2024 - The Architecture of Light: A Dialogue Between Past and Future

Light is the essence of visual perception. It holds profound significance in architecture and sacred spaces throughout human history. Its symbolic meanings, deeply intertwined with religious beliefs, transcend cultural and civilizational boundaries. While the concept of light and its manifestation in the form of gleam may hold universal resonance across faiths, its expression varies widely, reflecting the unique cultural and historical contexts.

It is essential to explore how light has been used throughout human history, and to then learn from these historic precedents and translate those insights to develop innovative applications of light in contemporary design. As an example, the project focuses on the Fatimid and Mamluk periods of Islamic architecture in Egypt, where light played a prominent and integral role. By studying these historic architectural styles, the project seeks to extract principles and strategies that can inform the integration of light in modern design solutions.

In Islamic culture, light embodies divine guidance, making it a cornerstone of architecture. This architecture style , often referred to as ”luminous,” is heavily dependent on light, in revealing the meaning and beauty of architectural elements, decorations, geometric art and colors . Beyond aesthetics, Light also offers functional, philosophical, psychological, and existential benefits to spaces. This raises the question: can this concept of light, and how it works with architecture, be used in contemporary designs to address problems in communities?

The answer lies in the potential to revitalize and re-energize communities as Light-focused design could help particularly those experiencing a loss of local identity such as traditional craft spaces.This is evident in Al-Muizz street in Cairo, a historic area with strong Islamic cultural heritage and a vibrant commercial lifeline. The community there has witnessed a decline in local identity as some traditional craft shops close due to dwindling tourism and a lack of local interest. To address this, the government has developed a strategic plan to revive such historic areas. One key aspect of this plan is to create a more welcoming environment, sustainable, and visible spaces for craftspeople to showcase their works and skills, attracting both tourists and locals alike.

The project explores how light interacts with Islamic architecture throughout history, with a focus on reviving traditional crafts in Cairo’s Al Muizz Street. It aims to create a vibrant workspace for craftsmanship, while also offering visitors an engaging experience.

Light plays a central role, both functionally and symbolically. Natural light floods the building, highlighting the craftsmanship and creating a dynamic atmosphere throughout the day. Islamic geometric principles inspire the design, with spaces branching outwards from a central core. This reflects the way light was used in historic Islamic architecture.

The building is divided into three sections, each representing a different era: Fatimid, Mamluk, and contemporary. The Fatimid area features a simple, three-point configuration with open spaces for craftsmanship. Light filters through a metal mesh ceiling, casting intricate patterns onto the floor. The upper floor uses similar principles , with light reflecting geometric designs onto the walls.

The Mamluk section incorporates more complex shapes and a focus on natural elements.The entry area showcases the works of the craftsmanship. Semi-circular arches frame the displays, and light and shadow patterns shift throughout the day to highlight the craftsmanship. For the next craft hall, Stained glass panels and pre-cast concrete intersected arches with colored glass infills are inspired by Mamluk architecture, but reinterpreted in a sustainable way. The colored glass panels use Luminescent Solar Concentrators (LSCs) to capture sunlight and convert it into usable energy.

The upper volume features an abstract muqarnas-inspired ceiling design with colorful fabric shades. Light passing through these elements creates a captivating play of light and color, reflecting off a stainless steel floor that evokes the water features of Mamluk architecture.

Overall, the project celebrates the interplay of light and architecture in Islamic traditions. By reinterpreting these principles in a contemporary way, it creates a sustainable and inspiring space for craftsmanship and visitors alike.