Sakina El-Safty

A visionary Egyptian architect who pioneered inclusive urban design and public architecture in post-colonial Egypt.

Sakina El-Safty (1920–1998) was a groundbreaking Egyptian architect whose work redefined urban spaces to prioritize accessibility and community needs. Born in Cairo, she studied engineering at Cairo University and later became one of the first women to practice architecture in Egypt, defying cultural norms of her era.

El-Safty's most notable project was the design of the National Library of Egypt in 1955, which emphasized functionalism and public accessibility. She incorporated open-air courtyards and ramps for wheelchair users—innovations rare in 1950s architecture. This building became a model for public libraries worldwide.

Her philosophy centered on architecture as a tool for social equity. She designed low-cost housing complexes in Cairo's informal settlements, ensuring natural ventilation and communal spaces. Her Al-Mansoura Housing Project (1968) is still celebrated for its blend of modernist design and cultural sensitivity.

El-Safty co-founded the Egyptian Society for Urban Development in 1970, advocating for participatory planning that involved local communities in decision-making. This approach influenced urban policies in post-colonial Africa and the Middle East.

Her legacy includes the Sakina El-Safty Award for sustainable architecture, awarded annually by the United Nations. Her designs for schools and hospitals in rural areas, such as the Assiut Regional Hospital, prioritized affordability and durability, making healthcare accessible to marginalized populations.

Today, her work is studied in architecture schools globally as a blueprint for socially responsible design. El-Safty's belief that 'buildings should serve people, not power' remains a guiding principle in equitable urban planning.