Deira Resort

Faculty of Fine Arts, Alexandria University in Alexandria

Project idea

Deira Resort
An Interpretation of Arab-Moroccan Identity in Hospitality Design

The Deira Resort project is a hospitality development inspired by the rich cultural and architectural heritage of the Arab-Moroccan region. Rooted in the values of warmth, privacy, and connection to nature, the resort seeks to create an immersive environment that captures the spirit of traditional Moroccan living while meeting the comfort and expectations of contemporary travelers.

This project emerges from a broader vision to reintroduce regional identity into architectural expression, particularly within Egypt’s evolving tourism landscape. Located in a serene setting, Deira is designed to be a retreat ,both physically and culturally — where architecture tells a story and space becomes an experience.

The primary objective of the project is to celebrate the North African-Arab aesthetic through thoughtful design elements: the interplay of shadow and light, the use of local materials, intricate geometric patterns, and encourage stillness and reflection. These principles guide both the spatial layout and the atmosphere of the resort.

Goals of the project include:

Cultural Preservation: Showcasing and preserving Arab-Moroccan architectural language in a modern resort setting.

Sustainable Integration: Creating harmony between the built environment and the natural context through sustainable and locally sourced materials.

User-Centered Experience: Offering guests a unique and authentic hospitality experience rooted in regional traditions, while ensuring modern-day comfort and functionality.

Architectural Dialogue: Establishing a balance between tradition and innovation — allowing the past to inform the present without imitation.

Deira is not just a resort; it is an invitation to slow down, reconnect, and discover the richness of a cultural narrative often overlooked in contemporary resort design. It aspires to be a destination that honors its context and offers a meaningful alternative to the globalized aesthetic dominating much of today’s architecture.

Project description

The scope of this project encompasses the interior architectural design of a resort hotel located in Nuweibaa, Egypt, with a focus on translating the cultural depth and visual richness of Arab-Moroccan heritage into a contemporary hospitality experience.

Design Objective:
The aim is to provide a tranquil, sensory-rich environment that blends modern comfort with authentic regional identity. The project solution interprets traditional Moroccan elements — such as arches, mashrabiya-inspired details, rich textiles, and earthy material palettes — within a functional, modern layout.

Functional Scope Includes:

Lobby & Reception Area: Designed as a welcoming space with visual storytelling through materials, lighting, and spatial proportions.

Lounge and Waiting Zones: Featuring warm textures, low seating, and soft ambient lighting that encourage relaxation and cultural immersion.

Dining & Café Area: Integrating Moroccan-inspired decor and intimate seating arrangements to create a cozy, authentic atmosphere.

Guest Rooms: Combining minimalism and traditional detail for comfort, privacy, and a grounded, serene experience.

Vertical Circulation: Staircases and elevator zones designed as transitional spatial moments rather than merely functional cores.

Design Solution Approach:

Material Strategy: Use of local and natural materials like stone, wood, and tadelakt (Moroccan plaster) to connect the design to its desert context.

Color Scheme: A palette inspired by sand dunes, clay, olive wood, and Moroccan textiles to evoke warmth, grounding, and cultural depth.

Cultural Motifs: Integration of arches, traditional rugs, handcrafted metalwork, and lighting elements to infuse the space with narrative and identity.

Spatial Flow: A clear and smooth circulation system connecting public and private zones while maintaining a sense of openness and intimacy.

Through this approach, the Deira Resort is envisioned as a destination that revives regional heritage in a way that is both visually striking and functionally efficient, offering guests a unique and peaceful retreat that respects tradition while embracing the present.

Technical information

Technical Specification of the Project
Deira Resort – Interior Architecture Design

Project Type:
Resort Hotel (Interior Design)

Project Title:
Deira Resort – An Arab-Moroccan Inspired Hospitality Experience

Location:
Nuweibaa, South Sinai, Egypt

Academic Level:
Third Year – Interior Architecture Department
Faculty of Fine Arts, Alexandria University

Site Context:

Coastal and desert-adjacent environment

Calm, low-traffic area ideal for wellness and retreat-based tourism

Strong connection to nature, tranquility, and open vistas

Design Style:

Arab-Moroccan Fusion with Contemporary Minimalism

Cultural theme: North African (Moroccan) influence in form, texture, and color

Emphasis on traditional elements (arches, patterns, materials) within modern spatial organization

Total Built Area:

Ground Floor + First Floor

Detailed floor plans scaled at 1:200

Room units and sectional view presented at scales 1:100 and 1:50

Key Spaces Designed:

Reception Lobby

Lounge Areas

Restaurant / Dining Zone

Circulation Corridors and Waiting Zones

Standard Guest Rooms

Vertical Circulation Core (Stairs & Elevator)

Materials Used:

Natural Stone (Basalt, Travertine)

Moroccan-style Tiles

Raw and Polished Wood (Local and Dark Oak Tones)

Tadelakt Plaster Finish

Brass and Handcrafted Metal Fixtures

Textiles: Wool, Cotton, Woven Moroccan Rugs

Color Palette:

Warm Neutrals: Sand, Clay, Beige

Accents: Deep Red, Olive Green, Burnt Orange, Walnut Brown

Contrasts: Black Iron and Gold Finishes for fixtures

Lighting Strategy:

Mixed-use of ambient and accent lighting

Hanging lanterns and wall sconces in traditional Moroccan style

Warm LED lighting to enhance mood and texture of materials

Furniture & Decor:

Custom low-seating inspired by Moroccan majlis

Handwoven fabrics and cushions

Decorative carpets, pottery, and wall-mounted traditional instruments and textiles

Technical Considerations:

Ergonomics and guest comfort considered in circulation width, seating heights, and room dimensions

Accessibility: Elevator and accessible ground-floor circulation included

HVAC and natural ventilation considered in material selection and ceiling heights

Noise control achieved through textile layering and spatial zoning

Software Used:

Autodesk AutoCAD (2D Plans & Technical Drafting)

Autodesk 3ds Max & V-Ray (3D Visualization)

Adobe Photoshop (Moodboard & Presentation Layout)