The centre is part of a larger water conservation project in Egypt’s Western Desert. The multipurpose facility contains a hall for training and education, and an exhibition space for displays about the scarcity of water in the desert. Based on a collaborative model for sustainable building techniques, the centre was built by local craftsmen with local materials that required little use of water, including basalt stone, rammed-earth walls made from stabilised desert clay, and reed and palm-leaf roofing. The design emphasises passive architecture systems to maximise energy conservation, and is equipped with water and waste recycling facilities; recycled solar panels generate all electricity. Throughout the design and construction process, training and the sharing of knowledge were primary objectives.

Source: Aga Khan Trust for Culture