SARMAD - سَرْمَدً

The “SARMAD” is a cultural and educational project located in the historical coastal city of Rashid (Rosetta), Egypt. Rooted in the city’s rich maritime legacy and the untold stories of sailors, immigrants, and fishermen, the museum aims to preserve and revive Rasheed’s fading coastal identity. SARMAD responds to environmental and cultural challenges by establishing a resilient architectural language that emerges from the water, echoing the geometry of sails and the fragmented forms of lost boats. The museum is designed on reclaimed land through a phased development strategy that includes coastal protection and the revitalization of the harbor edge. Its spatial morphology reflects the narrative of movement and memory—starting from an open palm grove leading into halls that house boats, artifacts, and immersive experiences, and culminating in the “Hall of Loss and Hope,” a symbolic space commemorating those who were lost at sea in search of a better future. The architectural massing is organized along three main axes, framing the sea and creating a procession of exhibits, educational spaces, and water-related experiences. With integrated passive strategies, shading structures, and a deep connection to the surrounding maritime context, SARMAD stands not only as a museum but as a contemporary archive of human resilience, heritage, and environmental awareness.