-0.01 EGP
Testimonials
"Working on this project is a great opportunity to interact with Egypt's culture"
"It is a great opportunity to interact with Egypt's society, environment and culture. Islamic architecture has always been an important influence on our work. With our own interpretation of this architectural language; the use of patios, textures, light, shadow and water allows us to create spaces that offer peace, mystery, serenity, love and beauty. As a goal we are looking forward to design a project that represents a society, responding to the needs of the users, to the city, the environment; as well as to the spiritual needs of the people. We see this opportunity as a challenge to do our best effort in building better cities and not individual monuments. Our project should enhance the city, because a landmark is a landmark not by simply standing out; but by being incorporated into its surroundings."
Legorreta + Legorreta - Award Winning Architects, Mexico
"Create a new Cairo ? I jumped at the opportunity"
"WESTOWN, this large mixed-use center will be in a prime location near important magnets such as business parks (Smart Village) and educational facilities and linked to central Cairo with all its urban history. I share SODIC and Solidere's vision to create dense and active spaces that relate to the traditions of Cairo, yet reflects the dynamics of contemporary lifestyle. With great attention to design forces- starting at the master plan level and ending with the smallest details- the main objective will be to fulfill the people's needs from efficiency and practicality to leisure and simply fresh air."
Shahira H. Fahmy - Award Winning Architects, Egypt.
"For architects, this project is a dream come true"
"Ever since our college days, we were absolutely fascinated by the splendour of Sakkara and the glory of Giza, not to mention our fascination with Islamic architecture, all the way from Al Andalus to Fatehpur Sikri, with Fatimid Cairo in the midst. All of that formed a constant flow of an encouragement for us as architects. So, to uphold and renew this contact to that dream architecturally is the main excitement of our work here. Architecture and urban development can’t change people. It can only make life easier and a bit more relaxed if certain factors are provided such as carefully laid out residential scheme, a generous green environment and a well thought-out density of living quarters”
Axel Shultes & Charlotte Frank - Award Winning Architects, Germany
Valode and Pistre: Award Winning Architects, France
Denis Valode and Jean Pistre set up their practice in 1980. They have collaborated on many high-profile international projects, including the new city centre of Ekaterinburg in Russia and Zhang Jia Kou New Town in China. They will be working on the design of the frontage of, a mixed use area of Westown.
Egypt has a mythical status in the history of architecture. With its proximity to Cairo, therefore, Westown represents a wonderful opportunity for any architect. We are particularly inspired by the challenge of creating contemporary architecture of international standards within the context of Cairo's culture and climate. Our ambition will be able to redefine the urban fabric and give priority to the layout of the streets, piazzas and squares.
Allies and Morrison: Award Winning Architects, UK
Architects of the year in the UK's 2007 Building Design Award, Allies and Morrison are behind major retail, office, residential and infrastructure projects in the UK and overseas. They will be responsible for designing many of the retail and mixed-use areas in Westown.
The pedestrian avenue we are designing for Westown, with its trees, shady arcades, shops, cafes, restaurants and entertainment facilities, will give the inhabitants an experience that they have never had access to before. The project represents teamwork on a massive scale. The challenge of working in parallel with other architects is inspiring. It is one of the benefits of working with design-led developers like SODIC and Solidere.
A key element of the masterplan is its to emphasis on public open spaces. Our strategy has been to think on space between buildings as a way to articulate the buildings themselves. The arcades that define the central axis to Westown will balance concrete and stone with trees, plants and lighter structure to shade, soften and animate the environment. They will give Westown a wonderful, timeless feel.
