Suez Canal International Museum
Ismailia, Egypt
Award of Merit, Reform/Restoration
Presented by The Arab Contractors (Osman Ahmed Osman & Co.)
Owner: Suez Canal Authority
Main design company: Center for Archeology and Environmental Engineering – Faculty of Engineering – University of Cairo
Contractor: The Arab Contractors (Osman Ahmed Osman & Co.)
The rehabilitation of the Suez Canal Museum in Ismailia, Egypt, represents a “pioneering model” for integrating advanced technologies with heritage restoration, according to The Arab Contractors. Originally built by the French in 1862, the museum, which spans 10,000 square meters and consists of three historic buildings, serves as the headquarters of the Suez Canal Co.
Working with Cairo University’s Center for Archeology and Environmental Engineering, which led the design of the project, contractors and design firms emphasized early planning, continuous risk assessment and close coordination with heritage and government agencies as keys to success. In addition, the use of 3D laser scanning made it possible to create a digital twin of the original structure.
To strengthen the structural elements without compromising the integrity of the heritage, the team applied lightweight steel framing systems and non-invasive anchoring techniques. In addition, a custom-designed self-compacting concrete mix was designed to reflect the building’s original materials in color and texture.
The end result, says Arab Contractors, is a transformation of “this historic building into a state-of-the-art museum that bridges Egypt’s rich past with its cultural future.”
