Umm Al-Rakham Living Museum

Alexandria University - Faculty of Fine Arts

Project idea

Umm Al-Rakham Living Museum is an architectural proposal that transforms the archaeological site of Umm Al-Rakham into a contemporary museum where architecture becomes part of the visitor's journey. Rather than functioning solely as a container for artifacts, the museum allows visitors to experience the site's story through a sequence of spatial experiences inspired by archaeological excavation and discovery.
The design is shaped by the concept of revealing hidden layers, translating the process of excavation into architectural form. Changes in levels, carefully framed views, light-filled spaces, and interconnected exhibition routes create a gradual narrative that encourages exploration and discovery.
The project integrates permanent and temporary exhibition spaces, educational facilities, research areas, public gathering spaces, and visitor services within a coherent circulation system. The architectural language balances contemporary design with the surrounding landscape, creating a destination that supports learning, cultural exchange, and public engagement while respecting the site's unique identity.
The objective of the project is to provide an immersive museum experience where architecture itself becomes a storytelling medium, transforming a historical site into a dynamic place for education, exploration, and interaction.

Project description

The Umm Al-Rakham Living Museum is a contemporary architectural proposal developed to create an immersive museum experience inspired by the archaeological character of the Umm Al-Rakham site in Marsa Matrouh, Egypt.
The project is organized around a central circulation spine that connects a series of exhibition spaces and public functions, allowing visitors to experience the museum as a continuous architectural journey. The spatial composition is shaped through a clear hierarchy of indoor and outdoor spaces, integrating exhibition galleries, immersive digital experiences, educational workshops, research and conservation laboratories, administration, a multipurpose hall, a café, a gift shop, and visitor services.
The design responds to the site's topography and environmental conditions through carefully oriented masses, shaded outdoor spaces, natural daylight, and visual connections between interior spaces and the surrounding landscape. Public plazas and landscaped courtyards enhance the visitor experience while encouraging social interaction and cultural activities.
The project combines architectural expression with functional efficiency, creating a flexible and accessible environment that supports exhibition, education, research, and community engagement. Through its spatial organization and contemporary architectural language, the museum provides a dynamic destination that connects visitors with the story of Umm Al-Rakham through exploration, interaction, and experience.

Technical information

The Umm Al-Rakham Living Museum is designed as a low-rise reinforced concrete structure that provides flexibility for large-span exhibition spaces while ensuring structural stability and long-term durability. The structural system combines reinforced concrete columns, beams, and slabs with selected long-span roof elements to create open, adaptable gallery spaces with minimal visual obstruction.
The building envelope incorporates a double-skin glazed façade in selected areas to improve daylight performance, reduce solar heat gain, and enhance thermal comfort. High-performance glazing and external shading devices minimize direct solar radiation while maintaining visual transparency and strong connections with the surrounding landscape.
Environmental performance is supported through passive design strategies, including optimized building orientation, shaded courtyards, natural daylight, cross-ventilation in public spaces, and landscaped open areas that improve the site's microclimate. Exhibition areas are designed with controlled natural lighting to protect displayed artifacts while creating comfortable interior environments.
The museum is fully accessible through barrier-free circulation, ramps, elevators, and clear wayfinding. Independent service circulation allows efficient movement of artifacts, staff, and maintenance operations without intersecting visitor routes.
Durable materials such as exposed concrete, natural stone, steel, architectural glass, and locally sourced finishes were selected to respond to the coastal environment, reduce maintenance requirements, and establish a contemporary architectural identity that complements the site's landscape.