TURQUOISE DESERT

RESEARCH BUREAU

AMSTERDAM AND CAIRO

DECEMBER 2019 – MARCH 2020

THE TURQUOISE DESERT RESEARCH PUBLICATION IS NOW AVAILABLE TO DOWNLOAD FOR FREE HERE.

You can also listen to the researchers’ podcast about their project here

From December 2019 to March 2020 , the ‘Turquoise Desert’ research bureau brought together multidisciplinary practitioners and researchers investigating convivial practices and gatherings involving water. Of interest to the ‘Turquoise Desert’ research bureau were domesticated environments such as kitchens, urban landmarks involving water such as historical water fountains called Sabils and institutions working with water. Water and was one at the centernerve of this first Research Bureau. This publication is presenting some of the investigations from the researchers developed across their residency at the University of the Underground,

University of the Underground research programme- Turquoise Desert- Cairo/ Amsterdam
 
Juliette Le Monnyer  (FRANCE)
Amelie Jakubek (GERMANY)
Aida El – Oweidy (EGYPT)
Pauline Wiersema (HOLLAND)
Thieu Custer (HOLLAND)
Gabe Passareli Simões Vieira (BRAZIL)
Jon Flint (UK/ THAILAND)
Jose Torcal (SPAIN/ CANADA)
Carolina Valente Pinto (PORTUGAL/HOLLAND)
 
A programme lead by Foundland Collective (Ghalia Elsrakbi and Lauren Alexander) and Dr. Nelly Ben Hayoun
 
Associate lecturers of the Cairo-Amsterdam Research Bureau
 
Hala N. Barakat, archeo-botanist and researcher
Jurgen Bey, director of the Sandberg Institute
Ahmad Al-Bindari, tour guide and researcher
Alexander Cromer, designer, artist and High-School of the Underground Project Manager  
Amanda Fayant, Researcher on indigeneous practices
Prof. Bernard Foing, scientist European Space Agency
Foundland Collective, artistic duo Ghalia Elsrakbi and Lauren Alexander
Nada El-Kouny, Journalist and Anthropologist
BUREAU LADA, architectsAhmad al Bindari, tour guide
Yasmeen Moataz Ahmed, AUC lecturer, Anthropology
Maissa Mostafa, tour guide and researcher
Nat Muller, curator and critic
Ahmed Nabil, oud (Arabic guitar) teacher
Fahmy Shahin, artist, co-director University of the Underground charity
Carolyn F. Strauss, Slow Research Lab designer
SULSOLSAL, Collaborative Design Group
Many thanks to:
 
American University in Cairo, Graphic Design Department
Butchers Tears brewery, Amsterdam
Reda Ali and team, White desert tour guide and chefs
Reem El-Desouky, television writer 
Studio Khana, Egyptian alternative art education and activists
Christopher Mahon, artist
Karima Mansour, founder Cairo Contemporary Dance studio       
Ashraf Magdy, driver and guide
Megawra, architectural hub in Cairo
Ahmed Safwat and family, dinner host