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 8, 2017
Student center(ed): Is the student union the key to retention?
Studies indicate that the longer a student remains on campus—and in an academic mindset—the greater their chance for academic growth and success.
Healthcare Facilities | Aug 8, 2017
Kansas’ only medical school receives new 171,000-sf building
The building was designed to enhance the medical campus’ existing facilities, curriculum, and classrooms.
Laboratories | Aug 3, 2017
Today’s university lab building by the numbers
A three-month study of science facilities conducted by Shepley Bulfinch reveals key findings related to space allocation, size, and cost.
Education Facilities | Aug 3, 2017
School of Communication and Media at Montclair State University merges faculty, professionals, and academic programs
CannonDesign designed the facility, which features a 197-seat presentation hall and various control rooms.
Wood | Jul 10, 2017
University of Idaho Arena plans to make timber a focal point
The project received a Wood Innovation Grant that will help spur construction of the Hastings + Chivetta-designed project.
University Buildings | Jun 29, 2017
Duke University’s new alumni and visitors center is a ‘modern adaptation of the campus’ architectural style’
The project will total about 47,000 sf of new construction and renovations.
University Buildings | Jun 21, 2017
Student residence hall in Lisbon takes biophilic design to the next level
The luxury student accommodations will be Collegiate’s first outside of the U.K.
Building Team Awards | Jun 7, 2017
Blurring the lines: University of Chicago North Residential Commons
Gold Award: The University of Chicago’s new Residential Commons is part campus, part community.
Higher Education | Jun 7, 2017
Building for the future: Five trends in higher education projects
Preparing students for life after graduation has become the primary motivator behind construction initiatives at U.S. colleges and universities.
University Buildings | May 5, 2017
'Escape forward': How one public university plans to grow
How can public institutions expect to survive and thrive in Illinois' turbulent environment? The answer, for one school anyways, is to think and act like entrepreneurs.
