Draft:Waleed Arafa

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[[[[]]]] Waleed Arafa is an Egyptian architect (He is also a citizen of the United States of America and the United Kingdom). He is the founder and principal of the Cairo-based Dar Arafa Architecture^[1] . Arafa’s architectural approach combines intellectual discourse, innovative design, technical excellence, and hands-on project execution.

The Gulf Pacific Press, a publisher of books focusing on architecture, arts and culture in Asia, Southeast Asia and the Middle East, wrote that Arafa has managed to “place himself above the fray because of his emphasis on background research about vernacular sources and context, and symbolic references which speak to the spirit and cerebral cortex as well as the need to satisfy purely functional needs.”

Arafa designed projects in Egypt, the Arab world, Africa, Europe and North America. He was nominated, shortlisted and awarded many international awards, including the International Building Beauty Award, set by the British Royal Commission of Fine Arts in its first cycle 2022; the World Architecture Festival Completed Buildings WAF 2020/2021, Portugal; Archmarathon Stone Award 2019, Italy; the Construction 21 Green Solutions Award 2019, France; the IFI Design Distinction Awards in New York^[2]; and the Abdullatif Al Fozan Award for Mosque Architecture.

Three of his projects have been nominated for the prestigious Aga Khan Award for Architecture: his first solo project, Dar Arafa Residence, in Cairo in 2010; the Basuna Mosque, Sohag, Egypt in 2022; and the Maison d’Egypte in 2025.

Arafa was also honoured by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi at the Arab and African Youth Forum, held in Aswan in March 2019. Most recently, he joined the ID50 list of 2025 by the Identity Magazine, the Middle East’s leading magazine dedicated to contemporary design, architecture, interiors, lifestyle, and property.

Early Life and Education

Waleed Arafa was born on the 23rd of October, 1978 in East Lansing, Michigan, U.S.A. He spent his early life between the U.S., and Egypt.

Arafa studied architecture, urban design and planning at the Cairo-based faculty of Engineering, Ain Shams University and earned his B.S. in Architecture, Urban Design and Planning in 2001.

He completed his postgraduate studies in the U.K. where he earned a degree in the Conservation of Historical Buildings from the Architectural Association School of Architecture in London in 2015. His thesis was titled: “The Mosque in Britain: British Heritage.”^[3]

Arafa is currently a MA researcher^[4] at the American University in Cairo, AUC, focusing on the history of Islamic art and architecture. His thesis is titled: “Zero Conjecture: Documenting The Design Intent and Process of Basuna Mosque.”

Career

Arafa’s professional career as an architect began directly after his graduation in 2001. His debut was in December that year when he joined the Los Angeles-based Naga Studio Architecture + Urbanism, which had projects all around the world at the time.

Waleed worked very closely with his mentor Tarek Naga,^{[5][circular reference]} in different locations around the world, but never in Los Angeles.

During his tenure at Naga Studio, Waleed Arafa contributed to a number of architectural and artistic projects. Among these was Requiem (2001–2002), a multimedia installation commissioned by the American University in Cairo as the inaugural artwork for the opening of the university's Falaki Academic Center. The installation featured an original musical composition by Ashraf Fuad, a professor and composer. The project, which involved both design and construction, provided Arafa with significant hands-on experience. He also authored a creative piece articulating the design intent behind the work, which was endorsed by Tarek Naga and later published in Campus Magazine, a Cairo-based publication.

Arafa participated in several design competitions during his time at the studio, including the EQWA (East of Qattamiyya, West of Arabella) master-planning and housing project competition, which received a Special Mention in 2002.

His first international engagement with Naga Studio was in the World Trade Center Memorial Competition in Lower Manhattan, New York, in 2002. He also collaborated on the Giza Pyramids Plateau Master Plan (2001–2006), a project commissioned by UNESCO and Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiquities. Other notable work includes his contributions to the OQYANA development in Dubai in 2006, a project consisting of 23 artificial islands forming part of "The World" archipelago. Arafa's work with Naga Studio culminated in Hikari Tobari, an installation presented at the Tokyo Design Show in 2006 for a prominent Japanese client.

