Cairo Design Week’s three districts, Heliopolis, Zamalek and Downtown, are known for their walkability. Their streets gain much of their character from mature trees that have shaped the public realm for generations. This year, Flower Bar approached that relationship between people and greenery as a design brief, creating botanical compositions that responded to each site’s atmosphere.
Founded by Khaled El Wakil, Flower Bar works with both natural and artificial plants and trees, positioning its practice at the intersection of events, interiors, and nature. “ We study a space, understand its mood, and work with greenery in a way that feels like it belongs to the place,” El Wakil tells SceneHome. The team works directly on site, arranging materials as they read the space. “It feels like painting. The concept is set, but the composition forms in the moment.”
Across Cairo Design Week, Flower Bar created a series of installations that moved through key venues. In Zamalek, they designed 'Intertwined Botanica,' the entrance installation at Aisha Fahmy Palace in collaboration with Design Avenue, followed by the greenery for 'Aicha’s Table' by Reem Abou El Makarem and Phlog's Photography Exhibition inside the palace. At the Greater Cairo Library, they shaped the botanical setting for 'Samiha Kamel’s Gathering Salon' by Else Lab, the Marmonil installation and Mazloum Garden. Their work continued in Downtown's Tamara Haus in Downtown like 'Al Hadra' exhibition by Design Point's Karim El Hayawan and Nehal Leheta and Ghurnata in Heliopolis.
Each intervention responded to the building that hosted it At Aisha Fahmy Palace, roses, moss, ferns and foliage were arranged to harmonize with ceilings, colors, and proportions. In the Greater Cairo Library, the planting helped define circulation and gathering zones, supporting the curatorial layouts.
Communications consultant Nihal Abdelaziz reflects on the studio’s evolving role in the festival. “This is our third year with Cairo Design Week. The variety increases every year and the formats keep changing. There is always something new to respond to.” She sees Flower Bar’s work as part of a broader moment where events, interiors and nature intersect. “It is rewarding to be part of the art, design and smaller details happening inside these spaces.”