Located in El Dewir village, the Centre provides skills development services for the unemployed. Built across a sloping site, facilities include an exhibition space, auditorium, classrooms, library, cafeteria, administration offices, manager’s residence and an open-air theatre. Building users include Copts and Muslims of all age groups. The project, designed around a courtyard, uses concrete, bricks and a column-and-beam system of construction. Natural ventilation is enhanced by wind catchers. A ‘malkaf’ serves a dual purpose as a staircase to the entrance lobby. Local ‘dehara’ render facades and ‘azizi’ timber finishes weather well in the climate. Floors are of stone and granite.

Source: Aga Khan Trust for Culture