While still affiliated with Naga Studio, Arafa began work on his first independent project, Dar Arafa Residence. The design phase concluded in 2004, with construction commencing in 2005. The project experienced intermittent delays due to Arafa’s professional obligations at Naga Studio and was ultimately completed following his departure from the studio at the end of 2006.

Following his departure, Arafa established his independent practice in Cairo, Egypt. His subsequent design-build projects incorporated a range of traditional and experimental construction techniques, including load-bearing walls, arches, vaults, and domes, according to Share Architect, a global community of the field. These structural elements are evident in projects such as Roof House I and Roof House II in New Cairo, Dar al-Latteef Residence, and the KZ Residence in the Ahmad Orabi Agricultural Cooperative, east of Cairo. He also explored skeletal concrete systems in projects like the DI Residence, which is noted for its geometric façade and is considered a precursor to the central dome design of the Basuna Mosque.

In December 2009, Arafa moved to the U.K. to join Fe-noon Ahmed Moustafa (UK) Ltd.^[6] a London-based art studio and research center for Arab art and design established by renowned Egyptian-British scholar Ahmed Moustafa.^[7]

Dar Arafa Architecture

Dar Arafa Architecture (DAA) is an architectural design consultancy founded by Waleed Arafa. Initially established in 2006 as a nomadic studio operating between Cairo and London, the firm was officially launched in 2016 with a permanent base in Cairo. DAA is recognized for its award-winning architectural work, which integrates intellectual inquiry, innovative design, technical proficiency, and hands-on project execution.

The studio's design philosophy as indicated by Arafa in an interview with Karim El Hayawan, for DIVAZ emphasizes a thorough understanding of context, functionality, and client aspirations. This approach informs the creation of spaces that are not only aesthetically refined but also purposeful, sustainable, and comfortable. DAA is known for producing interiors that are both visually distinctive and grounded in practical and environmental considerations.

Over the course of two decades, Waleed Arafa has developed a respected reputation in the architecture and construction industries in Egypt and the broader Arab region. The firm’s portfolio includes environmentally conscious projects across a variety of building typologies, such as residential complexes, private residences, mosques, cultural institutions, architectural installations, and recreational and social facilities.

Basuna Mosque

Basuna Mosque, also known as Al Abu Stait Mosque, is located in the village of Basuna in Upper Egypt's province of Sohag, about 500 kilometres (310 miles) south of Cairo. The mosque was constructed to serve a range of religious, social, economic, and spiritual functions for the local community. It aimed at offering "peace and tranquillity for the community," Archello, a global architecture platform, reported in 2019.

^[8]″An Egyptian mosque that opened in 2019 causing such a buzz in Egypt and abroad for its innovative design and cultural facet. Established in Basuna Village, Sohag, by Dar Arafa Architecture and initiated by Shiekh Osama Al Azhary: Egyptian President’s Religious affairs Advisor.

Basuna Mosque received many national and international awards and was featured in multiple articles as well. Here you will find an in-depth discussion on the route Arafa followed to produce this architectural benchmark. We go through the design’s spiritual dimension that he meticulously merged with the environmental solution and cultural context.″^[9]according to Lines hub (Independent Design Magazine).

The Basuna Mosque, by Essam Arafa

The design of the mosque aimed to be inclusive, incorporating spaces accessible to women, children, and non-Muslims. This approach was intended to echo the community-oriented role of the first mosque established by the Prophet Muhammad in Medina. The project also sought to contribute to a renewed sense of pride and identity within the village, which had experienced decades of neglect.

″The mosque was designed by architect Waleed Arafa, who prioritized a design that was both cost-effective and low-maintenance. In order to reflect the architectural heritage of the region, local materials were used, including a lightweight building block composed of sand and limestone. This material choice reduced the structural load of the building, thereby minimizing the dimensions and cost of reinforced concrete components″ - as stated by Daily news Egypt.

