Digital Arts and Design Students Visit Hossam Zeitoun Stone Factory

As part of the faculty of Digital Arts and Design commitment to linking academic study with real-world practice, a large group of students took a field visit to the Hossam Zeitoun Natural Stone Contractors factory. The visit aimed to give students a close look at how natural stone moves from raw blocks to finished products ready for use in construction and architectural projects.

The tour began with a briefing from the factory’s specialists, who explained the stages of production and the safety rules to follow inside the site. The students, all wearing high-visibility safety vests, then walked through the factory’s yards and workshops, where large stone blocks are stored, sorted, and prepared for processing. They also saw the factory’s gantry crane, which is used to lift and move heavy blocks safely.

During the visit, the students learned about modern stone cutting and processing techniques and the machinery used at each stage, from cutting blocks into slabs to shaping, finishing, and polishing. The specialists explained how factors such as the stone’s hardness, grain, and intended use affect the choice of cutting method and the quality of the final product.

The students were also introduced to the different types of granite and marble, including their origins, colors, and physical properties, as well as their strengths and limitations. They learned how each type is used in flooring, wall cladding, facades, stairs, and interior finishing, and how to choose the right stone for each application.

The visit also gave the students a chance to hold an open discussion with the factory’s engineers and technicians. They asked about the practical challenges of working with natural stone, such as reducing waste, ensuring quality, and meeting project deadlines, and about the skills graduates need to work in this field.

The students said the visit gave them a clearer picture of what they study in lectures and showed them how theory is applied on site. Many described it as a valuable opportunity to see the construction materials industry up close and to build connections with professionals in the field.

Prof. Ashraf Zaki, Dean of the Faculty, stressed that field visits like this are an essential part of its educational approach, helping students develop practical skills and professional awareness alongside their academic knowledge. The faculty thanked the management and staff of Hossam Zeitoun Natural Stone Contractors for their warm welcome and cooperation, and wished the students every success in their academic and professional careers.