announced the nationalization of the Suez Canal Company, the joint British-French enterprise which had owned and operated the Suez Canal since its construction in 1869. This created the infamous Suez Crises of 1956.” This has created instability in Egypt and made many of the foreigners to leave Egypt and close their businesses. Sometimes it wasn’t their choice. Many of the running factories were left abandoned or underutilized. Including the Minet El Bassal’s famous Cotton Buildings. The politics and economy of Egypt has changed ever since.
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https://history.state.gov/milestones/1953-1960/suez https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Egypt_under_Gamal_Abdel_Nasser
BEAUTY IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER@COTTONTOWN.ALEX | Hana Azmi
THE PRESENT
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POLITICAL SHIFT AND NEW DEVELOPMENT
BEAUTY IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER@COTTONTOWN.ALEX | Hana Azmi
2 Revolutions in 2 years.
25th of January, 2011: over 30 millions took the street calling President Hosny Mubarak to step down.
Political Shifts Timeline
Another uprising demanding Morsi to step down. Army ousts Morsi.
First Revolution
Al-Sisi is re-elected as president
Second Revolution Third Revolution
The Arab’s spring of last decade has affected Egypt. It have allowed Egypt to witness 2 revolutions. Which made it suffer initially economical but with new governmental reforms and infrastructure projects, it is now seeing an economical growth in many sectors.
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https://www.britannica.com/event/Egypt-Uprising-of-2011 https://theglobepost.com/2018/03/25/2018-egypt-presidential-elections-sisi/
De-Evaluation to Re-Evalution
Exchange rate of the US Dollar to Egyptian Pound over the past 2 decades.
Egypt New Administrative Capital planned to be inaugurated by end of 2021.
However, after a couple of years the floating of the currency provided to work in favor of the Egyptian economy. This has revived the local manufacturing business as producing in Egypt was now cheaper than importing. This created new job, new talents, new investors. Many new local startups and brands have started in Egypt. As well as international brands opened their manufacturing in Egypt. With Egypt’s population have broken the 100 million, the government is working on providing 20 new cities in Egypt due to urban demand. The Egyptians are noticing the difference and the positive shift that is happening, the economical reforms, in the infrastructure and new developments. Foreign investment in Egypt is increasing sharply and Egypt’s economy is very promising.
New Alamein City (The north coast of Alexandria) inaugurated in 2018. https://en.amwalalghad.com/misr-italia-launches-the-cliff-the-park-phases-in-il-bosco/ https://realestate.eg/en/13535-apartment-for-sale-in-the-gate-towers-north-coast-resort-in-90-meter
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BEAUTY IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER@COTTONTOWN.ALEX | Hana Azmi
Decades of over-importing goods had made the economy suffer greatly. In November 2016, the Egyptian currency has floated. This made the currency lose half of its value over night. In the beginning, this was very hard for all the Egyptians as prices of goods doubled.
RISE OF LOCAL EGYPTIAN BRANDS
BEAUTY IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER@COTTONTOWN.ALEX | Hana Azmi
Regaining Cultural Identity.
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Due to the revolutions, Egyptians now are embracing their local identity. There are more local brands targeting specifically the new demands in local markets. While other brands are targeting the global market. https://egyptianstreets.com/ https://fustany.com/
RAMSES WISSA WASSEF ART CENTER “Ramses is an architect who an art center for the villagers where they made their own handmade tapestries to unleash their creativity and offer them a way out of poverty. He established it to teach young Egyptian villagers how to create art, including tapestries. He believed that children are endowed with creative power and potential. Wassef wanted to prove that artistic creativity is innate in everyone, and regardless of deadening influences from massproduced objects, it can flourish within supportive settings such as the Art Centre.” BEAUTY IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER@COTTONTOWN.ALEX | Hana Azmi
Women looming a carpet.
Looming machine.
Looming machine.
Wissa Wassef Art Center in the village.
https://aucpress.com/product/the-architecture-of-ramses-wissa-wassef/ https://www.akdn.org/architecture/project/ramses-wissa-wassef-arts-centre
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HAUTE COUTURE IN EGYPT
BEAUTY IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER@COTTONTOWN.ALEX | Hana Azmi
Rise of Young Egyptian Designers
Norine Farah a fashion designer from Alexandria, was 27 years old when she was nominated to represent Egypt at World Fashion Week 2016 in Paris, the dream of every designer, model and fashion lover.
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“ Having grown up in Alexandria, I have a deep connection to it. I started my business
there and believe that this project would have made all the difference in growing my business. I didn’t find a fashion school in Egypt to study at, so I had to travel to Italy to learn about Fashion Design.
This fashion and textile hub has the ability to help young designers, manufacturers, craftsman and other fashion related individuals (stylists, models, photographers etc...) to collaborate and connect resulting in a strong fashion movement in Alexandria.
“
- A statement from the fashion designer Norine Farah about COTTON TOWN ALEX.
Photoshoot of Norine Farah Couture in Mina House Hotel overlooking the Pyramids of Giza.
https://www.worldfashionweek.tv/countries-and-designers/egypt/norine-farah http://www.norinefarah.com/ https://www.behance.net/gallery/28293353/Norine-Farah-SS15-Campaign
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BEAUTY IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER@COTTONTOWN.ALEX | Hana Azmi
Alexandria hasn’t yet tapped into the development of the fashion industry for young entrepreneurs. Having a place where you can learn, in an environment where you are not only surrounded by local talent but also by textile and cotton heritage is a great opportunity for creativity to flourish.
PUTTING EGYPT BACK ON THE MAP
BEAUTY IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER@COTTONTOWN.ALEX | Hana Azmi
Made In Egypt Initiative: From Exporting Raw Materials to Exporting Premium and High Quality Products.
