Design in Egypt. A Historic and Theoretical Context

Abstract

This study is observing design in Egypt to articulate its theoretical framework, which developed since the establishments of the early model of vocational school in 1839. The school formed to provide much needed skilled workers for the modern industrial productions capabilities progressively established at that time. The school transformed during the postcolonial era to take the current educational institution of applied arts. Building on Egypt’s geopolitical superiority and cultural influences in the region, its design education model spread across many neighbouring countries. Egypt is one of the ancient centres of skilled craftsmanship, traditional crafts as socio-cultural context and practices continue to influence the applied arts teaching pedagogy. The study argues the need to consider the role of design in the social context and move it outside its traditional context and practices of making and ornamenting material objects.