As an emerging cultural foundation promoting critical thinking and literary culture, DOUM Foundation was interested in finding a location Downtown within the historical context to be re-modelled to the needs and programs of its mandate. The chosen site is a late 19th century residential building in the immediate vicinity of the Abdeen Palace and was part of a cluster of residential unit housing for servants, cooks and the entourage of the royalty. Over the past 150 years, the building has suffered major structural damage, and the construction of additions and subdivisions, most of which were insensitive to its historical value.

The project aims at restoring the historical integrity of the main façade, working within the limitations of the wall bearing system, yet producing an array of programmatic elements such as a small stage for performances and events, workshop spaces, archives and administration, in addition to necessary circulation and facilities.

The project attempts to strike a balance between the historical quality of the existing structure and the technical and programmatic requirements of the new functions.