Sekem Amphitheatre Canopy
El-Katiba / Bilbays, Egypt
The shade of a new canopy has brought to life an existing amphitheatre, built by a company to provide recreational and cultural opportunities for its employees. Summertime temperatures of up to 50°C, minimal rainfall and a relatively high risk of earthquakes were all factors influencing the design. Construction was undertaken by local workmen, using readily available materials: the membrane is 400 gsm Egyptian cotton with canvas binding, the columns are 'wrecked' oil pipeline tubes, and the wire tensile rope is of German origin.
Reinforced concrete was used for the foundations.

Source: Aga Khan Trust for Culture
Location
El-Katiba / Bilbays, Egypt
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Associated Names
Events
2002
Dimensions
Ground floor area: 1,216 m²; combined floor area: 1,216 m²; total site area: 3,780 m²
Building Usages
public/cultural