Conceptual Re-design for a Touristic Village | Egypt

Location
Year
Collaboration

North Coast, Egypt
2011  
NIRAS Egypt

This coastal development project faced significant design challenges in its current state. The original master plan disregarded the site’s natural ridge, resulting in excessive earthwork, unstable shoreline conditions, and an environmentally unsound intervention. The layout emphasized single-loaded planning, leading to increased infrastructure needs and reduced efficiency in land use. Furthermore, the design favors a limited number of privileged units with sea views, leaving the majority of the development visually disconnected from the waterfront.

To address these issues, two alternative proposals were developed. Option 1 (Ridge Removed) connects the lagoon directly to the sea, but at the cost of removing the natural ridge—further compromising the shoreline’s stability and increasing environmental impact. This solution results in a fragmented, single-loaded layout and higher road density. Option 2 (Ridge Maintained) offers a more sustainable strategy by preserving the natural topography and introducing swimming pool zones inland to compensate for distance from the lagoon. It also proposes a double-loaded road network to enhance spatial efficiency and integrate greenery throughout the site. The second option represents a more balanced approach, combining environmental sensitivity with improved urban design logic.