ATHAR /أثر

Project idea

ATHAR is a sensory landscape and wellness destination rooted in the unique natural and cultural identity of Siwa Oasis. The project was inspired by the need to reconnect people with nature, local heritage, and themselves through a carefully designed journey that engages the five senses. Located near Jebel Gaafar and Siwa's salt lakes, ATHAR aims to create a meaningful experience where architecture is not merely seen, but felt, experienced, and remembered. The project promotes healing, cultural preservation, environmental awareness, and community empowerment while respecting Siwa's fragile ecosystem and authentic character

Project description

ATHAR is an integrated sensory landscape and wellness destination that combines healing, culture, craftsmanship, and nature. The project consists of a wellness and retreat zone, healing gardens, eco-lodges, craft workshops, cultural and exhibition spaces, markets, food and gathering areas, and immersive sensory experiences. Visitors move through a carefully designed journey engaging sight, sound, touch, smell, and taste through activities inspired by Siwa's landscape and traditions. The project also supports local artisans and communities by integrating traditional crafts, local products, workshops, and cultural experiences into its program.

Technical information

The project integrates passive and climate-responsive strategies inspired by Siwa's vernacular architecture and adapted to its hot, arid environment. A key feature is a network of Kershef wind towers distributed along the main pedestrian path. These towers capture prevailing winds and direct the airflow downward, where it passes over water elements before releasing cooler air at pedestrian level, creating comfortable outdoor microclimates.

A separate terracotta eco-cooling system uses porous clay screens supplied with water through concealed pipes positioned above them. Water slowly drips onto the terracotta surfaces, and as fresh air passes through the wetted porous material, evaporative cooling naturally reduces the air temperature before it enters the surrounding spaces.

The architectural design further enhances passive environmental performance through deep projecting arches, terracotta screens, thermal mass, natural cross-ventilation, shaded pedestrian paths, courtyards, and locally inspired materials. Together, these strategies reduce solar heat gain, enhance airflow, improve indoor and outdoor thermal comfort, and minimize dependence on mechanical cooling systems while preserving the authentic environmental identity of Siwa Oasis.

Documentation

Show PDF 1Show PDF 2Show PDF 3Show PDF 4