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In the last 2 centuries, Egypt was exporting raw material, like cotton, to the world where foreign talent and brand use it to make their product. Now, many local and premium brands are making their products from A to Z in Egypt and exporting it to the worldwide and going to world fashion week and displaying their talents. Egypt is relaunching the “Made in Egypt” initiative. https://okhtein.com/ https://www.azzafahmy.com/eu/
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BEAUTY IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER@COTTONTOWN.ALEX | Hana Azmi
Azza Fahmy is a premium high-end Egyptian Jewelry brand that sells their products all over the world.
BEAUTY IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER@COTTONTOWN.ALEX | Hana Azmi
MINET EL BASSAL TODAY
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ACCESSIBILITY
The building directly accessed by the new Mahmoudeya Canal Street. Which was the water canal but it has been recently filled up into a main vehicle arteries for Alexandria due to the increasing density in Alexandria.
Old train station in Minet El Bassal. | 39
BEAUTY IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER@COTTONTOWN.ALEX | Hana Azmi
Located in the West District, Minet El Bassal Port has many advantages; such as the West Harbor, which is connected to the old cargo train tracks. It is also near the airport, main train station, and the tram line. It is also close to the Marriot Lake. Is is accessible by the International Coastal Road (connecting North African countries), Suez Canal Road (that expands to Cairo), and Fuad St. one of the oldest and historical street in Egypt.
BEAUTY IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER@COTTONTOWN.ALEX | Hana Azmi
MINET EL BASSAL ZONING
So
Mediterranean Sea
Makhzan Masr** (Cotton Warehouse) West Harbor
Makba (Cotto
Makbass 45 (Cotton Pressing)
Mak El Ta (Cotton Train Tracks
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COTTON INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS
LOW INCOME RESIDENTIAL
MAKBASS MASR
SLUMS
INDUSTRIAL WAREHOUSES
FRIDAY MARKET
* Masr = Egypt
**Tareekh = History
)
qG
om
aa
(Fr
ida
ass Masr** on Pressing)
yM
ark et)
Makbass El Nile (Cotton Pressing)
Cotton Bourse
Bank of Egypt
ya de ou l m na ah Ca
M
kbass areekh** n Pressing)
Cemeteries
al
ll Fi
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n Ca
The post-industrial neighborhood of Minet El Bassal, consist of many cotton industrial buildings that are currently abandoned. They are surrounded by the famous and historical Souq el Gomaa (Friday Market), where street vendors come each Friday to sell their second hand goods. It is a very poor district where it has slums and informal residential buildings. | 41
BEAUTY IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER@COTTONTOWN.ALEX | Hana Azmi
ou
COTTON BUILDINGS
BEAUTY IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER@COTTONTOWN.ALEX | Hana Azmi
Makbass Masr Building (Egypt Pressing Cotton)
Front view from the Mahmoudeya Canal.
Makbass El Nile on the left Bank of Egypt on the right. Makbass Masr Building (Egypt Pressing Cotton)
Makbass Masr on the left, Makbass El Nile on the right 42 |
BEAUTY IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER@COTTONTOWN.ALEX | Hana Azmi
View from the other side of the canal. Makbass El Tareekh building.
Panoramic view from the other side of the canal.
Makbass El Tareekh building.
View from the bridge to the other side of the canal. | 43
The whole neighborhood was made to accommodate the cotton industry in Alexandria and to exported to the world.
BEAUTY IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER@COTTONTOWN.ALEX | Hana Azmi
The buildings follows the same architecture typology, which is based on typical British Industrial buildings. They are constructed in concrete skeleton in a grid format. The façades are made by exposed red bricks. It also follows a modular window design. The buildings are connected with each other with bridges that moves people and also cotton bales. Some “bridges” are actually slopped to move the cotton bales. Those bridges are not only located between the buildings, but inside the courtyards of the building themselves. It created a kind of “Cotton Town” withing the neighborhood.
Courtyard of Makbass El Nile.
The courtyard played a key role in the function of the buildings. It provided natural light and ventilation. More over, they were used by the managers to overlook the employees work habits.
Courtyard in the Cotton Buildings. 44 |
Makbass Masr Building (Egypt Pressing Cotton)
BEAUTY IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER@COTTONTOWN.ALEX | Hana Azmi
The iconic bridge connecting Makbass Masr with Makbass El Nile buildings.
Panoramic view from the roof overlooking the slums on the left, Makbass El Tareekh and the Port on the far right. | 45
SOUQ EL GOMAA
BEAUTY IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER@COTTONTOWN.ALEX | Hana Azmi
Souq El Gomaa, or The Friday Market, is an old market that happens every Friday in the Minet El Bassal district. It has been going on for more than 50 years. It is a very famous market in Alexandria where many people go there which made it one of the landmarks of the neighborhood. Street merchants often sell antiques, and a variety of second hand products. Those merchants do not have any license to sell. They are displaying their products on the street or on the buildings Façades. Yet, the government has not so far stopped them.
Second hand goods being sold in the street.
For the redevelopment of the neighborhood. It will have to be relocated or re-imagined. The local people live day to day on informal jobs. The unused buildings acts as a hard barrier for them.
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Goods are displayed on the building façade.
BEAUTY IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER@COTTONTOWN.ALEX | Hana Azmi
The Firday Market Street.
Furniture being sold on the street.
The waterfront façade with the vendors.
Alexandria Cotton Exchange building with the market vendors.
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BEAUTY IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER@COTTONTOWN.ALEX | Hana Azmi
MAKBASS MASR BUILDING
Front Façade from the Mahmoudeya Canal.
Back Façade from the Friday Market Street 48 |
BEAUTY IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER@COTTONTOWN.ALEX | Hana Azmi
Bridge linked to Makbass El Nile Building.
A physical model of Makbass Masr building and Makbass el Nile Building. A wooden model of a hydraulic machine that uses steam to press the cotton that has just been ginned, in bales ready for shipment. https://www.thecottonmuseum.com/
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BEAUTY IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER@COTTONTOWN.ALEX | Hana Azmi
Back Street showing the Friday Market
Back entrance showing the atrium. 50 |
Back Entrance with the upper room.
