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

The "Permeability Campus" presents a bold and intellectually stimulating adaptive reuse proposal, successfully transforming a non-functional oil refinery into a dynamic educational and collaborative environment. The use of a modular system introduces an impressive level of flexibility, allowing the complex to evolve over time in response to shifting needs, and the careful balance between monumentality and structural lightness gives the project a powerful yet approachable presence. The functional interweaving of collaborative and concentrated spaces demonstrates an advanced understanding of modern working and learning environments. However, while the urban intervention is conceptually strong, a more detailed exploration of the human-scale experience—such as transitional spaces, microclimatic considerations, and pedestrian circulation—would enhance the livability and daily use of the campus. Overall, this is a highly promising and visionary project that demonstrates critical thinking and creative engagement with post-industrial urban regeneration.