(Handed out to the Daily News Egypt)
The Suez Cement Group of Companies (SCGC) sponsored a national contest to contribute to efforts to celebrate female architects in Egypt. The inaugural arcVision Prize Egypt – Women and Architecture Award was presented to Jane Azmi, the first Egyptian female recipient, during the award ceremony on 9 February.
The ceremony, held at the Cairo Opera House, was attended by Minister of State for Environmental Affairs Laila Iskandar, Minister of Housing Ibrahim Mehleb and First Undersecretary to the Minister of Culture Camelia Sobhi.
SCGC CEO Bruno Carré said: “Women have been important players in contemporary architecture for some time now. Their designs are particularly sensitive to the needs of citizens and the building’s function. SCGC wants to back this trend and honour women in the world of design.”
“SCGC is an active proponent of creating initiatives that recognise female designers who bring authentic solutions to an industry that spans economic, social and cultural contexts,” he added.
The jury panel, formed for reviewing the architectural designs submitted to the competition, was tasked with selecting a project that features local materials that have been utilised innovatively and inspire similar efforts in other building schemes in the area.
Azmi’s entry, the Seil Design Hotel, located outside Marsa Allam on the Red Sea, was built in an eco-friendly, environmentally sustainable manner. According to the panel, Azmi “seeks solutions that reflect the needs of the communities she designs for” while prioritising “sustainable principles and environmental [sic] protection”.
SCGC, one of the largest cement producers in Egypt, employs over 3,000 workers, who participate in continuous training and advancement programmes. The company said it operates with a comprehensive safety and environmental policy, “imperative for building a sustainable environment for employees and communities where it operates.”
