Palace of Arts
​1998 - Cairo, Egypt | Completed

​The palace of Art, formerly known as the Nile Gallery, is a major reconstruction situated as part of the Opera House Complex in Cairo. The rehabilitation approach focused on more than the economical and structural safety considerations, but also the symbolic and cultural reference and history the building held throughout Egyptian art history. A new and innovative spatial organization was suggested by breaking the symmetrical classicist geometry of the original interior into a more complex special organization that reflected modern art at its time. This was implemented by introducing an interior circulation of a constellation of multiple smaller spaces within the volume of the original building mass. The constellation form of organization takes place on a 3 dimensional form, allowing for an experiential continuation of spaces on the 3 levels of the building. The design is considerate of the use of natural light as a factor of special variance. Light has always been in close proximity to appreciating Egyptian art throughout different civilizations, therefore its existence was seen important in the new alteration to the old building. Existing roof was in need of renovations due to earthquake cracks, therefore a new steel and glass roof was introduced to the main gallery. Light wells, atriums and watch towers were also introduced to allow natural light to interact continuously with the artworks and guest experience simultaneously.