Master Plan
Following the first-place win in the 2009 competition, the master plan development commenced. However, due to subsequent political turmoil—including the collapse of the Mubarak administration and frequent government transitions—the submission and revision of proposals became an ongoing process. The final master plan, submitted in 2014, underwent some scale reductions to align with local construction techniques and budget constraints. Nevertheless, it introduced a practical and implementable system that broke away from the traditional compartmentalized university campus model. Key elements of the plan included an underground tunnel network to eliminate vehicular traffic, wind pathways and water features for temperature regulation, and a high-density architectural layout providing ample shading. The spatial organization was inspired by the Vitruvian human body, while laboratory placements were designed to accommodate future academic expansion and flexibility.
Architectural Design
(Volume / Reviving Traditional Ecological Solutions / Utilization of Local Materials & Construction Techniques)
Based on the master plan, Phase 1 design commenced in 2015, focusing on the university’s core functions, including academic buildings, administrative offices, and a central library. A consistent architectural language was developed across the buildings. The volumetric composition consists of a lower podium housing essential functions such as classrooms and laboratories, topped by a cube containing specialized facilities, including the library and advanced research centers.
The façade materials were carefully selected to suit the desert climate, employing stucco finishes and locally sourced white marble to ensure durability and integration with the surrounding environment.
To enhance sustainability and indoor environmental quality, academic buildings incorporate light courts for natural daylight and ventilation, along with solar chimneys to optimize airflow—reviving traditional ecological solutions within a contemporary framework. Additionally, regional architectural elements such as Mashrabiya screens were reinterpreted in a modern manner, creating a striking contrast between the exterior and interior. The outer façade employs rough-textured materials to withstand harsh environmental conditions, while the interiors feature polished surfaces, reflecting the high-tech nature of the research facilities housed within.