In New Cairo, Egypt, The American University in Cairo (AUC) has broken ground on a roughly 270,000-sf expansion of its campus. The project encompasses two new buildings intended to enhance the physical campus and support AUC’s mission to provide top-tier education and research.
Designed by DLR Group, the AUC campus expansion project includes sustainable, state-of-the-art elements while preserving the character of the New Cairo campus.
The 146,970-sf Extended Education Hub offers classrooms, executive education areas, general spaces, and essential basement support spaces, in addition to rooftop gardens and a 450-seat auditorium. Featuring courtyards and landscaped pathways, the design aims to promote an interactive learning community, drawing inspiration from street bazaars and narrow alleys that open to larger, unexpected social spaces in Cairo.
The Extended Education Hub’s natural elements include a tranquil reflecting pool that provides evaporative cooling. Outside, trellises and canopies create designated areas for outdoor classrooms, gatherings, and leisure.
The 123,795-sf NextGen Student Living and Learning Spaces emphasize holistic student wellness and community building. It enables student connections via cafes, co-working spaces, prayer rooms, music rooms, and spacious living areas. Accommodating 300 beds, the project also features kitchens where students can cook and interact, as well as a garden-level basement. The residential interiors’ neutral palette allows students to express their personal identity through their furnishings, rugs, and art.
“Our design for two new buildings within the expanded AUC campus footprint fosters curiosity and innovative thinking within a cross-cultural environment,” Stu Rothenberger, DLR Group senior principal and global higher education leader, said in a statement. “Integrating sustainable design principles and supporting a stimulating learning environment that extends beyond the four walls of the classroom, this project will have a significant impact on the region and continue AUC’s inspiring legacy of elevating higher education in the world.”
Construction of the two university buildings is slated for completion by the end of 2026.
On the Building Team:
Owner: The American University in Cairo
Design architect: DLR Group
Architect of record, MEP engineer, and structural engineer: EHAF Consulting Engineers
Related Stories
University Buildings | Aug 5, 2020
Oklahoma State University’s North Academic Building begins construction
Dewberry designed the project.
University Buildings | Aug 3, 2020
5 reasons universities are renovating student housing
Clark Nexsen’s Student Life practice leader, Peter Aranyi, discusses the benefits of renovation and why it offers particular value to campuses nationwide.
University Buildings | Aug 2, 2020
R&D hubs, modular-built hotels, and an award-winning student center on the August 6 “The Weekly”
R&D hubs, modular-built hotels, and an award-winning student center on the August 6 “The Weekly”
University Buildings | Jul 24, 2020
A hybrid learning approach could redefine higher education
Universities reassess current assets to determine growth strategies.
Laboratories | Jul 24, 2020
Customized labs give universities a recruiting edge
CO Architects is among a handful of firms that caters to this trend.
University Buildings | Jul 23, 2020
Two eight-story residential towers and a dining commons complete on Cal Poly Pomona’s campus
HMC Architects designed the project.
University Buildings | Jul 15, 2020
New Cal Poly Research and Innovation Center includes features for a COVID-19 world
ZGF Architects is designing the building.
University Buildings | Jul 14, 2020
Cornell College partners with Johnson Controls to improve campus energy efficiency
The plan will reduce the college’s energy usage by 20%.
University Buildings | Jun 3, 2020
Renovation can turn older university buildings into high-performing labs
David Miller of BSALifeStructures offers technical advice on renovation of college and university laboratories and scientific research facilities.
University Buildings | Jun 2, 2020
COVID-19 and teaching the next generation of nurses
COVID-19 hasn’t just upended healthcare delivery, the workplace, and all levels of education – the economic toll is still being realized – and capital projects on college and university campuses will inevitably be impacted as public and privately funded projects adjust to the budget crunch.