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Design Authors: Manar Moursi and Alia Mortada. 
Supporting Team: Sherif Medhat, Mohamed Rafik and George Talaat.
Bamiyan Cultural Center Bamiyan, Cairo, 2015

Our design for the UNESCO Cultural Center in Bamiyan, Afghanistan, pays tribute to the region’s Buddhist heritage by balancing voids (open spaces and gardens) with solids (buildings). Bamiyan’s destroyed Buddha statues, once iconic symbols in the Buddha cliffs, inspire our concept. Buddhism teaches that emptiness offers opportunities for meditation and cultivating compassion, a philosophy reflected in the duality between solid and void, as seen in the valley’s agricultural grids. We crafted a 20x20 meter grid that mirrors this balance, with solids represented by the building structures and voids by curated botanical gardens. These gardens honor Afghanistan’s botanical heritage and provide contemplative spaces for visitors to connect with nature and Buddhist teachings.  

Positioned to maximize views of the Buddha cliffs, the center’s main building features southwest-facing rammed earth walls, reflecting vernacular Afghan architecture. This design addresses both the cold climate and soil erosion caused by overgrazing, offering passive heating and wind protection. The Cultural Center emphasizes sustainability, proposing rainwater harvesting and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. Our vision includes educational programs focused on gardening, herbalism, and permaculture, with spaces for cultural activities, community gatherings, and a weekly marketplace. This design fosters cultural exchange while engaging local stakeholders and the broader community in shaping its future development and sustainability.

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