The «Seven New Pyramids for Cairo» is envisioned by Marchisciana Saverio Adriano as a group of scattered inverted pyramids over bustling Cairo. The structures proposed by the Italian architect resemble huge steel spiders, with very tall and slender legs that seem to lay siege to the Egyptian capital. They emerge as centres of culture and education while serving as points of observation of the metropolis and enjoyment of the view.
Modern Cairo is a chaotic expanse of housing and concrete that is rapidly taking over the traditional date plantations and ancient orchards. The remaining arable land in Egypt is shrinking and being replaced by large neighbourhoods saturated with buildings, without parks or public spaces. The aim of the proposal is to spread positive ideas and try to revitalise the chaotic African metropolis. The design as inverted pyramids, with the tops pointing downwards, is a critique of the out-of-control development of homelessness which is destroying nature and vulnerable ecosystems. Their large dimensions initiate a dialogue with the pyramids of the Pharaohs and represent a new city culture.
Each of the «new pyramids» will bear the name of a deity of the ancient Egyptian pantheon. They will host the School of Architecture and Urbanism, the Institute of Conservation and Restoration of Papyri, the National Library, the School of Traditional Arts, the University Department of Botany and other educational facilities. Combined, they will constitute a cultural ring, which will have the potential to educate new generations on the basis of the principles of a better landscape and environmental sustainability. They will be connected by a single-rail transport system, with stations at the base of each one. Terraces at the top of the inverted pyramids will serve as large squares with panoramic views, where students and visitors can stroll and converse in a modern version of the Athenian marketplace.
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More about the project on the architect's website.
https://www.archmsa.com/project-1