The warehouse of Makbass Masr.
BEAUTY IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER@COTTONTOWN.ALEX | Hana Azmi
Panoramic picture from the Mahmoudeya Canal.
Columns and Beams Structure.
Skylight with in the bid space with very high ceiling. | 51
BEAUTY IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER@COTTONTOWN.ALEX | Hana Azmi
Sunlight coming from the window square grid.
Skylight 52 |
Old Machinery
BEAUTY IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER@COTTONTOWN.ALEX | Hana Azmi
Roof rooms.
Skylight and rooms on the roof.
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BEAUTY IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER@COTTONTOWN.ALEX | Hana Azmi
EXISTING GROUND FLOOR PLAN AND FACADES
This building is a Gigantic/Super Box with sides of 54 meter and 133 meter. Total floor area of 20,000. I is used as an extra warehouse for the port. The Skeleton of the building is still in good qua 54 |
BEAUTY IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER@COTTONTOWN.ALEX | Hana Azmi
It offers a many long span spaces that can be used for big functional spaces. This building is sometimes ality, the brick façade and the windows needs to be refurbished to bring it back to its glory. | 55
BEAUTY IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER@COTTONTOWN.ALEX | Hana Azmi
3D STUDY MODEL OF THE EXISTING BUILDING
Mahmoudeya Canal view.
Back entrance view. 56 |
BEAUTY IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER@COTTONTOWN.ALEX | Hana Azmi
Isometric Section cutting in the courtyard of the building.
Back Façade overlooking the Friday Market. | 57
SWOT ANALYSIS OF MINET EL BASSAL
BEAUTY IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER@COTTONTOWN.ALEX | Hana Azmi
STRENGTH
- Many heritage buildings; some of them are in good state other needs to be renovated. - The West Port is considered an important economical center. - A strategic logistic location within Egypt and the world. - Very strong cotton heritage of Egypt which is considered the finest in the world. - A distinguished architecture typology with the British Industrial buildings style that are only unique to this area in Alexandria.
OPPORTUNITY
- The government is planning on redeveloping while still keeping the identity and the heritage of the neighborhood. - The government is also planning on removing the slums and offer its people a proper residential places. - Mahmoudeya Canal and its large banks can be used to revive the area. - The renovation of the Souq el Gomaa can be a major attraction point to the area. - Existing Tram line can be renovated and used to link it to the rest of Alexandria. - The gigantic super buildings can be renovated to offer different functions to help revive the neighborhood and provides local jobs.
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WEAKNESS
THREATS
- High crime rate. - High unemployment rate. - Lack of social awareness. - Hard social barrier between the slums and the buildings. - Lack of education for the local people. - Different social behavior than the rest of Alexandria. - Security and Safety in the area is a concern, especial at night. - Uncontrolled street vendors in the middle of the street - The Friday Market is at great risk of being removed when Minet El Bassel neighborhood.
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BEAUTY IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER@COTTONTOWN.ALEX | Hana Azmi
- Lack of mixed used functions resulting in a ghost neighborhood at night. - Underutilized or unused buildings, resulting an Urban void. - Lack of maintenance resulting in deterioration of historical buildings. - Shortage of services including medical, educational, social and infrastructure. - Lack of recreational and pedestrian area. - Absence of garbage disposal around the area. - High pollution. - Need of Social Integration.
BEAUTY IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER@COTTONTOWN.ALEX | Hana Azmi
TRIGGERS AND APPROACH
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MATRIX
PROXIMITY
Located in the center of the world. Surrounded by 3 continents.
Has the Suez Canal, the Mediterranean sea and many airports.
ECONOMY
Egyptian Cotton is known as the finest around the world. Cotton and fabric play a huge rule in the identify.
SOCIAL
The textile culture is in all culture around the world in many shapes and form. Fashion, linen, architecture and interior etc...
With globalization and ease of transportation, it is very easy and fast to export products anywhere around the world.
The building will be a one of a kind to showcase the power of cotton and fabric in the architecture and interior design.
SUSTAINABILITY
EGYPT
It can show the world the power of cotton in architectural, interior and furniture design.
In the past, raw materials where exported from Egypt. Now with the new economical reform, many finished highend products are sold around the world. It will put back Egypt on the map and offer a different view on its diverse heritage and local young talents. It can fit with the new governmental narrative of “Made in Egypt”. Cotton is a local and sustainable material that is native to the Egyptians. It can be reused, maintained, and weaved in different local patterns.
ALEXANDRIA Located on the Mediterranean sea, Alexandria has rich and diverse history. Textile and fashion culture still plays a rule in its identity. Is easily accessible by both private and public transport, and 2 hours from Cairo by car or Train.
MINET EL BASSAL The neighborhood is located on west port of Alexandria. It was re-transformed to accommodate the Egyptian Cotton stock market and Export.
Connected by many bridges over the streets.
PROJECT
Aims to museum the culture of cotton and fabric with the Egyptian identity.
Is connected to the canal in the front and the Friday market from the back.
Alexandria’s economy accounts for 2/5 of Egypt’s industry production. It also has manufacturing, banking, food production and shipping, warehouses.
Most of the industrial economy takes part in the west port. It plays a key rule for the transportation of goods from the harbor.
The building will offer local people a place to learn and to sell their goods. Also, a place for tourists from around the world to come and see Egypt heritage in new light and power.
Alexandria has been known to be a rich and cosmopolitan city. It will take it a step further and attracts people around the world to visit it and explore the building.
Minet el Bassal’s neighborhood is poor and lacks maintenance. With the new developments. It will offer the local people prosperity.
It will showcase local products, invest and teach people the local craftsmanship and offer a convivial experience. The integrate the street vendors with the different users.
