On the third day of Cityscape Egypt 2024, a fruitful panel discussion took place under the title “Beat the Heat Without the AC- Traditional Architecture and Sustainable Cooling Techniques for Egypt’s Harsh Summer.” The session focused on the challenges of climate change and rising temperatures, as Egyptians explore innovative ways to regulate indoor temperatures without depending on conventional air conditioning systems.
The panel, moderated by Shaimaa Al-Aees, a business journalist at Daily News Egypt, brought together a distinguished group of experts in sustainability and architecture. The speakers included Eng. Heba El-Kalyoubi, founder of HK Architecture, Dr. Omar El-Nady, Guest Lecturer of Environmental Engineering at Oslo University, and Eng. Hesham Helal, an Architect and Environmentally Friendly Solutions Consultant.
In that regard, Eng. Heba El-Kalyoubi, founder of HK Architecture, shared an insightful overview on the significance of leveraging traditional knowledge in Arab architecture, which focuses on utilizing natural materials and innovative designs to foster comfortable indoor spaces.
Additionally, Dr. Omar El-Nady, Guest Lecturer of Environmental Engineering, Oslo University, shed light on the latest technologies and materials designed for eco-friendly buildings capable of naturally regulating temperature. He emphasized the importance of investing in research and development to create diverse solutions that address Egypt’s climate challenges, stressing the need to transition towards sustainable buildings that reduce carbon emissions and conserve energy. He noted, “By reconnecting with our architectural heritage and integrating modern technologies, we can find innovative and sustainable ways to tackle Egypt’s intense summer heat.”
Furthermore, Eng. Hesham Helal, an Architect and Environmentally Friendly Solutions Consultant, underscored the importance of revisiting the traditional knowledge of Arab architecture, which relied on natural materials such as mud bricks and shading to create comfortable and pleasant environments. He also showcased the latest technologies in thermal insulation and natural ventilation, which can be integrated with traditional architectural designs to maximize efficiency.
During the session, the speakers stressed the importance of increasing environmental awareness and the need for innovative and sustainable solutions to tackle Egypt’s climate change challenges. They also underscored the critical role of collaboration between experts, engineers, and real estate developers to achieve this goal.
It is worth noting that Cityscape Egypt has established itself as one of the largest and most important real estate events in the region. This year’s edition is exceptional, spanning over 40,000 square meters in four halls and featuring over 80 real estate developers showcasing the latest projects in commercial and residential real estate.
