SHEMU

5* STAR HOTEL IN MARSA MARES, EGYPT

Architecture, Interior Design: Micromega

Design Team: Alexandros Zomas, Mara Papavasileiou, Dimitris Papageorgiou, Natalia Tsakalaki-Karka, Chara Venetsanaki

gardens for temples and shrines

The ancient Egyptian garden is one of the first examples of artificial landscaping ( 2.800 B.C.) In the center of the garden was a pond with fish and lotus flowers.

Trees of fig, palm, sycamore, pomegranate, nut trees and jujube lined the perimeter.

Flowers would be grown in beds or in pots lining walkways to the house while typically the garden would be enclosed by walls.

The new resort takes inspiration from the effervescent sense of adventure & exploration the land of Egypt instills to humans.

Merchants, nomads & pioneers, pilgrims & experiences afficionados have long relished the spiritual vastness of the desert, the rejuvenating verdant delta of the Nile & the unpretentious richness of the coastal regions. 

Porticos & pergolas would provide thick shade and protection from heat for the residents.

Cooling breezes, aromas from the herbs & flowers, as well as the sound of babbling water, created an all senses experience.

The gardens of ancient Egypt began as simple fruit orchards and vegetable gardens, irrigated with water from the Nile. Gradually as the country became richer, they evolved into pleasure gardens at residences and palaces & religious gardens for temples and shrines.

A tranquil place of sheltering, In order for all the explorers & pioneers to push themselves into the unknown,

expand beyond frontiers and into the forbidding landscape a counterbalance is needed.

shade & water.

An opportunity for inner reflection, physical rejuvenation & spiritual cleansing in a verdant set.

We find this protection from the scorching heat & harsh nature into the archetype of the Egyptian garden.