5 key facts about this project
The design explores the important themes of forced marriage and the empowerment of young women. Located in Tahrir Square in Cairo, Egypt, the pavilion serves both as a physical structure and a reflective space. It captures the emotional experiences of women facing societal expectations, creating an environment that highlights the struggle between personal desires and imposed pressures.
Concept and Structure
The pavilion takes on a chapel-like form, described as holy yet empty, representing the disconnect felt by women in forced marriages. Its structure consists of cold steel rods, which provide strength while also conveying emotional distance. This material choice reflects the realities of restricted lives. It stands in contrast to traditional wedding imagery, evoking feelings of apprehension.
Materiality and Aesthetic
Draped partially with wedding veil fabrics, the pavilion combines the hard nature of steel with the softness of bridal attire. This mix creates a visual contrast that enhances the complexity of arranged marriages. The fabric introduces familiar elements of celebration, yet its use within such a rigid structure symbolizes a sense of confinement. The materials used are central to the design, emphasizing the narratives of struggle and resilience.
Spatial Experience
The layout of the pavilion recalls the journey of a bride walking down the aisle. However, this experience carries a sense of unease, reflecting the inner conflict of young women who have to surrender their freedom. As visitors move through the space, they encounter a mixture of celebration and anxiety. The arrangement invites contemplation on the nature of choice in the face of traditional norms.
Light and Reflection
Light plays a crucial role in the overall experience of the pavilion. Natural light filters through the gaps in the steel rods, creating a shifting atmosphere throughout the day. This light enhances the structure's forms and casts shadows that evoke the complexities of identity and societal demands. The interaction between light and shadow deepens the emotional narrative, focusing attention on the ongoing struggle for agency among women facing forced marriage.
