Ottoman Gate

OTTOMAN CAIRENE ENTRANCE

(Architectural Relief Maquette • Heritage Study)

This project explores the architectural character of a historic Ottoman-era entrance in Cairo through a handcrafted relief maquette. The design was developed through visual research, on-site references, architectural measurements, material studies, and detailed observation of the original door’s proportions, textures, and decorative elements. The model focuses on recreating the aged wooden door, surrounding stonework, metal details, and ornamental motifs while preserving the weathered character and historical identity of the original entrance.

CONCEPT & INSPIRATION

The concept was inspired by the historic entrances of Old Cairo and their distinctive Ottoman architectural character. The design focuses on the contrast between aged wood, rough stone, and decorative metalwork, capturing the weathered textures, handcrafted details, and sense of history found in the original architecture. These elements were translated into a detailed relief maquette while  preserving the authentic character of the entrance.

HISTORICAL REFERENCE

The design was developed by studying two historic Cairene entrances and combining selected architectural elements from both into one composition. Their proportions, wooden details, stonework, metal elements, and decorative motifs were carefully analyzed and reinterpreted to create a unified design that preserves the authentic character of Ottoman Cairo.

MATERIAL SIMULATION

One of the main requirements of the project was to recreate real architectural materials using alternative materials rather than the originals. Wood, stone, metal, and aged surfaces were simulated through simple model-making materials, painting, layering, and texturing techniques to achieve a convincing and realistic appearance at scale.

SCALE & DIMENSION CHALLENGE

The large dimensions of the maquette made the project a challenging and ambitious undertaking. Choosing to work at this size involved risks in maintaining accurate proportions, structural stability, material consistency, and fine detailing across the entire model. As a team, we embraced the challenge and carefully managed the construction process, resulting in a large-scale maquette with a strong visual presence and a highly detailed final outcome.

COLLABORATIVE PROJECT

This maquette was developed as a group project, with the team collaborating throughout the research, design development, material experimentation, and construction process. Tasks were shared across the different stages while maintaining a consistent visual direction and level of craftsmanship throughout the final model.

MAKING OF THE MAQUETTE

FINAL MAQUETTE

Final photographs showcasing the completed maquette, highlighting its scale, handcrafted details, simulated materials, aged textures, and the overall architectural character of the final piece.

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TO MY TEAM

To the people who made this project possible — thank you.

This was one of the most challenging projects we had ever taken on. It was our first time building something at this scale completely from scratch, with no external help, while also challenging ourselves to recreate real materials using alternative ones.

There were exhausting days, mistakes, experiments, and moments when the project felt almost impossible, but we kept believing that we could make it work.

I truly believe this project would never have succeeded without every single one of you. Every person, every idea, every effort, and every hour we spent together became part of the final result.

I’m proud of what we created, but even more proud that we created it together.

Thank you for making this project what it became.❤️