London-based architecture firm Weston Williamson+Partners was selected to design a new Science City, which will be built on the western edge of Cairo, in the heart of the 6th of October City, Egypt. Selected ahead of Zaha Hadid Architects and Ngiom Partnership, new Science City Complex will include universities, educational facilities, scientific research centres, libraries, and media production centers, which is able to establish a national central institute with international standards and illuminate the world of scientific knowledge and technology.

Organised by the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, judged by a panel of world-leading academics and science entrepreneurs including Michael Sorkin, Nikos Fintikakis, Mohsen Mostafavi, Suha Ozkan, Claudie Haignere, Ismail Serageldin and Seif Allah A. Alnaga, this was a one-stage open international competition for a comprehensive plan and conceptual design. Bibliotheca Alexandrina are experienced in delivering high-quality cultural projects.

The design brief for the competition of Science City was to create a set of buildings and spaces that will be inspiring inside and out, and express a particular vision of the quest for knowledge and the pursuit of science. With this approach in mind, the Library of Alexandria endorsed a Science City project by organizing an open, one stage international architectural competition for the comprehensive master plan and conceptual design.

Weston Williamson+Partners' proposal is comprised of a series of flower-like buildings that create indoor and outdoor spaces with an extensive of green infill. Placed on a circular layout, the overall plan is divided by longitudinal stripes, forming basement floor facilities- such as elevated science gardens, orientation and information hall and research spaces.

''We are proud to have won. Needless to say that Egypt has a unique cultural heritage, but we were also attracted by the ambition of the project, clearly expressed through the brief. We look forward to developing the design and creating something worthy for Egypt’s future generations,'' said Chris Williamson, one of the Founders of WW+P.

The new Science City complex will be built on the western edge of Cairo, and calls for an entirely new integrated master plan and conceptual design that will ultimately create the first 21st century science museum, learning and research facility in Egypt. 

Elevated science garden

The selected project aims to foster scientific culture and knowledge to the public. Through its architecture and programs, the Science City will connect past achievements with present advancement, while guiding future development. 

Orientation and information hall

The proposed plan is vital to promote science for development. It is intended that scientific researches in a developing country are driven by a desire to contribute to the creation of jobs, to put scientific ideas to use, and to utilize local human and natural resources for the maximum economic benefit without sacrificing environmental safety and social well-being. 

Through this plan, the new Science City will be comprehensive in its content, demonstrating unity among the sciences.

Research space with green infill

Ground floor plan

1st floor plan

Roof plan

Section 1-1

Section 2-2

Section 3-3

All images © Weston Williamson+Partners

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