University : Nile University
Tutor(s) : Professor Sameh El-Fekki
Project Description
The Fishing Complex is a cultural landmark that redefines the relationship between Rosetta’s community, its heritage, and its river. Rooted in the traditions of fishing and boatbuilding, the project becomes a living platform where economy, culture, and environment intersect to create a resilient future.
The design celebrates belonging: locals are not only users but active participants. Markets and workshops sustain livelihoods, while cultural spaces invite storytelling, shared memories, and intergenerational exchange. A curated Boat Exhibition honours Rosetta’s maritime history, showcasing traditional vessels that reflect centuries of craftsmanship. Nearby, children engage in boat-coloring festivals, reusing discarded boats and transforming them into symbols of creativity and renewal. These activities transform the complex into a stage for collective pride, preserving identity while inspiring the next generation.
Sustainability is embedded in every layer of the design. Local and recycled materials, such as fishing nets reimagined as shading devices, palm fronds woven into second skins, and reclaimed wood used in structures, create architecture that feels both innovative and deeply rooted in place. Floating platforms extend the experience into the river, offering opportunities for fishing, dining, and gathering directly on the water, reinforcing the connection between people and their environment.
The Fishing Complex is not simply a project; it is a vision for how heritage can drive contemporary development. By merging economy with culture, and sustainability with community, it becomes a model for waterfront regeneration across the region, shaping Rosetta into a resilient and celebrated destination.
Established in 2012, Tamayouz Excellence Award is an unaffiliated, independent initiative that aims to advance the profession of architecture academically and professionally. Tamayouz is dedicated to supporting aspirational and transformative projects that tackle local and global challenges and that are informed by a holistic understanding of context.