Takween’s mission focuses on innovative and concrete solutions that have been researched, tested and implemented to meet the needs of communities and their specific built environments to achieve inclusive urban spaces that will thrive for generations to come. With this mission, Takween aims to improve the quality for inhabitants living in cities across Egypt and the Middle East.
Researcher (Documentation)
Job Type
Part-Time
Job Location
Cairo, Luxor, Egypt
Department
Project Based (Women-Led Wood Workshop and Showroom)
Closing Date
Thursday, December 12, 2024
About the job
Takween ICD is seeking to hire a Researcher to focus on documenting traditional motifs and woodwork designs in Esna's architecture, particularly in temples and heritage buildings. The role involves conducting in-depth research, creating sketches and drawings, and collaborating with other team members to develop a digital catalogue of these designs for use in modern woodwork production. The Researcher will blend creative and technical skills to preserve and adapt traditional craftsmanship for contemporary applications.
Key Result Areas
Main Duties and Responsibilities:
Conduct in-depth research on traditional woodwork designs, focusing on motifs and ornaments found in the heritage buildings, temples, and other architectural structures of Esna.
Investigate the materials and techniques historically used in the creation of traditional woodwork handicrafts in the region.
Document architectural details (traditional motifs, patterns, and woodwork design) through detailed sketches and written descriptions, ensuring accuracy and cultural context.
Provide detailed documentation of traditional motifs, patterns, and woodwork designs for inclusion in a digital catalogue.
Ensure that each design or motif is accompanied by contextual information, including historical background, cultural significance, etc.
Collaborate with the graphic design team to ensure the accurate and cohesive presentation of designs within the digital catalogue.
Share regular progress updates with management and other team members to ensure alignment on project goals and timelines.
Archive of the projects’ data (documents, drawings, sketches, filed notes, photographs, digital materials, etc.) to ensure the proper maintenance and accessibility of the projects’ archives.
Assist the Project Manager in documenting projects’ results; and collecting written and graphic materials to produce different reports, communication materials and presentations.
Assist the Project Manager in designing, organizing, and publicizing different workshops and seminars engaging local stakeholders, professionals, and public audience.
Actively engage under the supervision of the Project Manager in communication activities, electronic campaigns, or social media platforms.
Requirements
Qualification:
B. Sc. in Architecture, Design, Fine Arts or equivalent university degree in related area of study. A specialization in cultural heritage, traditional arts, or woodworking design is a plus.
Experience:
2-7 years of working experience in research, design, documentation, urban/architectural conservation.
Experience in researching, designing, and working with geometric Islamic design motifs, including their application in modern and traditional contexts.
Familiarity with urban/architectural, cultural heritage, traditional crafts, and participatory design.
Strong artistic sense, with a creative approach to adapting traditional motifs into modern designs.
Knowledge of woodworking techniques and materials is a plus.
Skills:
Excellent working knowledge MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Adobe Creative Suite: (Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign, Adobe Premier), AutoCAD.
Relevant 3D modeling, 3D Max, Lumion, Vray, Sketchup with supportive render plugins is a plus.
Strong research/writing skills with an ability to document historical and cultural information accurately.
Fluency in oral and written Arabic and English is a must.
Excellent analytical and writing skills in Arabic and English is desirable.
Strong interpersonal communications skills.
Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
Graphic design, photography and sketching skills are an advantage.
Competencies:
Ability to work under high pressure and carry out multi-tasks in simultaneous projects.
Self-motivation and willingness to learn.
Creativity and ability to seek and explore innovative solutions.
Teamwork abilities and work collaboratively with other stakeholders and staff members.
Strong planning and organizational skills to cope with expected workload.
Accountability and high commitment to the company’s quality standards and code of ethics.
Effective communication of ideas and design solutions with clients and team members.
Active Listening: in addition to clearly communicating information to others, you must be able to understand what others are sharing with you.
Problem Solving: problems will inevitably arise during most projects. You must be able to quickly identify and then solve them to keep the project moving forward.
Critical Thinking: good problem solving requires the ability to evaluate possible solutions before choosing the most promising one.
Work Location:
The position will be at the Main office in Cairo, with trips to site work location (Esna, Luxor Governorate). Accommodation and transportation are covered.
About us
Takween Integrated Community Development (Takween) is an urban development firm established in 2009 in Egypt by a dynamic team with extensive experience, in response to a foreseen growing demand for innovative urban solutions in a world where it is predicted that by 2030, 60% of the world’s inhabitants will be living in urban centers. Takween specializes in the development of integrated packages in urban development services and solutions to support and complement efforts of tackling urban challenges. Takween provides project planning, design, and implementation services to a range of local and international clients. Takween fields of interventions include integrated urban development and upgrading, heritage management and conservation, community development and mobilization, participatory design and planning, and construction activities.