The three-storey structure includes a minaret, a multi-purpose hall, and a prominent dome. The design has been noted for its innovative integration of historical architectural forms with modern construction methods. It was described by Archello, a global architecture platform, as a reminder of the rich potential of historical architecture in both the architectural discourse and construction innovations.

The mosque was featured in The Moment and the Place: Mosque Architecture in the Twenty-First Century, a publication by the Abdullatif Al Fozan Award for Mosque Architecture. According to the publication's authors, Mashary A. Al Naim and Waleed Al Sayyed, the mosque demonstrates a successful relationship with its surroundings, citing the careful site planning, proportion of built and open spaces, and the treatment of entrances and architectural forms.

The publication further highlighted the height and design of the minaret as a deliberate attempt to balance the symbolic function of a prominent landmark with practical considerations such as materials, construction techniques, natural lighting, and ventilation.

In an interview with Al-Fanar Media, Arafa talked about how his firm, Dar Arafa, won the international competition to design the building, following the media momentum he achieved with his design of the Basuna Mosque in Sohag Governorate, in Upper Egypt.

More about Basuna Mosque^[10]

La Maison D’Egypte

La Maison d’Égypte is a student residence located within the Cité Internationale Universitaire de Paris (CIUP), designed collaboratively by Dar Arafa Architecture and SAM Architecture. Completed in the early 2020s, the residence provides accommodation for both Egyptian and international students and reflects Egypt’s commitment to educational and cultural exchange.

The building, with a total area of 4,310 square meters, includes 195 student housing units comprising 177 single rooms (each 15 m²), 15 double rooms (20–21 m²), and 3 suites (33 m²). All rooms—except for the single units—are designed to be fully accessible in accordance with universal design standards, accommodating residents with disabilities.

^[11]As documented by George & Samuel Studio, La Maison d’Égypte is intended to serve as a symbol of Egypt’s engagement in international academic cooperation. The residence is situated within the CIUP, a historic international student campus founded in 1925 after World War I to promote peace and intercultural dialogue through higher education. Today, the CIUP hosts over 40 national residences and is considered one of the leading international student housing institutions in Paris.

^[12]La Maison d’Égypte is the third-largest residence within the CIUP campus. The architectural concept emphasizes a balance between functionality, cultural identity, and contextual sensitivity. In addition to providing living space, the building includes shared amenities and communal areas designed to encourage social interaction and foster a sense of community among its residents.

Awards

Awarded:

● IFI Design Distinction Awards 2024, New York City, U.S.A - (Humanitarian), Gold Medalist^[13]

● World Architecture Festival 2021, Portugal, Lisbon - Highly Commended

● Abdullatif Al Fozan Award for Mosque Architecture 2020 (3rd cycle) – Winner

● Middle East top 50 architectural firms power list, Dubai, UAE January 8, 2020 – Architecture Digest Middle East

● Archmarathon Stone Awards, MARMOMACC 2019,Verona, Italy - 1st prize winner

● Arab & African Youth Platform, March 2019 Awarded by HE the President of Egypt - Awardee^[14]

● Green Solutions Awards 2019, Paris, France – Energy & Hot Climate Regional - Special Mention^[15]

Nominated:

● World Architecture Festival Beauty Prize 2022, Portugal, Lisbon - Finalist

● Aga Khan Award for Architecture 2022 (15th cycle), Nominee

● Arab Architects Awards 2022, (organized by the Association of Arab Architects - Federation of Arab Engineers) – Nominee

● Fassa Bortolo International Award for Sustainable Architecture 2021, Ferrara, Italy. - Nominee

● The Big 5 Egypt Impact Awards, Egypt. 2021, Community Project of The Year, Supported by Ministry of Housing, Utilities & Urban Communities - Finalist

● Alumni Awards 2020, Entrepreneurial award Egypt 2020- Cairo,Egypt. January 2020, British Council - Finalist

