Egypt Reimagined: International ideas competition to Fantasia brings alternate Theme park ideas through competition

Recreation is as important as work and sleep, if not more. It must be balanced with labor to ensure the well-being of the body and mind. Recreation is a diversion that helps us to refresh and strengthen our system. This time is used to relax or enjoy fun hobbies, outdoor activities, and so on.  

The concept of theme parks evolved as a means of combining the three means of leisure that they had back then: traveling fairs, pleasure gardens, and exhibition fairs such as the famous Crystal Palace Exposition. These experiences were enhanced with industrialization, where rides such as carousels with horses galloping, and ferries wheels became a trademark of theme parks around the world. 

These medieval funfairs drew enormous crowds with a variety of performers such as tightrope walkers, fire eaters, acrobatics, magicians, and the like, which created an aura of mysticism and curiosity around these events. They also became a way for cities and businesses to show off their economic and industrial success. These fairs gave way to the trend of now-known theme parks. 

As time passed by, people had started to dedicate a whole lot of space for leisure and entertainment, of various forms. Carnivals, cinema halls, and shopping malls are some generic forms of entertainment, while theme parks are more focused on providing entertaining rides and games, based on an intricate theme. 

Today, theme parks show an intense level of competitiveness in their creativity and conception. While funfairs were temporary and mobile, theme parks are stationary and built to last for long-term operation. They showcase themed rides, Ferris wheels, and roller coasters, etc. 

What makes a theme park distinct is its ability to tell stories through its attractions. The essence of a theme is poured down into the ambiance, landscaping, color palette, and other elements that make the experience unique to its visitors. 

How can the ability of storytelling be enhanced through design efforts?

Brief: The challenge of the competition was to design a theme park with ‘the mystical land of Ancient Egypt’ as a theme. The park design must make all people feel welcome, and have a little something for everyone. 

A theme park is built on concept art, and this industry is thriving today. Understanding color theory and human psychology is key to generating anticipation and curiosity, in coherence with the theme. Although some aspects of the park require technical detailing, the focus is to be maintained on the theme in the design.  

They say, ‘Rome wasn’t built in a year’ and theme parks are a true testimony to that. It takes decades sometimes, to build the best of them and the process requires a lot of creative minds from different fields to come together.

The design of this park should help the audience be at leisure, but also pump them up with adrenaline and excitement. Most theme parks are built to attract children, but it receives a huge number of adult visitors too. The design must focus on creating an environment that is suitable for people of all ages and places. 

The jury for the competition consisted of esteemed designers, professionals, and academicians from around the world. The Lead Jurors for the competitions were as follows: 

Kata Marunica, Partner, NFO, Croatia

Javier Gonzalez Rivero, Partner / Managing Director, 100architects, China

Some of the Best of competition projects are as follows:

Winning Project: 'The mystical land of Ancient Egypt'

By: София Иванова

^{Fig: 1 3D View}

Description: The place where everyone can have fun, spend time as they want.      4 zones with different functions, a central half-glazed pyramid with -1 floor and panoramic view of the underwater world of Egypt, and the story about two Egyptian gods, brothers, which will remind us of the beginning of the world, family, and make us think about many things.

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People’s Choice: The Mystery of Pharaoh Kingdom

By: Riham Faragallah

^{Fig: 2 Cover image}

Description: The theme park resembles a journey to the mystical land of Ancient Egypt where visitors of different ages can enjoy their visit experience through several fun rides such as the roller coaster, the carousel, the Ferris wheel, and the wave pool which create an ancient Egyptian journey with a cheerful welcoming ambiance.

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Editor’s Choice: Egypt Theme Park - Canberra - Australia

By: Abdelrahman Mostafa

^{Fig: 3 Outdoor sitting area and the view from pyramid}

Description: Pharaonic Themed theme park in heart of Canberra will serve unique Experiences, attractions, and Journey to the whole nation and Life long Unforgettable Experiences.

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