Tamer ElSerafi

advisor

Effat University

Saudi Arabia

Dr. Tamer ElSerafi is the Head of the Architecture Department and Director of the Master of Science… more

This university campus proposal in Giza ambitiously combines a wide range of academic and cultural facilities—spanning faculties of architecture, applied arts, archaeology, and historical research—within a layout that draws conceptual inspiration from ancient Egyptian cosmology. The central axis and four perpendicular spines create a clear urban order, while the design leverages narrow buildings to optimize cross-ventilation and daylighting, which is an appropriate climatic response for the region.

Programmatically, the inclusion of multi-purpose units (MPUs), student housing, a food court, and sports buildings supports a complete academic ecosystem. The campus is accessed through seven gates, enhancing permeability and user movement. However, the architectural language, while orderly, could benefit from more distinctive expression. The volumetric forms and façade treatments appear repetitive and lack symbolic articulation, which could otherwise link the futuristic narrative more strongly with its historical references.

Overall, this is a well-organized and climate-conscious academic campus proposal. It successfully addresses functional needs and spatial clarity but would benefit from more refined architectural identity and experiential richness to fully fulfill its stated ambition of “meeting the past with the future.”