Header: Georges & Samuel Mohsen, The GS Studio
Near the Nile in Cairo, a bright red structure called Pergola opened in October, creating a new focal point for the local art community in Cairo. Located near Agouza Children’s Park, the project was a team effort between CLUSTER, THISS Studio, and Orient Productions, transforming a corner of one of the city’s few remaining public green areas.
The design draws on the idea of a bandstand, providing shelter while supporting cultural activity. The new space was also created as a response to the ongoing commercialisation of Cairo’s public spaces, offering a venue where art, performance, and local engagement take centre stage.
Almost all of Pergola is made from recycled plastic collected from the Nile and local construction sites, with contributions from TileGreen, Reblox, and VeryNile. Aside from its steel frame, the building’s surfaces are reclaimed materials, demonstrating practical ways to reuse waste in construction.
The structure supports multiple uses. Equipped with lighting, sound equipment, and a small backstage area, it can host performances, screenings, and events. On days without scheduled programming, the cantilevered canopy provides shaded seating, while children of all ages can play around and enjoy the removable swings. Its location next to the 6th of October Bridge makes the vivid red form highly visible, asserting the presence of public space amid the city’s heavy traffic and advertising
Pergola opened as part of a citywide arts initiative curated by Orient Productions. Its first season spans six months and features concerts, theatre, dance, and film, with a focus on sustainability. The program aims to draw both local visitors and audiences from across Cairo.
The project was developed through workshops and co-design sessions, which involved students, neighbourhood residents, and local designers. This collaboration ensured that the structure reflects the priorities of the local community rather than a single organization’s perspective.
Funded by Art Jameel and the British Council, Pergola is one of four major commissions across the Middle East. It shows how material reuse, careful planning, and local collaboration can result in public spaces that are both practical and socially meaningful, providing a new platform for culture in a city where open space is scarce.
The unusual, bright-red sanctuary will host a full season of events through the end of the year. Pergola’s success holds the potential to inform future projects that prioritize community-led design and sustainable materials in Cairo.
Project Detrails
Location: Giza, Cairo, Egypt
Collaborators: CLUSTER (Cairo Lab for Urban Studies, Training and Environmental Research), THISS Studio, and Orient Production
Opening date: October 10, 2025
Photo Credit: Georges & Samuel Mohsen, The GS Studio
