Alexandria Insurance CO.

Notes

The building’s massive volume rises thirty meters before taking on a pyramidal form tapering at sixty degrees. This volumetry is a resultant of the developer’s intention to profit fully from the land exploitation limits allowed by the law. On the top of the pyramid, sits an enormous cube-shaped water reservoir, a component in the cooling mechanical system.

The ground floor is designed to integrate into the urban fabric as its built-up area is split apart in two parts forging an urban corridor connecting the two bordering streets. To enhance this feature, the main entry point into the larger block is placed inside the corridor. Besides, this configuration allows the provision of more commercial spaces whose value surpasses that of the neighboring stores since they open onto the corridor linking the nearby hotel and the stock exchange market.

The first floor is a mezzanine overlooking the ground floor and is reserved for storage and services for the commercial area. Above, seven floors contain offices arranged around the circulation and service core of the building. Although the complex is primarily designed for offices and commercial spaces, the floors within the pyramidal part are designed to contain luxurious suites.

Sources

Majallat Al-Imarah, 1953 (no.1/2-5/6)

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