The west port is currently undergoing major re-developments. This project can prompt other buildings in the area to work together with local materials and sustainable approaches.
By opening up the building, it will offer more daylight and natural ventilation. With more open corridors that will be shaded by the fabric and not air conditioned.
This building is one of many buildings of Alexandria that are “Urban Voids”. It will allow people to see the potential of old abandoned buildings.
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BEAUTY IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER@COTTONTOWN.ALEX | Hana Azmi
CULTURE IDENTITY
WORLD
BEAUTY IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER@COTTONTOWN.ALEX | Hana Azmi
MAIN KEYWORDS
1 - SYNERGIES To combine and harmonized the different functions within the building further strengthening the project in the old industrial site. The functions will focus on the fabric and cotton industry. Using the urban fabric of the neighborhood to influence the building layout.
2 - CONVIVIALITY Due to the brutal architecture of the buildings in the neighborhood, opening up the building to be inviting and friendly to the local people, well help the local people. 62 |
3 - PUBLIC INTERIOR The buildings are connected together with interesting bridges. They also have many atriums that can act as a public interior space that provides light, ventilation and a common space.
5 - HARDCORE HERITAGE The site touches on many heritage aspect. British Architecture typology in Alexandria, the cotton history of Egypt and the Friday Market.
https://mymodernmet.com/invisible-border-mad-architects-milan/ https://downtownmagazinenyc.com/ziggy-adds-colorful-new-perspective-to-water-street-plaza/ https://www.flickr.com/photos/kacey-jurgens/8238611864 https://www.indiamart.com/shribalajiassociates/industrial-coals.html
BEAUTY IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER@COTTONTOWN.ALEX | Hana Azmi
4 - TEXTILE & WEAVING ARCHITECTURE Cotton is a renewable materials that can be used in both architecture and interior design. It will give the building the distinguished look further accenting the history of the site.
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SYNERGIES IN FUNCTION
BEAUTY IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER@COTTONTOWN.ALEX | Hana Azmi
The functions of the project will mainly revolve around the cotton, fabric and textile industry of the Egyptian. - It will start with a museum to showcase the history of the Minet el Bassal, the cotton industry as well as the fashion and craftsman iconic designs. - It will then have a fashion design and craftsmanship school. There will be classrooms, studio for photoshoots, stylists, materials, and workshops. - It will have a place for the local tailors and designers to have their atelier and workshops - It will also host a multi-purpose hall with a floor area of 1,500 square meter on 3 floors. This will be the beating heart of the project. It will host many dynamic markets and events. It will have a catwalk configuration that can be used for fashion shows. On its upper floor it will have the “Brain bar”, the innovative center where the young entrepreneurs, designers and craftsman gather to make, discuss and collaborate together. - On Fridays, it will invite the Friday Market vendors to be welcomed in the buildings and display there merchants connecting with the other users of the building and collaborating together. This will be giving back to the local community while still keeping the identity of Friday Market. - It will have Pop-Up shops which will always bring new people will come to visit them. - It will display the main Egyptian Brands of the textile and fashion industry who have established their businesses and have become an icon of the Fashion Industry in Egypt. - It will have on the upper floor a restaurant overlooking the port and Mahmoudeya canal. 64 |
BEAUTY IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER@COTTONTOWN.ALEX | Hana Azmi
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BEAUTY IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER@COTTONTOWN.ALEX | Hana Azmi
DESIGN JOURNEY
DESIGN BY RESEARCH
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TEXTILE AND THREAD IN THE INTERIOR DESIGN Cotton is an organic sustainable material which is native to Egypt and the Egyptian Identity. It can take many shape and form.
The fabric density can be opaque or translucent.
Textile in the Atrium to highlight the space. https://www.echelman.com/ https://www.inesesnal.com/ https://www.nms.ac.uk/
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BEAUTY IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER@COTTONTOWN.ALEX | Hana Azmi
In Fashion, it can have many kinds of free form that adds to the aesthetics, and beauty of the human body.
BEAUTY IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER@COTTONTOWN.ALEX | Hana Azmi
Textile to make partition or “Bubbles”. 68 |
https://www.archdaily.com/910543/bbdo-brussels-zampone-architectuur
BEAUTY IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER@COTTONTOWN.ALEX | Hana Azmi
Textile with colors and light to make it into something interactive or “Edutainment”.
https://www.gabrieldawe.com/plexus-no-3 https://downtownmagazinenyc.com/ziggy-adds-colorful-new-perspective-to-water-street-plaza/
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BEAUTY IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER@COTTONTOWN.ALEX | Hana Azmi
Textile as an interior design building block. 70 |
https://www.pinterest.com/maja2034/i-cafeteria-bar-restaurant/ https://www.archdaily.com/877587/restaurant-enigma-offers-a-glimpse-into-the-future-of-gastronomy https://www.pinterest.fr/nadoudashaikhou/
BEAUTY IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER@COTTONTOWN.ALEX | Hana Azmi
Fabric with translucency can brings different interesting shades.
