The Mystery of Pharaoh Kingdom

During Covid-19 lockdown, many problems appeared between families. One of these problems is that children are being isolated at home and in their rooms, where everything is becoming online. This problem caused children to be more introverted due to their interaction with their mobile phones and computers. The Covid-19 pandemic has contributed to an extensive increase in screen time, video conferences, online entertainment, gaming, shopping and video chatting with friends and family.

Consequently, this led to a lack of social interaction between people as well as absence of interaction between family members as everyone is considered by what’s on social media. As a result, there has been an increase in arguments between family members.

There is a cross-sectional observational study, where an online questionnaire was circulated to parents of school going children via various social media platforms. A total of 872 responses were received. Average age of the students whose parents participated in the survey was 12 years old. The survey results were expected where headache and rubbing of eyes are the most common ocular symptoms reported in children due to digital device use.

Thus, the main aim behind the project is to enhance social interaction and enjoyment in an amusement park for families (adults and children) to decrease isolation, arguments and the rates of ocular and other long-term diseases.

The project is located in the city of Canberra region that hosts several cultural events every year which attract visitors from all over the world. The site is around 2km from the airport and can be easily accessed by the “Majura Parkway”. A cycle pathway surrounds the site, through which people could be attracted to the park and its rides.

The idea of the project is based on the "Ankh" or the "key of life" that was most commonly used in ancient writing and in Egyptian art which represent the word "life". This means that, the design of the park is characterized to be dynamic and livable for its users. The “ankh” has a cross shape but with a tear drop loop in place of an upper bar, where the cross shape indicates two islands and the tear drop loop indicates the major island.

Almost five alternatives of ideas were considered in order to reach the final outcome, the design investigation is built upon concept mapping. Stone materials were used in buildings in the park used according to the ancient Egyptian style. A specific objective is set to be achieved which is the ease of circulation, the separation between vehicles and pedestrians to achieve maximum safety for users and the variety of transportation systems. This can be seen in the masterplan through different pedestrian paths and also through the use of sun boat transportation which visitors can enjoy their ride in an artificial lake. The expansion plan for the project was to add a set of different new rides and more family and children friendly zones.

At the entrance of the theme park, there is a place for buying tickets and souvenir shops and the administration area and the services need for the park.

On one hand, the east island is for family rides which contains a roller coaster that is suitable and friendly to adults and children. It is made of steel to maintain stability and safety. Furthermore, it is characterized as an iconic roller coaster where the shape and colors of the coaster carts were inspired from the shape of the Pharonic coffin that was ornamented with gold and other precious stones. Moreover, there is a ferris wheel where people can see the whole park from top and it is designed to reflect the Egyptian style throughout the carts of the wheel. It takes the shape of ancient war wheels used by Ramsis II in his wars.

The third ride is the carousel, which is the most favorite and popular for children and grownups. It is designed to show the ornaments and colors that were used by ancient Egyptians and horse’s saddles which are colored with gold.

On the other hand, the west Island is specified for its outdoor and indoor performance spaces and the museum that exhibits the Egyptian culture and traditions.

The northern island is the major one that contains a large wave pool where the waves are generated and near the wave pool there is an aqua park which takes the shape of a pyramid with slides passing through it, resembling a journey inside the pyramid.

In the center of the park there is a huge landmark which is the great pyramid that reflects one of the Pyramids of Giza. It is considered as a stage where Egyptian styled performances can be obtained and also it acts as a simulator where people can enter it and go down through the pyramid until they reach the tomb of the king.

In addition to all this, there are spaces for people to have rest with seating areas, eateries and restrooms.   

Finally, the project resembles a Kingdom of the Pharoh where families’ visit is attractive and entertaining as if they have visited the land of ancient Egypt.