● Archmarathon Stone Awards, MARMOMACC 2020, Moscow, Russia - Finalist

● Tamayouz Excellence Award – Mohamed Makiya Prize for Architecture,The Middle Eastern Architectural Personality 2019 - Finalist^[16]

● Aga Khan Award for Architecture 2010 (11th cycle) – Nominee

● Hasan Fathy Award 2009, (organized by the Bibliotheca Alexandrina) – Finalist

Jury Membership

● Architectural Competition:The Rifat Chadirji Prize for Architecture, Tamayouz Excellence Award, January 7th – September 1st.

● 2020 Architectural Competition: “Celebration of Faith” – Tokyo – Japan, May 28th – October 29th, 2019

● School of Architecture projects:American University in Cairo (AUC), German University in Cairo (GUC),Arab Academy for Science,Technology & Maritime Transport, (ASTMT) Sheraton, Cairo, Egypt.

Lectures, Speeches and Media

Writing & Translation ● Arabic to English translation of “The Manifest Truth:A refutation of those that manipulate Islam”, author: Usama al- Azhari^{[17][circular reference]}

● English to Arabic translation of “The Encyclopedia Britannica Concise”, (Architectural section) commissioned by al– Shorouk al Dawliyyah, Cairo, Egypt.

Media & Publications

International (Books)

● Featuring Dar Arafa Architecture and Basuna Mosque, Religious Facilities by David Andreu Bach, Booq, April 2021, Barcelona, Spain.

● Featuring Dar Arafa Architecture and Basuna Mosque, Beyond The West: New Global Architecture, Gestalten 2020, Berlin, Germany.

● Featuring Dar Arafa Architecture and Basuna Mosque, The Moment & The Place: Mosque Architecture in the 21st Century, AFAMA 2020

● Featuring Dar Arafa Residence, The Hassan Fathy Award for Architecture 2009, Edited by Khaled Asfour, Bibliotheca Alexandrina 2010, Alexandria, Egypt.

International (Magazines)

● Featuring Dar Arafa Architecture and Basuna Mosque, L’Architecture d’Aujourd’hui (A’A’), Desplans, April – May 2021 ,Paris, France.

● Featuring Dar Arafa Residence, “Al-Emara,” Winter 2009 – 2010, Cairo, Egypt.

References

1. "Dar Arafa Architecture - Architecture Office - Cairo,Egypt".
2. "IFI GAP 2024 Finalists |".
3. Arafa, Waleed. "The Mosque in Britain: British Heritage? Architectural Association School of Architecture Post Graduate Diploma in the Conservation of Historic Buildings".
4. "Waleed Arafa - American University in Cairo".
5. "Tarek Naga".
6. "FE-NOON AHMED MOUSTAFA (U.K.) LIMITED overview - Find and update company information - GOV.UK".
7. "Ahmed Moustafa".
8. Abdrabou, Nada (2020-07-15). "Basuna Mosque: in-depth discussion with Waleed Arafa". Lines-Hub. Retrieved 2025-09-09.
9. Abdrabou, Nada (2020-07-15). "Basuna Mosque: in-depth discussion with Waleed Arafa". Lines-Hub. Retrieved 2025-09-09.
10. "Basuna Mosque Egypt. - Dar Arafa Architecture".
11. "Georges & Samuel Mohsen – Architectural & Documentary Photographers in Egypt". By Georges & Samuel. Retrieved 2025-09-09.
12. "Egyptian Artistry Inspires This Student Housing Complex in Paris". CairoScene. Retrieved 2025-09-11.
13. "IFI GAP 2024 Finalists |".
14. "Arab and African Youth Platform".
15. "Green Solutions Awards 2019 international winners: 22 sustainable projects to inspire the profession".
16. "Meet Our Finalists: Mohamed Makiya Prize 2019 - Waleed Arafa". 15 August 2019.
17. "Osama al-Azhari".