Project Description:
(Dunes) is a sand therapeutic center where people with Rheumatoid Arthritis can find solace in the healing power of Sand Therapy. This wellness center will offer a tranquil Sanctuary, surrounded by breathtaking views and gentle waves, creating a haven of relief and rejuvenation. The location of the project experience both desert and water where tourists and patients can find the ideal healing environment. It is a mix between therapeutic and wellness center where it focuses on physical and spiritual treatment. There is no interior design program in Egypt that is entirely dedicated to sand therapy for curing rheumatic patients. Furthermore, building a place and program for a therapeutic center that makes use of the resources of nature available in Egypt will demonstrate the beneficial effects of sand treatment on rheumatic diseases; resulting in to the expansion of wellness and natural therapy tourism in Egypt. The Project is designed respectfully interior & exterior.

* This Project Targets users: Doctors, Patients, Nurses, Tourists, Workers.

- Concept: (Flowing In Harmony) - Connection Between Nature, Human Anatomy, & Health.
The design philosophy centers the idea of creating space that harmoniously connects the beauty of nature with the human's body ability to move and feel comfortable.

- Vision: The Project aims to improve the well-being, quality of life, and health outcomes of rheumatoid patients through the use of local natural sources for natural medicine as a complementary therapy in a specialized and caring setting. One of the most important goals of the project is to achieve sustainability to ensure the best quality of use.
- Zones used in this Project:
1) Sand Therapy Healing Area
2) Reception & waiting Area
3) Rejuvenation Relaxing Lounge
4) Outdoor Restaurant & Café
5) Chalets & Pool Area
6) Outdoor Lounge Area

- Rest of the Zone areas:
1) Doctors & Nurses Rooms
2) Sauna
3) Massage Room
4) Changing Rooms
5) Chillout Room
6) Yoga Area
7) Doctors & Nurses Accommodation

2024

- Location of the Project: Safaga Soma Bay, Red Sea, Egypt.
- Reason for choosing the location:
1) Black Sand: Safaga is known for its black sand. These sand contain gold salts and radioactive isotopes that work to relieve pain specifically for rheumatoid Patients.
2) Climatic Conditions: The perfect climatic healing environment for rheumatoid patients is hot dry climate with humidity. The location region is bounded by mountainous heights that act as a barrier toward the wind and sandy storms, creating a pure atmosphere free of impurities and dust. In addition, the warm sun's rays shine during every season and months of the year, and they play a significant role in treatment. It’s high UV ray concentration has significant therapeutic benefits.
3) Tourist Attraction Destination.

- Sustainability Aspects Used in the Project:
1) AIRFLOW: semi-open spaces all along the perimeter of the whole building, making Access of good natural ventilation that can reduce or eliminate air conditioning.

2) SHADING: curvilinear punctuated envelope surrounds the building. This envelope reduces heat gain substantially whilst providing sheltered open spaces around the building to each room, keeping the entire building cool in hot summer weather in the chosen location. Moreover, the additional punctured shear walls protect the internal volumes from the desert heat.

3) ENERGY: water recycling, and solar panels for energy generation and energy efficient spaces with reduced heat gain and indirect natural light to each part of the building.

4) Environmentally Friendly Local Materials that interacts with the idea of sustainability: lime plaster, sandstone,
natural wood, rattan, locally sourced Bricks, Terracotta.

- SDG GOALS: Good Health & Well Being
Sustainable Cities & Communities

- Programs used:
AutoCAD, 3DS Max, V.Ray, Revit, Photoshop.

Project designed by: Nour Farid
A student at the faculty of Arts & Design, department of Interior Design (MSA University)
Mentors: Prof. Dr. Ola Hashem, Prof. Dr. Hoda Madkour, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Karam Abdullah

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Nour Farid