https://www.german-architects.com/de/architecture-news/fundstuck/vielschichtiges-bauwerk https://www.mbam.qc.ca/en/ https://www.pwc.com.au/contact-us/local-offices.html
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BEAUTY IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER@COTTONTOWN.ALEX | Hana Azmi
TEXTILE AND THREAD IN THE ARCHITECTURE
72 |
https://www.archdaily.com/913240/textile-academy-nrw-slapa-oberholz-pszczulny-sop-architekten https://www.archdaily.com/618361/blue-bottle-coffee-kiyosumi-shirakawa-roastery-and-cafe-schemata-architects
BEAUTY IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER@COTTONTOWN.ALEX | Hana Azmi
https://www.archdaily.com/937201/louis-vuitton-maison-osaka-midosuji-jun-aoki-and-associates https://www.pinterest.at/pin/296885800419559748/?amp_client_id=CLIENT_ID(_)&mweb_unauth_id=%7B%7Bdefault.session%7D%7D&amp_ url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pinterest.at%2Famp%2Fpin%2F296885800419559748%2F&from_amp_pin_page=true https://www.yapikatalogu.com/en/exterior-facade-claddings/facade-complementary-products/serge-ferrari-pvc-architectural-membrane-soltisft381_23976
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BEAUTY IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER@COTTONTOWN.ALEX | Hana Azmi 74 |
https://mymodernmet.com/invisible-border-mad-architects-milan/ https://www.archdaily.com/781852/espace-culturel-de-la-hague-peripheriques-architectes-plus-marin-plus-trotti-architects https://www.archdaily.com/139547/friedrichstrasse-40-office-building-petersen-architekten
BEAUTY IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER@COTTONTOWN.ALEX | Hana Azmi
https://arquitecturaviva.com/works/edificio-dior-en-omotesando-tokio-0 https://www.archdaily.com/775902/house-of-dior-seoul-christian-de-portzamparc https://www.archdaily.com/589817/community-centre-clec-montreuil-cut-architectures https://www.pinterest.com.au/pin/833165999799662067/
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BEAUTY IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER@COTTONTOWN.ALEX | Hana Azmi
TEXTILE AND THREAD IN THE URBAN DESIGN
76 |
https://aasarchitecture.com/2018/02/dubai-smiles-pinkcloud-dk.html/
https://www.archdaily.com/894445/selgascano-adds-a-splash-of-color-to-the-bruges-triennale-with-new-installation https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/her-secret-is-patience
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BEAUTY IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER@COTTONTOWN.ALEX | Hana Azmi
Interactive Exhibition that can be displayed in the building or in the urban environment on the canal.
PHAROAS GOLDEN PARADE
BEAUTY IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER@COTTONTOWN.ALEX | Hana Azmi
A global event where it had many Egyptian designers who redesigned fashion, architecture, cars with Ancient Egyptian style and modernizing it.
Egypt has many different heritage. Due to its history, resources and strategic location, Egypt has been colonized and conquered by many different civilization. Including: - Ancient Greeks. - The Romans. - The Arabs. - The Ottomans. - The French. - The British. All of them influenced its architecture, culture, tradition, and heritage. However, they were not native to the Egyptian roots. The one style that have been representing them is The Ancient Egyptian Pharaonic Era. The first things that comes to people’s mind when they think of Egypt it is the pyramids. 78 |
https://egypttraveldeals.net/2019/07/giza-attractions/
This event inspired me see how it is possible to modernize the ancient Egyptian heritage. I wanted to try and bring some of the elements in my project. This also made me see the many hidden talents within the Egyptian youths.
This historical event was live streamed over 400 international channels. It has shown the world how Egypt is growing in many aspects. Including, economic development and tourism investment. This event was greatly admired by all Egyptians, it has unified the different political parties and religion to unit under one them and culture.
All the event participants were Egyptians. Directors, fashion designers, car designers, musicians and opera singers, and dancers all gathered to showcase their talent and sets new record on what Egypt can do. https://www.facebook.com/ahmed.esam.56/posts/3951506688249166
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BEAUTY IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER@COTTONTOWN.ALEX | Hana Azmi
The Pharoas Golden Parade was a very recent event held in Cairo, Egypt on 3 April 2021, during which twenty-two mummies belonging to Kings and Queens of the New Kingdom of Ancient Egypt were moved from the Egyptian Museum to the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization in Fustat.
BEAUTY IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER@COTTONTOWN.ALEX | Hana Azmi
Tahrir square, where 2011 the Egyptian revolution The parade of the 22 Pharaohs being took place in. transported to the new museum.
They redesigned the horse carts.
The new National Museum of Egyptian Civilization. 80 |
The custom made cars made for each of them. They are inspired by “the Sun rays” and “Lotus flower.”
BEAUTY IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER@COTTONTOWN.ALEX | Hana Azmi
The ceremony for the Pharaohs. All the fashion design and make up was done by young Egyptians.
The light played a key role in the event to give the atmosphere of the royalty. https://www.facebook.com/ahmed.esam.56/posts/3951506688249166
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BEAUTY IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER@COTTONTOWN.ALEX | Hana Azmi
The surrounding buildings were also transformed for the event with more ancient Egyptian elements.
Fashion designers and accessories designers showcased their take on the Ancient Egyptian heritage. 82 |
https://www.pri.org/stories/2021-04-05/mummies-ancient-egyptian-kings-and-queens-move-new-resting-place-pharaohs-golden
Mood board
The sun rays, represents Ra God; The Sun God.
COLOR SCHEME
BLUE
BLACK
GOLD
BLUE
WHITE
GOLD
I took some of the design elements of this event and tried to implement it in the atmosphere of my project. This was part of my design journey.
WHITE | 83
BEAUTY IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER@COTTONTOWN.ALEX | Hana Azmi
The Lotus Flower, a symbol of rebirth.
BEAUTY IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER@COTTONTOWN.ALEX | Hana Azmi
EXPANDING THE COURTYARD
Continuing the courtyard to the cana 84 |
BEAUTY IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER@COTTONTOWN.ALEX | Hana Azmi
al street. Opening the building.
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BEAUTY IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER@COTTONTOWN.ALEX | Hana Azmi
COTTON TOWN CONCEPT
Museum
Museum
Multi- Purpo Dynamic S
Multi-Purpos Dynamic M
Opening up the building to allow more skylight, natural ventilatio This provide positive urban interior spaces with alleys, bri 86 |
BEAUTY IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER@COTTONTOWN.ALEX | Hana Azmi
ose Hall/ Space
se Hall/ Market
Educational
Shops
on,and brake the barrier between the building and the pedestrian. idges connecting the different smaller buildings together. | 87
BEAUTY IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER@COTTONTOWN.ALEX | Hana Azmi
1 - Original Building.
