18-12, Nishiochiai 2-chome,
Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 161-8575, Japan
Phone: +81-3-5906-0211
FAX: +81-3-5906-0112

Architecture

BACKGROUND & PURPOSE OF PROJECT

At the Valley of the Kings, a number of tombs created some 3,000 – 3,500 years ago are scattered over a wide area and it is not easy for visitors to quickly understand the outline as well as the importance of this place. Despite this difficulty, there are no adequate on-site facilities to provide vital information on the Valley of the Kings. Visitors have to walk under the scorching sun to the entrance of each tomb of a king and the existing resting facilities for visitors are insufficient. Guides are not allowed to explain the history and other relevant matters to visitors inside the tombs. Under these circumstances, the Government of Egypt has made a request to the Government of Japan for the provision of grant aid for the construction of a visitor center, the purpose of which is to provide information on the Valley of the Kings for visitors while contributing to the preservation and utilisation of cultural heritage, and also for the provision of the necessary equipment.

CHARACTERISTICS, CONCEPT, STANCE & SKILLS OF PROJECT

At the early project planning stage, the construction of a visitor center possessing a mini museum, information hall and conservation center, etc. was proposed to address such problems as (i) the difficulty of understanding the heritage at the Valley of the Kings on the part of visitors, (ii) the necessity to pay careful attention to the fact that degradation of the heritage is progressing due to the presence of many visitors and (iii) the necessity to facilitate the study as well as restoration of the heritage. Through consultations with the SCA, however, it was agreed to introduce a single large exhibition and information space without internal walls in order to deal with the expected large number of visitors with layout flexibility. In addition, the idea of incorporating a conservation center was withdrawn as the SCA office is already located on the west bank. Furthermore, the planned display of excavated articles and replicas to increase the attractiveness of the visitor center was also withdrawn due to concern in regard to their security and other reasons. It was agreed that the Egyptian side would undertake improvement of the car parking facilities, display of items other than a topographical model of the Valley of the Kings, on-site security, continued preservation and restoration of the cultural heritage and operation and maintenance of the visitor center.
The planned functions of the exhibition and information halls will be performed using a topographical model of the Valley of the Kings and information panels (maps, drawings, photographs and commentaries). The transparent topographical model of the Valley of the Kings will facilitate visitors to understand the location of each underground tomb at a glance. Small-scale seminars and lectures will be held in the video corner, thus performing part of the function associated with the conservation center. The existence of this visitor center will greatly improve the environment for cultural study by visitors. In short, the new visitor center is expected to have the result of improving the state of conservation of the cultural heritage at the Valley of the Kings and enhancing recognition of its value.

EFFECT OF PROJECT

(1) Direct Effects
・Easy to understand information on the Valley of the Kings will be provided for the visitors on their way to and from the heritages through a topographical model, various exhibits and video displays, etc.
・he view around the car park situated at the approach section to the Valley of the Kings will be improved.
・Most visitors will understand importance of conservation and the correct behaviour inside the tombs based on the instructions and warnings provided in the visitor center.
(2) Indirect Effects
・Up-to-date information on the state of restoration of the tombs will be provided to meet the demands of individual visitors for detailed information on the Valley of the Kings.
・The visitors will be able to get out of the outside heat in the building.