Residency Overview

Engaged Sustainable Futures (ESF) in collaboration with Environmental Quality International (EQI) are happy to organize and provide undergraduate and graduate architecture students a residency at Siwa Oasis, Egypt with the purpose of exploring, designing and creating sustainable a locally fit windcatcher, as a passive natural ventilation solutions.

The objective of this design residency is to design and create a functioning windcatcher that is tailored to Siwa’s wind conditions. The windcatcher, or prototypes thereof, are to be fitted first in Tamazid, Siwa. The long term goal is to ensure comfort and wellbeing of users by providing adequate cooling and ventilation, without the use of electricity. This project and your contribution will also help raise awareness to the importance and impact of natural air conditioning and ventilation.

During this residency, students are expected to design, implement and execute prototypes of windcatchers that could be then integrated into existing and/or future EQI developments as a solution for natural ventilation and as a step to further minimize the demand for air conditioning so that all spaces, both public and private, are ventilated and conditioned passively without the need for mechanical air conditioning.

Collaboration and Community-Partner

Environmental Quality International (EQI), founded in Egypt in 1981, is a comprehensive environmental consulting firm known for its expertise in developing and implementing strategies to address environmental issues. Under the leadership of the esteemed Dr. Mounir Neamatalla, EQI has become a specialist in microfinance, ecotourism, and agriculture, effectively meeting development needs across various sectors. The company has earned a global reputation for its quality and innovative approach, both as a consultant and as a direct investor in sustainable development projects.

Headquartered in Cairo and mostly operating in Siwa, EQI is dedicated to generating significant economic benefits for local communities while preserving the region’s valuable natural resources and cultural heritage.

As part of their continuing efforts, EQI is offering a residency opportunity in Siwa for undergraduate and graduate architecture students to not only explore the oasis and engage with the Siwan community but to also appreciate the sustainable lifestyle.