2 - Expanding the atrium from the Friday Market to the canal. 88 |
BEAUTY IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER@COTTONTOWN.ALEX | Hana Azmi
3 - Opening up the building and creating smaller masses.
4 - Connecting the building masses together with bridges. | 89
BEAUTY IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER@COTTONTOWN.ALEX | Hana Azmi
FIRST DESIGN TRIAL
Initial Collage combining the idea opening up the building, 90 |
BEAUTY IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER@COTTONTOWN.ALEX | Hana Azmi
the use of fabric, and the ancient Egyptian design element. | 91
BEAUTY IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER@COTTONTOWN.ALEX | Hana Azmi
Sketching on the façade the solid and void. A part of the façade that overlooks the Makbass El Nile building, while be complete glass to make it possible to see the street from the inner courtyard and as well as the neighboring façade. This helps with breaking the barrier and threshold of the building. It also expends the horizon from the inside.
By making a semi-open public space, it can bring a different atmosphere. It will be shaded with the original wall on one side, but on the canal side it will be open with the 3 columns. In this space, it can be an interactive exhibition where fabric or textile interactive art can be displayed and viewed from the canal.
Tour & Taxis project in Brussels. 92 |
https://tour-taxis.com/
BEAUTY IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER@COTTONTOWN.ALEX | Hana Azmi
Testing the idea of the semi-public open space.
Sketching on the façade the possibility to add fabric on it. Also, sketching the interactive public semi-open space.
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BEAUTY IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER@COTTONTOWN.ALEX | Hana Azmi
Section sketch in the court showing the solid and void redesign and columned corridor.
Cross section sketch the different corridors views; on the ground and first floor it’s overlooking the atrium while om the second and third floor it is overlooking the street.
Section Sketch cutting through the Market Hall and Dynamic space on the ground and mezzanine level
94 |
BEAUTY IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER@COTTONTOWN.ALEX | Hana Azmi
Sketch on the left the shops, then the atrium, the vertical circulation core, then the double height auditorium and on top of it is the library.
l and on the second floor the brain bar the innovative center. This is the beating heart of the project.
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BEAUTY IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER@COTTONTOWN.ALEX | Hana Azmi
MARKET STALLS DESIGN
96 |
https://www.pinterest.com/giaccoam/bars/ https://www.pinterest.jp/pin/519462138273308090/ https://www.dezeen.com/2014/07/29/morag-myerscough-luke-morgan-temple-of-agape-installation-south-bank-london/
BEAUTY IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER@COTTONTOWN.ALEX | Hana Azmi
Sketches of some ideas to make the market stalls decorated in fabric and textile threads.
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BEAUTY IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER@COTTONTOWN.ALEX | Hana Azmi
SECOND DESIGN TRIAL
Rendered Section along the multi-purpose hall and the courtyard.
Longitudinal Section in the courtyard.
Multi-purpose Hall Façade trial with fabric. 98 |
BEAUTY IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER@COTTONTOWN.ALEX | Hana Azmi
Multi-purpose Hall the Market Stalls and the Brain Bar with the “Bubble” seating area.
Isometric view.
The second designed trial had too many contradicting design elements and approaches which resulted in a Eclectic and Hybrid design. | 99
ANCIENT WEAVING AND LOOMING
BEAUTY IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER@COTTONTOWN.ALEX | Hana Azmi
Ancient Egyptian Looming Techniques
100 |
https://www.omo-7.xyz/products.aspx?cname=ancient+egyptian+linen https://historicipswich.org/fine-thread-lace-and-hosiery/ https://varvarahome.de/de/leinen/haende-und-maschinen-flachswebstuhl-aus-der-vergangenheit
Diagram showing the principle of splicing in Egyptian linen yarn.
http://www.florilegium.org/files/TEXTILES/WW-Loom-Wts-art.html https://www.pinterest.com/pin/521573200594662675/ https://woolery.com/blog/announcement-guest-post-why-i-weave-upside-down-backwards/
BEAUTY IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER@COTTONTOWN.ALEX | Hana Azmi
This is a technique by the Ancient Egyptian to combine two different threads together without making a knot.
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BEAUTY IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER@COTTONTOWN.ALEX | Hana Azmi
ANCIENT SPINDLE TOOL
102 |
https://www.uibk.ac.at/urgeschichte/projekte_forschung/abt/spindeltypologie/spanien.html.en https://www.bible-history.com/ibh/Egyptian+Customs/Spinning/Ancient+Egyptian+Spindles https://www.pinterest.com/pin/541557923914901691/ https://corrinenientegyproject.weebly.com/ancient-egypt-technology.html
BEAUTY IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER@COTTONTOWN.ALEX | Hana Azmi
Antique Spindle
https://www.pinterest.com/desertgarden/egypt-spinning/ https://dioceseofcharlottetown.com/the-sisters-of-st-martha-spiritually-center-fall-programs-2017/ https://spinoffmagazine.com/about-drop-spindle-spinning/
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FLAX AS FABRIC IN ANCIENT EGYPT
BEAUTY IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER@COTTONTOWN.ALEX | Hana Azmi
The Flax plant can make very durable fabric and clothes that were used by ancient Egyptians.
Looming of Flax fabric.
Ancient Flax clothes.
Ancient Flax fabric.
Sandels made out of the flax fabric.
104 |
https://www.egyptianhistorypodcast.com/a-wealthy-house-episode-104/ https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/549011 https://www.pinterest.com/1954ashrafosman/egyptian-daily-life/ https://varvarahome.de/en/about-linen/hands-and-looms-linen-handloom-from-the-days-passed https://www.sneakerschampion.top/products.aspx?cname=egyptian+linen+fabric&cid=1
WEAVED OBJECTS Different weaving patterns can create different objects. The weaving patterns can become a really strong self supporting structure.
