SARMAD - سَرْمَدً

Cairo University, Faculty of Engineering Architecture Department.

Project idea

The “SARMAD” is a cultural and educational project located in the historical coastal city of Rashid (Rosetta), Egypt. Rooted in the city’s rich maritime legacy and the untold stories of sailors, immigrants, and fishermen, the museum aims to preserve and revive Rasheed’s fading coastal identity. SARMAD responds to environmental and cultural challenges by establishing a resilient architectural language that emerges from the water, echoing the geometry of sails and the fragmented forms of lost boats. The museum is designed on reclaimed land through a phased development strategy that includes coastal protection and the revitalization of the harbor edge. Its spatial morphology reflects the narrative of movement and memory—starting from an open palm grove leading into halls that house boats, artifacts, and immersive experiences, and culminating in the “Hall of Loss and Hope,” a symbolic space commemorating those who were lost at sea in search of a better future. The architectural massing is organized along three main axes, framing the sea and creating a procession of exhibits, educational spaces, and water-related experiences. With integrated passive strategies, shading structures, and a deep connection to the surrounding maritime context, SARMAD stands not only as a museum but as a contemporary archive of human resilience, heritage, and environmental awareness.

Project description

The SARMAD Culture Complex Museum is a culturally and environmentally responsive project located on the edge of Rasheed (Rosetta), a city historically shaped by its maritime heritage. The museum goes beyond a mere architectural expression to address the preservation of cultural identity, the impact of rising sea levels, and the stories of migration and displacement that have defined the region. Through the reclamation of a portion of the coastal waterfront, the museum creates a journey of memory and reflection, starting from a palm-lined approach and leading through thematic halls, including the Hall of Boats, Hall of Migration, and the emotionally charged Hall of Loss and Hope. Its fragmented architectural form draws inspiration from shattered boats and the geometry of sails, symbolizing both resilience and rupture. The project weaves together community engagement, educational spaces, and interactive exhibitions with environmental design strategies such as site elevation, natural ventilation, and passive cooling. The use of locally sourced materials like Rasheed stone and timber shading systems reinforces the museum’s rootedness in place and tradition. Ultimately, SARMAD is envisioned as a regenerative landmark that not only archives maritime heritage but also reconnects Rasheed’s people with their sea, history, present and future.

Technical information

SARMAD is situated on an approximately 24,000 square meter site along Rasheed’s waterfront (Nile and Sea), with a built-up area of around 10,200 square meters. The building typology is a cultural waterfront museum composed of three main wings extending into the water, organized around a central circulation axis. The structure employs a hybrid system combining reinforced concrete frames and long-span steel trusses to create open, flexible exhibition spaces. The iconic shell-like roof structure is formed with a double-layer truss system that allows for both visual lightness and natural ventilation. The museum is raised on a marine-grade pile foundation, designed to withstand tidal fluctuations and future sea level rise. The building envelope is composed of Rasheed stone, exposed concrete, timber louvers, and low-emissivity glass to balance thermal control and transparency. Environmental performance is enhanced through passive cooling strategies, shaded courtyards, cross-ventilation, and the integration of reclaimed and local materials to reduce embodied energy. A highlight of the technical design is the immersive underwater tunnel that connects exhibition spaces and simulates the sensation of moving beneath the sea. Fully accessible and socially inclusive, the museum integrates education, heritage, and sustainability into a cohesive spatial and structural system that reflects both the past and aspirations of Rasheed’s coastal communities.

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