CASE STUDY
The organic amorphous structure is made almost entirely with Jereed ElNakhl , palm leaves / straws , weaved in an unobstructed presence that never clears the space , yet encircling the trees and a long undulating curvy continuous bar that seems like it has emerged from the ground to rest here for a moment . This feature which forms the loci of the project is shifted from the center of the room , like a human being ’ s heart not quite placed in the center . and as it anchors the space , it also forms a gateway to the terrace , linking the outside to the inside , on the horizontal plane and as well the vertical , by its opening up to the sky above . This is where everything occurs , a togetherness around this continuous table like a bar with its offering of food and drinks and a place of respite , grounds us , connecting us , wrapped with this Egyptian date palm straw leave lace , connecting us to the past , heritage , crafts , locality , to facilitate a sense of protection and sense of being at home . the oculus in the roof of this structure , through which natural light filters inside , and the way the sun outside fractures the perforated palm straw lace ( jereed ElNakhl ) walls . In this rooftop project Fahmy ’ s idea of an architecture that doesn ’ t forget its foundational responsibility , to provide shelter , a roof , an enclosure , a boundedness , maybe even warmth , maybe even a togetherness with serving a bit of food .
With her organic structure , like crumpled papers , which look like a womb , she has provided a third space within the whole context of the room / rooftop , within which people could gather , find refreshment , exchange , share feelings , ideas , and greetings . inviting people to gather , break the ice , rejuvenate , becoming more intimate and presumably entertained . it is rather an intimate space rounded with a top light that feels like a sculpted skylight within a larger whole that existed before her arrival on site , stepping into Fahmy ’ s perimeter , the project feels like opening up , revealing inner space , then a score of further spaces , places rather than spaces for better wording , Navigating those you unravel layers of mysteries , interrupted planes , unsymmetrical , curiously unfinished materiality , with her determinedly gentle structures that own the premise on which it was built . Sustainability directly influenced the choice of materials for the project ’ s construction , reflecting Fahmy ’ s deliberate commitment to environmentally conscious choices and the crafting of a harmonious relationship between form and function and structures . recalibration of priorities , material choices , and synthesis of form and purpose .
Fahmy ’ s methodology is “ if you can ’ t find it , create it and produce it , she has long worked with craftsmen ,
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