Nour El Refai Capturing the Architectural Essence of Thukher Club

Nour El Refai, an accomplished architectural photographer, has been honing his craft for over 20 years. His award-winning work on the Thukher Club, located in Dubai and designed by NAGA Architects, earned him recognition in the Healthcare Exterior category at the Architecture Photography MasterPrize. With a background in architecture from Cairo University, Nour’s passion for capturing the built environment is evident in every shot. In this interview, he discusses the challenges and highlights of photographing the Thukher Club and shares insights into his creative journey.

Could you give us a little background on yourself and your company?

Nour El Refai: I’m an architectural photographer with a degree in Architecture from Cairo University. I’ve been working as a photographer for 20 years, starting in Egypt and gradually expanding to projects across the Middle East and Africa. My work focuses on capturing the essence of architectural designs and spaces, showcasing their form and function through photography.

What was the brief for the Thukher Club project, and what was the focus of your photography?

Nour El Refai: The architect wanted me to focus on the dynamic shapes of the structure and how its appearance changed from different angles as you walk around the exterior. The goal was to emphasize how the building’s curves and lines interact with light and shadow throughout the day.

What challenges did you encounter during the photography process?

Nour El Refai: The main challenge was timing. Finding the perfect moment where the structure was well-defined against the sky while capturing its intricate curves required a lot of patience. I had to take the same angles at different times of the day to see which one best captured the architectural details. Some moments had perfect shade, but the building’s outline wasn’t defined, so I had to keep experimenting until I found the right balance.

What aspect of the Thukher Club project are you most proud of?

Nour El Refai: I’m especially proud of the exterior twilight shots. These required more work and attention to detail, but the final result truly captured the dynamic shapes of the building against the soft lighting of twilight. It gave the structure an almost surreal quality, which I’m very happy with.

What led you to pursue architectural photography as a career?

Nour El Refai: From a young age, I was passionate about drawing structures. When I got my first film camera at 12, I became obsessed with documenting the built environment. Studying architecture helped me understand the value of architectural photography, and I realized I could combine my love for photography and design into one profession. Capturing buildings in a way that tells their story became my mission.

Who are your biggest influences in architectural photography?

Nour El Refai: I greatly admire the work of Tim Griffith and Fernando Guerra. They’re both incredibly talented photographers who excel at capturing architecture in a way that conveys emotion and atmosphere. Their work continues to inspire me to push the boundaries of my own photography.

If you could own any building or design object in the world, what would it be and why?

Nour El Refai: I would choose Alhambra Palace. It’s beautiful, authentic, and feels full of life. The intricate details and the way light interacts with the architecture make it a timeless masterpiece that I would love to experience up close every day.

What future trends or technologies do you think will impact architectural photography?

Nour El Refai: Advances in camera technology and computer software are making our jobs easier and more efficient. As we get better at using these tools, we can focus more on our vision and storytelling. Social media also plays a big role in how people view our work. While it can be overwhelming at times, it’s the platform where most people see our photos, so we have to adapt and make the most of it.

How can architectural photography make a difference in society?

Nour El Refai: I believe architectural photography has the power to inspire. If a photo I’ve taken stays in someone’s mind and makes them think deeply or sparks creativity, then I feel I’ve made a difference. My goal is to create memorable images that resonate with people, whether they are visual artists, designers, or just admirers of architecture.

What does receiving the Architecture MasterPrize mean to you and your work?

Nour El Refai: On a personal level, winning this award is a validation that my work is appreciated and valued. On a professional level, it has provided exposure that I wouldn’t usually get, allowing my work to be seen by leading designers and architects in the Middle East. It has opened doors and expanded my network in ways I couldn’t have anticipated.

We thank Nour El Refai for sharing his journey into architectural photography and discussing the challenges and rewards of capturing Thukher Club. His dedication to storytelling through photography continues to inspire the architectural community and beyond.