CAIRO: Egypt’s skyline is famous for its Pyramids, one-time remarkable lighthouse, and some aesthetic mosques. But what have we done lately? Hisham Youssef, Senior Design Manager of International Projects with leading architectural firm Gensler, spoke to The Daily Star Egypt about how architecture is changing in Egypt, where Egypt has an edge over the States, and why he came back after 28 years abroad.
Youssef grew up in Egypt but in 1978, he traveled to the US to become the first Egyptian to enter Harvard as an undergraduate, an experience he says was “one of the best experiences he’s had. He later acquired his master’s degree in architecture from Columbia University.
The plan was to return home after graduating but his friends knew better, telling him that going to the US was a “one way street.
Youssef never imagined his passion for architecture would keep him away another 28 years.
His career took him to all corners of the world where he lived and worked in Tazmania, Japan, Turkey, Indonesia, Tokyo, China, Pakistan, and Dubai.
Still, he says he “fulfilled only by contributing to his country’s development.
While Gensler applies international quality standards to their work, Youssef emphasizes that it is important to know the culture for which you are designing.
“You can’t just copy [designs] without taking into consideration what’s on the ground, he explains.
This is where his Egyptian background gives him an edge amongst international firms in deciding what would or would not be appropriate for the culture.
He says it is important for him that design is “responsible rather than “parachuted from somewhere else. Egyptian architects should bear in mind, for example, the country’s ample sunlight and heat, nice breezes, and immense dust.
There are also different sets of limitations. In Egypt, Youssef says materials are limited or expensive, and constructors are inexperienced with detailing and some intricate construction. While money is an issue, he feels that planning is more important.
Gensler’s local focus since 1999 has been on corporate interiors, head offices, and financial companies. “There are not many corporate offices appropriately built [in Egypt], says Youssef.
The problem is that corporate offices are simply apartment buildings re-utilized, built with many rooms and different intentions. Design is important beyond aesthetics because layout will affect efficiency, productivity, and communication. Even the presence of an office boy will affect the ergonomic design of an office, says Youssef.
He compares the “flexibility of a changing layout to adapting to the changing nature of business and goes so far as to say that improper design with poor communication eventually costs the company money.
Egypt’s few corporate office structures include the World Trade Center, Bank Al-Ahly, the Twin Towers, and Nile City.
Youssef credits Gensler’s Nile City project, driven by Nassef Sawiris’ vision, as perhaps the first international standard corporate project in Egypt. “He raised the bar more than just a notch, says Youssef.
Gensler is currently working on an HSBC head office as well as projects for EFG Hermes, and two other leading financial firms.
Youssef says things have been improving in the past two to three years. He credits the younger generation of Egyptian executives who have had experience living and working abroad. He also says that Egypt in general is more open than it used to be, in terms of investment, traveling, and general exposure.
Still, new designs will require a “different way of thinking. Globally, there has been a trend toward more efficient, environmentally-friendly designs.
HSBC has a global environmental policy for “green architecture and responsible design, being careful, for example, not to use endangered materials or species of wood, as well as reducing harmful emissions. As well as being beneficial, Youssef points out that such considerations can also reduce running costs, despite being initially more expensive.
Youssef says that executives in general are taking an increased interest in design, the environment, providing utilities, and caring for employees.
Egypt’s advantages include its human capital, skilled labor and cost effectiveness. The country also enjoys a certain flexibility and chemistry between partners and clients, which Youssef says does not exist in the more litigious and formal US, and which is good for business and trust-building and can lead to better results.
Still, “we are not completely there yet, says Youssef.
For one, we will have to overcome “years of neglect and widespread absence of professionalism. Youssef thinks the value of workers and builders will have to change and quality control, currently negligible, will have to improve and expand.
If we learn to capitalize on our advantages and overcome entrenched obstacles, Youssef thinks Cairo may become a significant regional hub. “I am cautiously optimistic, he says.
