Yacoubian Building, Art Deco building on Talaat Harb Street, Downtown Cairo, Egypt
The Yacoubian Building is a ten-story structure with pronounced Art Deco design, featuring geometric patterns and decorative elements across its facade. The ground floor holds retail shops, while upper levels contain residential apartments and offices overlooking downtown Cairo.
Lebanese-Armenian businessman Hagop Yacoubian commissioned architect Garo Balian in 1937 to design this residential complex for wealthy Egyptians. The project was built during a time when Cairo was rapidly modernizing and European architectural styles were arriving in the city.
The building became known worldwide through Alaa Al Aswany's 2002 novel and its 2006 film adaptation, which depict how Egyptian society has transformed over time. These works turned it into a symbol of social change and contemporary life in Cairo.
The lower sections are open to the public, allowing you to observe the Art Deco details and street activity below. The residential areas above are private, but the exterior and ground floor give a good sense of the architecture and daily life in the area.
Former laundry rooms on the rooftop were transformed into living spaces for rural migrants, creating a layered social structure within the building. This adaptation shows how the building's use changed over time to meet the changing needs of people seeking shelter.
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