Whitespace Architects has won the Innovation in Architecture Award at the Design Middle East, Architecture Leaders Awards 2022, for their Mivida Project, the project is based in the Mivida masterplan, a high-end community developed by Emaar Misr in New Cairo. ̈The Place ̈ is a mixed hub consisting of 12buildings, blending work, medical care, shopping and dining experiences connected with ample outdoor areas. Mivida means My Life in Spanish, and the community is designed to embrace nature, celebrating its eco-friendly characteristics with abundant landscapes featuring native plants.
WSA ́s design is based on modularity as the buildings are broken down into two modules, the larger of which is 1150 square meters, and the smaller of which is 400 square meters. Together, they can create six different configurations as they are interconnected and shifted, producing a very fluid meandering public space that joins the different blocks, which generates a rich urban experience. By playing with those configurations, a dynamic open space emerges connecting the four main squares. Cafes and restaurants open up to these pedestrian areas that are articulated through the strategic use of landscape and artwork, creating a journey that invites people along the different plazas, ranging from the business plaza to the eat and chill up area, through to the family and children plaza.
This connectivity and openness in the public space, is enhanced with the refined design of the surrounding buildings. Contemporary facades successfully balance an energy efficient design with generous natural lighting. The composition uses a democratic distribution of openings. The rich variety and dynamism of the façade is achieved through an intelligent variation of a limited number of elements. The depth and repetition of the mullions is modulated to craft visually engaging elevations. Inside, contemporary office layouts offer functional, flexible and yet stylish workspace solutions. The versatile use of natural materials gives it a timeless, look that makes the development feel sophisticated and fresh