BEAUTY IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER@COTTONTOWN.ALEX | Hana Azmi
https://xy2.org/lenka/TurinKha.html
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BEAUTY IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER@COTTONTOWN.ALEX | Hana Azmi
BOAT MADE OUT USING WEAVING TECHNIQUES
Boat made out of Papyrus plant.
Papyrus plant made the iconic Papyrus paper used by the ancient Egyptian 106 |
https://www.dw.com/en/german-stone-age-sailor-to-cross-seas-in-reed-boat/a-49860938 https://www.laprensalatina.com/50-years-ago-explorer-sails-papyrus-boat-across-atlantic/
Different weaving patterns to create different part of the boat.
Maquette of a papyrus boat being constructed. https://www.pinterest.com/pin/489977634455563354/ https://www.amazon.ca/King-Country-Toy-Soldiers-Ancient/dp/B07TKLR6TC http://narrowboatsforsaleebayuk.blogspot.com/2017/12/how-to-make-model-papyrus-boat.html
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BEAUTY IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER@COTTONTOWN.ALEX | Hana Azmi
Maquette of a papyrus made boat.
BEAUTY IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER@COTTONTOWN.ALEX | Hana Azmi
ANCIENT WEAVING TECHNIQUES
The structure can become fortified with certain weaving techniques. 108 |
https://www.pinterest.dk/pin/327003622949018334/
Closeup of the fabric weaves.
SKETCH FOR WEAVED FACADE
BEAUTY IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER@COTTONTOWN.ALEX | Hana Azmi
LIGHT
INTERIOR
EXTERIOR
BENCH OR INTIMATE PLACE
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BEAUTY IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER@COTTONTOWN.ALEX | Hana Azmi
QUICK TRIALS OF WEAVING IDEA ON THE FACADE
Mock up 1
Mock up 2 110 |
BEAUTY IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER@COTTONTOWN.ALEX | Hana Azmi
Mock up 3
Mock up 4
RESULTS: The fabric weave idea looks sticked on the façade and not integrated with the architecture of the building. | 111
BEAUTY IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER@COTTONTOWN.ALEX | Hana Azmi
LOCAL EGYPTIAN FABRIC PATTERN
There are many fabric pattern made with different colored cotton threads. 112 |
BEAUTY IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER@COTTONTOWN.ALEX | Hana Azmi
Kilim geometrical pattern.
Kilim carpets are famous Egyptian handmade carpets.
They are made using interesting geometrical patterns with different colors.
https://www.facebook.com/egyptkilim/ https://www.pinterest.com/EgyptianHandcrafts/egyptian-handmade-kilim-rugs/ https://www.pinterest.com/petitpoulailler/inspired-~-design-pattern-texture/ https://egyptiantraditions.com/
| 113
BEAUTY IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER@COTTONTOWN.ALEX | Hana Azmi
THIRD DESIGN TRIAL
Multi Purpose Hall (Dynamic
114 |
In this trial I tried to use the weaving façade as part of the architecture. I also used one of the Kilim carpet patterns to create interesting window patterns that creates interesting shadows in the interior of the building. I also used ropes for the bridges and for the handrail I used one of the weaving patterns.
BEAUTY IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER@COTTONTOWN.ALEX | Hana Azmi
Market & Brain Bar) Façade | 115
BEAUTY IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER@COTTONTOWN.ALEX | Hana Azmi
Section in the Multipurpose Hall, Court and Staircase.
Court with the “Rope Bridge”.
116 |
Section in the court overlooking the shops and Semi-public interactive space.
| 117
BEAUTY IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER@COTTONTOWN.ALEX | Hana Azmi
Brain Bar (Innovative, and MAKE IT Space) with the “Bubbles and intimate places. With shadow come in from the façace pattern.
BEAUTY IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER@COTTONTOWN.ALEX | Hana Azmi
Columned ground floor corridor.
Fabric handrail and curtain in the multipurpose hall. 118 |
BEAUTY IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER@COTTONTOWN.ALEX | Hana Azmi
Rope bridge connecting (threading) the buildings together. | 119
BEAUTY IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER@COTTONTOWN.ALEX | Hana Azmi
Isometric view of the building from the water front.
N
PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION
Auditorium Museum
Workshop
Multi-Purpose Hall Dynamic/Friday Market
Pop Up Shop
Interactive Exhibition WC/Services
Shop
Shop
Shop
Shop
Feature Brand
Solid and Void in the façade to reduce heat gain according to the sun path and to allow natural ventilation. PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION
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Services
PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION
PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION
Ground Floor
BEAUTY IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER@COTTONTOWN.ALEX | Hana Azmi
Water front over looking the atrium connecting the Friday market.
Section from the back.
This design went out of context and atmosphere of Minet el Bassel and the cotton heritage. It focused more into the ancient atmosphere. New data mining and revisiting the site context was needed in the next step. | 121
BEAUTY IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER@COTTONTOWN.ALEX | Hana Azmi
COTTON TOWN ALEX
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MAIN DESIGN APPROACH
Isometric view from the waterfront. | 123
BEAUTY IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER@COTTONTOWN.ALEX | Hana Azmi
- Opening the building to break the hard barrier of the old industrial building. - The open spaces will be used accommodate and extends the functions of the building. - Negotiate public interior space, this creates a “citified” void. - Design a dynamic building that changes on specific days or occasions. - The Friday Market vendors will be welcomed in the building in the open spaces. - Integrate the different users with different social background and education level together, to collaborate, brainstorm, design and innovate. - The Giant Super Box building can act as a town-like experience for the different functions. It will have alleys, bridges, squares, landmarks. The roof can be a viewing point to the neighborhood or the Mediterranean Sea. - Design from the interior the architecture to the urban design. - Use different threshold to enhance the user experience. - Preserve the architectural identity of the neighborhood. - Use fabric in the atmosphere of the building when needed.
