If you’ve passed by AUC Tahrir Square recently, you may have noticed scaffolding surrounding the University’s historic palace, the oldest building in AUC Tahrir Square that is more than 150 years old. That’s because the palace facade is being restored in collaboration with Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities. 

“The palace witnessed AUC's growth and evolution over time and key events since the University opened in 1919,” said Khaled Tarabieh, University architect and associate professor of sustainable design in the Department of Architecture. “As time went by, many areas on the main facade deteriorated and lost their original look and paint colors. The purpose of this project is the restoration of the palace’s facade, windows and paint, as well as fixing any deteriorated areas. Specialized restoration consultants and contractors are involved in cooperation with Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities.”

“The Khairy Pasha Palace is recognized not only for its architectural value but also its historic and symbolic significance.”

Built in the mid-to-late 1800s, the palace was named after Khairy Pasha, who served as Egypt’s minister of education during Khedive Ismail’s rule. Ismail was instrumental in reforming and modernizing Egypt’s education system, and his palace came to symbolize the country’s modernization efforts during the Khedival period. Since 2007, the palace has been listed on Egypt’s National Register for Heritage Buildings, which includes important historical monuments from Egypt’s ancient, Greco-Roman, Jewish, Coptic, Islamic and modern eras. 

“The Khairy Pasha Palace is recognized not only for its architectural value but also its historic and symbolic significance,” said Dalila ElKerdany, the project’s consulting architect, Cairo University professor and adjunct faculty in AUC’s Department of Architecture since 2011. “The palace has played a crucial role in Egypt’s educational history and serves as a symbol of the integration of European and local architectural styles in the 19th century. It features intricate facades and grand interiors, typical of the luxurious elite residences during the time.” 

The project involves restoring the exterior elevations visible from the streets, followed by the rest of the elevations. “Through decades of existence, the façade experienced deterioration, such as voids and gaps on the surface that require proper filling; disappearance of the the building’s original colors and materials, such as mosaic frame ornaments that were buried under layers of paint; broken ornaments that are being skillfully restored,” said Tarabieh.

"Through the decades, the façade has experienced deterioration, such as voids and gaps on the surface, disappearance of the the building’s original colors and materials, and breakage of ornaments that are being skillfully restored.” 

An analysis of the paint and facade stone patterns using historical photographs is also underway to restore the palace to its original state, complemented by a first-of-its-kind comprehensive electronic documentation of the building. “AUC is an important and prestigious institution, not only in Egypt but the whole Middle East, so it is important to show the glamor of the original palace the University acquired,” said ElKerdany. 

Initially, the palace served as a government building, housing the Ministry of Education (formerly the Ministry of Public Instruction). It was then briefly used as a cigarette factory before becoming a location for holding classes affiliated to the country’s first university, the Egyptian University (now Cairo University), in its early years. “This way, the Khairy Pasha Palace has always been associated with the early stages of Egypt's higher education movement,” said ElKerdany. “By eventually becoming part of AUC, the palace has preserved its historic legacy as a hub for education and intellectual exchange, continuing AUC’s tradition as a center of academic excellence.”

Find out more about AUC’s historic palace. 

Held in Egypt for the first time, AUC is hosting the UN-Habitat’s biennial World Urban Campaign Assembly on November 6, featuring researchers, academics, students, urban planners, policymakers and NGOs who will engage in discussions on the future of urban planning. Watch the event’s livestream. 

“AUC’s selection to host this event signifies an acknowledgement of the role and weight of our institution as an anchor point to lead future sustainable urbanization in Egypt and the region,” said Momen El-Husseiny, assistant professor of architecture and co-organizer of the World Urban Campaign Assembly at AUC. “This selection came after the outstanding efforts of our faculty, researchers and students in tackling urban issues during the Egypt Urban Campaign over the past year.” 

El-Husseiny will moderate and present panels on a range of topics such as AUC’s role as a catalyst for urban transformation in New Cairo and downtown, micromobility infrastructures, the impact of gated communities and how proximity can help alleviate social inequalities by ensuring that services are accessible to all residents in urban areas.

The event will include as well as a conference held in collaboration with Sorbonne University in Paris, featuring faculty from AUC and 13 other universities worldwide to discuss the Global Observatory of Sustainable Proximities. French mayor Jean-Michel-Perret will be among the conference attendees. 

