The Grand Egyptian Museum
International Design Competition
Location: Cairo, Egypt
Client: Arab Republic of Egypt, Ministry of Culture
Project:
The new museum in Giza was intended to reflect modern concepts of archaeology practices. It was to not only house and display archaeological artifacts and material, but to finish a complex with adequate spaces for communicating culture to visitors, and to provide facilities for advanced research.
Further, the new museum would correlate to the knowledge of Egyptian civilization by integrating thematic exhibitions with a virtual display of Egyptian collections throughout the world.
Details:
On a strategic site (461.923 sqm.) southeast of the great pyramids of Giza near the banks of Cairo our team engaged historical elements and symbolism to create a multilevel, open, punctuated visually toward the pyramids internally and externally; high level secured exhibits halls with day lighting; multi-textured surfacing to reflect materials used to build with throughout Egypt's golden years.
The museum had a rolling trellis over the entrance drive to reflect back on the avenue of the Sphinx at Luxar temple, which lined up both sides of the path for nearly 1/4 of a kilometer. The design was accomplished all in metric scale.
The major functional areas were: exhibition halls, general service area, commercial areas, administration, security and service area, conservation area, and scientific research and training.
The most elaborate areas involving forward design thinking were: security and services - archaeological storage, storage rooms, energy plants, air treatment, electrical system and special systems, with toilet rooms; fire brigade, control rooms; conservation area - nearly all laboratories such as - stone lab; wood lab; ceramics, papyrus, textile and leather, metal, glass and organic labs; auxiliary services and technical management.
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