BEAUTY IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER@COTTONTOWN.ALEX | Hana Azmi
GROUND FLOOR PLAN
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BEAUTY IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER@COTTONTOWN.ALEX | Hana Azmi
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BEAUTY IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER@COTTONTOWN.ALEX | Hana Azmi
GROUND FLOOR PLAN ON FRIDAYS
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BEAUTY IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER@COTTONTOWN.ALEX | Hana Azmi
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BEAUTY IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER@COTTONTOWN.ALEX | Hana Azmi
FIRST FLOOR PLAN
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BEAUTY IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER@COTTONTOWN.ALEX | Hana Azmi
SECOND FLOOR PLAN
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BEAUTY IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER@COTTONTOWN.ALEX | Hana Azmi
ATRIUM COLLAGE
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BEAUTY IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER@COTTONTOWN.ALEX | Hana Azmi
ATRIUM COLLAGE ON FRIDAYS
The Atrium becomes vibrant and chaotic to represent 134 |
BEAUTY IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER@COTTONTOWN.ALEX | Hana Azmi
the identity of the Friday Market or special occasions
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BEAUTY IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER@COTTONTOWN.ALEX | Hana Azmi
Cross-section across the Shops with the Designer Atelier on top, then the atrium
Cross-section across the Dynamic M 136 |
BEAUTY IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER@COTTONTOWN.ALEX | Hana Azmi
m, the auditorium with the library o n top overlooking the Mediterranean sea.
Market, Atrium and Vertical core. | 137
BEAUTY IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER@COTTONTOWN.ALEX | Hana Azmi
THE BRAIN BAR/INNOVATIVE CENTER
The Brain Bar showing the bubbles, workshops and collaborate spaces.
The sewing machines in the Brain Bar. 138 |
FABRIC MARKET STALLS
3 unit Market Stalls long
“Bubble” seats with fabric ropes”
Curved seats with fabric ropes.
3 unit Market Stalls combined together.
Overview of the Dynamic Hall with the Brain Bar. | 139
BEAUTY IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER@COTTONTOWN.ALEX | Hana Azmi
1 Market Stall with colored Fabric
BEAUTY IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER@COTTONTOWN.ALEX | Hana Azmi
THE CATWALK IN THE DYNAMIC HALL
The Catwalk in the Dynamic Hall, Curtains will be used to hide the back area.
The middle part of the façade will be fully glazed so the catwalk in different configuration would be extended and people on the street can look at the fashion show.
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UPPER FLOOR PLANS
BEAUTY IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER@COTTONTOWN.ALEX | Hana Azmi
3rd Floor Plan; consists of the designer atelier, prayer room and the material storage.
Roof Floor Plan; consists of extra rooms for the classrooms and atelier. | 141
BEAUTY IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER@COTTONTOWN.ALEX | Hana Azmi
EXTENSION OF THE ATRIUM
Isometric view from the back.
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Isometric Section from the Friday Market to the shops and Interac
BEAUTY IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER@COTTONTOWN.ALEX | Hana Azmi
The expended atrium from the Friday Market to the Canal Street.
Mahmoudeya Canal. It is in the atrium showing the ctive Exhibition area.
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BEAUTY IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER@COTTONTOWN.ALEX | Hana Azmi
SECTIONS
Section-elevation of the Museum, Dy
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Longitudinal Section: The workshops with the administrative area then Dynamic Hall with the Brain Bar on top, then another
BEAUTY IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER@COTTONTOWN.ALEX | Hana Azmi
ynamic Hall, and Educational Area.
a on top, the Auditorium with the Library on top, then the alley, r alleym then the Museum with the Waterfront Restaurant
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BEAUTY IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER@COTTONTOWN.ALEX | Hana Azmi
THE ATRIUM ATMOSPHERE WITH THE CIRCULATION
The bridges play a key role to bring the different building masses together.
Atrium overlooking the Dynamic Hall and the Educational Area. 146 |
BEAUTY IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER@COTTONTOWN.ALEX | Hana Azmi
The bridges side rails are made out of ropes.
Atrium showing the open back gate or “portal” of the building. | 147
BEAUTY IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER@COTTONTOWN.ALEX | Hana Azmi
THE ATRIUM ATMOSPHERE WITH THE CIRCULATION
Alleys with the vendors displaying their merchants on the solid façade.
Columned and shaded vendors at the waterfront. 148 |
THE WATERFRONT
BEAUTY IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER@COTTONTOWN.ALEX | Hana Azmi
Connection between the waterfront and adjacent building.
View from the waterfront seeing the interactive exhibition space with the fabric elevation. | 149
BEAUTY IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER@COTTONTOWN.ALEX | Hana Azmi
THE INTERACTIVE EXHIBITION SEMI-OPEN SPACE
Interactive Exhibition where artists can display textile and fabric art.
Longitudinal Section showing th 150 |
BEAUTY IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER@COTTONTOWN.ALEX | Hana Azmi
Swings in the interactive space.
he shops and the exhibition area. | 151
BEAUTY IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER@COTTONTOWN.ALEX | Hana Azmi
THE SURROUNDINGS
See through building corner to have a safer environment.
Connection to the neighboring Makbass El Nile Building with the iconic bridge. 152 |
BEAUTY IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER@COTTONTOWN.ALEX | Hana Azmi
Widening the sidewalks to allow for different functions and more pedestrian friendly.
The old Friday Market street leading to the Mediterranean Sea. | 153
BEAUTY IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER@COTTONTOWN.ALEX | Hana Azmi
THE SITE PLAN
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BEAUTY IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER@COTTONTOWN.ALEX | Hana Azmi
THE WATERFRONT ELEVATION
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BEAUTY IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER@COTTONTOWN.ALEX | Hana Azmi