‘’The project resembles a contemporary social and cultural platform that is based on the revival of the memory of the place, via revealing traces of the past and layering glimpses of the future.’’
Reviving the memory of the old Opera visually without rebuilding it typically, through the traces in form and functions and mixing layers of culture and identity. Taking a walk from Ibrahim pasha’s statue, it restores the concept of a plaza for gathering through multi-functional activities. Going interiorly, the main focus is the spatial experience by the sense of fragmentation of boxes placed in diversity with the atriums to show the dynamism of activities. As the Opera was the source of art and culture, that is traced through the educational and cultural awareness area. The flexible access serves as a cultural space connecting visitors and the building. Another layer of tracing history is the main hall with a stage in the same place as the old opera ones.
Eventually, the elevation facing Attaba Square revives the old “Matatia” building concepts, by layering the same ratios of solids and voids, and also the arcades at the ground level.
Therefore, the whole building is tied by: the cultural palimpsest concept.