SHEMU

5* STAR HOTEL IN MARSA MARES, EGYPT

Architecture, Interior Design: Micromega

Design Team: Alexandros Zomas, Mara Papavasileiou, Dimitris Papageorgiou, Natalia Tsakalaki-Karka, XARA 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.

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.

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. 

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.