Nada Essam
student
Faculty of Fine Arts, Alexandria University in Alexandria
Egypt
Architecture
My project is the Western Desert Discovery Center, It depends on the discovery of raw materials in the desert. The main idea is to create a form that is… more
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 “Western Desert Discovery Center” is an outstanding and socially responsive architectural proposition that elevates the role of research and sustainable development in one of Egypt’s most underutilized regions. By addressing both the geographic and strategic potential of the Sohag western hinterland, the project successfully bridges academic research, natural resource exploration, and regional development. The proposal is grounded in a clear understanding of the socio-economic gaps in Upper Egypt and provides a compelling spatial framework to foster local innovation, education, and job creation. Architecturally, the project integrates harmoniously with the topography and arid landscape while symbolically drawing from the geology of limestone and alabaster. The siting, road connectivity, and proximity to the university enhance the feasibility and relevance of the project. A possible refinement could involve further development of passive cooling strategies suited to the desert environment. Overall, the center is conceptually strong, contextually appropriate, and exemplary in purpose-driven architectural thinking.