International Visitors Programme
In September 2024, Cairo-based architect, urban planner and cultural initiator Amr Abotawila came to the Netherlands as a guest of the International Visitors Programme. He aimed to learn from the expertise of different adaptive reuse models in the Netherlands and building a network of like-minded experts. In a jam-packed week-long programme, Abotawila visited a wide range of initiatives, locations and studios, each embodying a specific perspective and approach to reusing and revitalising existing buildings, often in collaboration with a local community.
In a short space of time, he visited Stadsherstel and its headquarters in the Amstelkerk (with senior advisor Paul Morel), the Oude Kerk (with director Mariëtte Dolle and chief curator Marianna van der Zwaag), Tetterode (with tenants Charlie Clemoes and Rens den Hollander), Buro van Stigt and its work in De Hallen (with founder André van Stigt), NDSM Kunstloods (with community member Sarah Payton), WDJ Architects in the Van Nellefabriek (with founder Wessel de Jonge), BOEi and their key project Donge Centrale (with senior advisor Finn Dudok de Heel), Urban Resort and its main building ACTA (with director Bas van Geen), Kunstfort Vijfhuizen (with director Rabiaâ Benlahbib) and lastly Ons' Liever Heer op Solder (with curator Aron Eilander).
Amr Abotawila gave two lectures, one on Wednesday 11 September at the Amstelkerk as part of the Cairo Conversations and the other on Friday 13 September at the mini-conference Identity and Landscape at Podium Architectuur Schiphol and Haarlemmermeer. The lecture on 11 September was a collaboration with two other Dutch-Egyptian collaborative projects that were presenting their work in Amsterdam at the same time. Stadsherstel, Very Nile, Olivier de Gruyter and AP+E organised a well-attended evening where the representatives of several Cairo-based projects came together to share their knowledge and experience.
Amr Abotawila is an architect, urban planner and cultural initiator based in Cairo. His expertise lies in urban and cultural development in disadvantaged areas, including ‘informal’ settlements and historic neighbourhoods. His commitment to participatory and people-centred development is the driving force behind his work. He is currently actively involved in the emergency conservation of the City of the Dead in Cairo.