American University in Cairo

Key Project Information Project Title: American University in Cairo
Project Location: Cairo, Egypt
Owner: The American University in Cairo
Architect: Sasaki Associates Inc.
Engineer: Ove Arup & Partners
Sustainability: RMI/ENSAR
Contractor: Fluor Daniel International, PMI
Square Footage: 260 acre campus
Completion Date: January, 2001

Project Overview

American University in Cairo - Cairo, Egypt

The American University in Cairo is relocating their campus to a new site east of central Cairo. This new master plan seeks to accomplish three goals critical to the development of a successful campus. First, it provides visual, thermal, and psychological comfort both indoors and outdoors. Second, it anticipates the campus’ long-range needs. And finally, it informs architectural, landscape, and infrastructure design, conserving natural resources and reducing the impact on the local ecosystem.

RMI/ENSAR Role

RMI/ENSAR reviewed and refined the proposed master plan and developed sustainability guidelines for the construction of the individual building projects. Consulted areas include: comfort, climate, and morphology criteria for buildings and landscape; sustainable strategies in electrical load and alternate energy supply, materials impact, site and landscape use; and analysis and optimization of thermal units.

Results

Data showed that the application of the sustainable design guidelines would reduce energy design loads by 40% from the original master plan. This will save money and further reduce the demand on traditional sources of energy and water.