“AUC’s selection to host this event signifies an acknowledgement of the role and weight of our institution as an anchor point to lead future sustainable urbanization in Egypt and the region.”

The day will culminate in a public talk by Carlos Moreno, associate professor at the Sorbonne and author of The 15-Minute City, a people-first approach that is being implemented in global cities such as Paris, Milan and Buenos Aires. 

The World Urban Campaign Assembly is held in tandem with the World Urban Forum, where AUC faculty from various disciplines, including architecture and graphic design, will present talks. AUC alumni will also participate in panel discussions. These include Egypt’s Minister of Finance Ahmed Kouchouk ’99; Egypt’s Minister of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation Rania Al-Mashat ’95; journalist Shahira Amin ’78 and Yuriko Koike (ALU ’71), Tokyo’s first female governor.

Bahia Shehab (MA ’09), professor of practice in graphic design, will present a talk at the panel titled, A Space for All, “I will explore the significance of digital and physical public spaces as centers of cultural expression, emphasizing how art and culture can bring communities together,” said Shehab. “I will also discuss my public art installations Pyramids of Garbage (2020) and Heaven and Hell in the Anthropocene (2022) exhibited at COP27, as well as my ongoing street art project At the Corner of a Dream, where I have painted verses by Palestinian poet Mahmoud Darwish in 16 cities around the world, from Hawaii to Tokyo.”

In addition, as part of the World Urban Forum, AUC architecture students actively participated in the Habitat UNI Booth held on November 5, where select universities from around the globe showcased their work in urban sustainability, presenting their research and solutions to address urban issues and challenges. At the booth, AUC students and faculty presented videos, posters and research projects covering issues related to sustainable urban development and climate crisis in education. The students highlighted their Cairo Bike project in downtown Cairo, design-and-build sustainable earth construction in Siwa, and the use of AI and spatial simulation in urban design studios.

“I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity to be part of the World Urban Forum 12, representing my department and all the initiatives that we’ve been part of over the years!” 

Here’s what three architecture seniors had to say about the Habitat UNI Booth: 

“Presenting at the UNI Booth at the World Urban Forum was an intense ride — challenging yet electrifying! However, the boost of confidence that suddenly came into the three of us as we were presenting turned every hurdle into a confidence boost and propelled our work into the spotlight on a global stage."

Mariam Bechir
Architecture Senior, President, AUC's student-led Architecture Association

"I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity to be part of the World Urban Forum 12, representing my department and all the initiatives that we’ve been part of over the years."

Jana Gaafar
Architecture Senior, Vice President, AUC's student-led Architecture Association

“Showcasing the multiple initiatives of our department in an event as big as the World Urban Forum was an honor! It’s finally getting the attention and exposure it deserves.”

Rita Gabriel 
Architecture Senior

The one-year program offers candidates the chance to gain professional experience across various functions within AUC, and develop their technical and soft skills. The University will assist participants who complete the program in preparing resumes and will provide references to potential employers in Egypt. Some may have the opportunity to stay at AUC if there are suitable vacancies. 

 "This program reflects AUC’s commitment to fostering diverse, inclusive and accessible learning communities. It is our responsibility to lead by example, and we hope to create a model for others in Egypt and the region.” 

AUC will also establish partnerships with Egyptian ministries and NGOs to upskill and offer on-the-job training for people with disabilities in areas such as English-language proficiency, IT development, communication and soft skills to effectively contribute to the local workforce.

“This program reflects AUC’s commitment to fostering diverse, inclusive and accessible learning communities,” said AUC President Ahmad Dallal. “By offering professional development for people with disabilities, we are enriching our campus and doing our part in creating access and opportunities for a diverse talent pool. It is our responsibility to lead by example, and we hope to create a model for others in Egypt and the region.” 

“We value the unique contributions of each individual, and this program diversifies our talent pool and breaks barriers to create a strong workforce that reflects the richness of Egyptian society.” 

Candidates will be selected through various channels and must meet the program's selection criteria. Enrolled participants will be assigned to different jobs at the University based on their academic qualifications and professional experience. 

“This program gives people with disabilities the chance to develop their professional skills at AUC, preparing them for success in the career they pursue through a structured training program and on-the-job training,” said Sarah Refaat, senior associate vice president for human resources. “We value the unique contributions of each individual, and this program diversifies our talent pool and breaks barriers to create a strong workforce that reflects the richness of Egyptian society.” 

Find out more about the program details and requirements and how to apply.