Charles Ayrout

Charles Habib Ayrout (1905–1961) was an Egyptian architect who is considered one of Cairo's '"pioneer" architects. He is noted for his Belle Epoque/Art Déco (1920–1940) landmark buildings and villas, and was one of the most active builders in the Heliopolis district from 1925 to 1950. He summarised his approach in 1932 as to “bring to Heliopolis the principles of modern architecture, but not of avantgarde architecture." However, he stressed the importance of learning the principles of Modern architecture, and reapplying them in Egypt, as opposed to copying them.