The architect of this residential building situated in
Zamalek is unknown. The central facade is composed of two vertical
“avant-corps” with rectangular openings and horizontal balconies. The architect
features here an Art Deco building in “Streamline Moderne” with ornamental sobriety emphasizing curving
forms such as balconies and minimal openings to the exterior. The design
highlights a variety of Art Deco elements inspired by naval architecture such
as circular windows similar to portholes. The envelope is of brick masonry and
treated with plaster, a process often used in residential Cairo architecture.
Pure lines and simplicity of volumes and forms inherited from
the Modern Movement defined the design of this residential building inspired by
British Art Deco which offers a sober interpretation of this style of
architecture. Nevertheless, the decorative sobriety of the main facade
contrasts with the sophisticated ornamentation of the entrance. Indeed, the
main folding door is rectangular, divided into four parts and decorated with a
wrought iron stylised lotus. The hall opens onto a first marble set of stairs
with Neo-classical columns which leads up to a staircase. The string wall
presents a wrought iron handrail delicately curved with scrolls, a pattern that
is similar to the lotus of the entrance door.
Author: Lobna Montasser
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