Photographer
Nour El Refai ↗Cairo, Egypt 2024
Photographing the pavilion was less about documenting an object and more about capturing an idea. Positioned within the Citadel, the structure draws inspiration from architectural forms that once shaped the site, using light, shadow, and reflection to create a quiet connection between history and the present. A shallow pool at its center adds another layer to the experience, reflecting both the pavilion and the surrounding architecture.
- Designed by
- Dar Arafa Architecture
- Commissioned by
- Gemma Ceramics
Presented at Cairo Design Week 2024, Dar Arafa Architecture and GEMMA created a pavilion that reflects on the Citadel’s lasting influence on architecture, design, and craftsmanship in Egypt.
During Cairo Design Week 2024, the Citadel of Cairo offered more than a glimpse into the past. Through a temporary pavilion by Dar Arafa Architecture and GEMMA, the historic site became a place to explore how creativity continues to grow from centuries of architectural and cultural heritage.
What makes the project memorable is its simplicity. Rather than competing with the Citadel, it encourages visitors to look at it differently. As part of Cairo Design Week 2024, the pavilion celebrates the creative spirit that has lived within these walls for centuries and continues to inspire new generations of designers today.
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