Taking inspiration from the geography and geology of the site’s location, as well as the rich history of Cairo, the architecture is anchored in its context featuring rich copper and bronze tones and wind-weathered textured materials. The solidity of the monolithic forms of ancient Egyptian architecture has been referenced in the overall form and massing of the development, with texture and detail, including Arabic geometric patterns, evident at a closer human scale. Perforated gold fins with a pattern inspired by Egyptian art feature on the exterior of a 450‑seat auditorium, providing an eye catching and intriguing element.

The primary structure and building envelope is robust and modular in nature, offering a simple, flexible and sustainable long-term solution. Internal spaces are designed to be spatially efficient as possible yet also as flexible as possible and throughout materials have been selected to be environmentally conscious. To reduce operational carbon emissions and keep costs low, the south facing elevations are well shaded to mitigate solar gain and excess strain on MEP systems.

Referencing the principles of the WELL certification, steam heart spaces are top lit filtering cool and even north light into active learning zones filled with planting and supplied with fresh air. Biophilic design principals are used throughout to connect
the building’s occupants with the natural environment. Natural materials such as timber, stone and planting, and organic forms feature across the design, with open views to green vistas around the campus. Landscaped external spaces further create
opportunities for teaching outside of the traditional classroom and can introduce students to learning about the natural world.