Graduation Project Journal

Every project begins with a place. Ours began with an entire region.

Rather than starting with a site, we started at the scale of Upper Southern Egypt, exploring its cities, identities, challenges, and untapped opportunities. As the lens narrowed, three cities emerged, each carrying the potential to become our graduation project.

Among them, Luxor stood apart.

Not only because of its global heritage, but because of the striking contrast between its extraordinary cultural wealth and the limited everyday experiences offered to both residents and visitors. It was a city rich in history, yet full of unrealized potential.

This discovery led us into a deeper investigation. Through thematic mapping, sector analysis, stakeholder mapping, and urban performance evaluation, we uncovered the city's hidden needs and opportunities. One opportunity became impossible to ignore: reconnecting heritage with contemporary life.

From that insight, our project was born—

A Heritage Market and Cultural Center.

Not simply as a destination, but as a catalyst for cultural revival, local craftsmanship, and a vibrant public realm that extends beyond traditional tourism.

With the vision established, the journey continued into the next chapter: understanding the site, decoding its context, and transforming analysis into architecture.