Global Construction Review, GCR, by Joe Quirke
The current light show at Giza (Demerzel21/Dreamstime)Egyptian contractor Orascom has chosen US architect Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) and local firm Raafat Miller Consulting to reimagine the son et lumière show at the Giza pyramid complex outside Cairo.
SOM will act as lead designer for the concept, design and masterplan for the project, which will employ the highest level of environmental and preservation measures.
The new attraction will include state-of-the-art technology, in line with the Egyptian government’s efforts to develop and upgrade tourist destinations.
Mohamed Abdel Aziz, executive managing director for the Misr Company for Sound & Light, which has worked at the site since 1960, said: “This project demonstrates the current focus on upgrading services provided to Egyptian and foreign visitors to the pyramids area and using first-class expertise and state-of-the-art technologies to develop the venue and the sound and light show to properly demonstrate Egyptian civilisation, and to contribute to the tourism promotion of the region.”
Chris Cooper, SOM’s design partner, added: “As one of the Seven Wonders of the World, Giza welcomes millions of people every year; in reimagining the experience, our priority is to honour and preserve its history and create a sustainable future for the Unesco World Heritage site.”
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