Iron Urban Planning and Urban Design · 2024
Mtown Makadi Heights Downtown
- A' Design Award 2024 Iron Winner in Urban Planning and Urban Design
- Awarded April 15, 2024
- CLIENT: Innovation Design Studio
- Estimated Number of Design Views: 46,737
- Verification code E089E17E58 · Verify this award
About Mtown Makadi Heights Downtown
Mtown design revolves around a central spine, incorporating building blocks to connect the project with the main node. Intimate piazzas between clusters offer diverse experiences. Creating a green spine overlooking the central park, promotes a deeper connection with nature. The design prioritizes well being, considering social, physical, mental, and emotional effects on occupants and communities. The design reflects a holistic approach focusing on well being centric space and walkability. Making it an enjoyable walk all yearlong is one of the main goal by adding shaded spots along the spine.
Press Kit
- Unique Properties
- M-Town design revolves around a central spine, incorporating building blocks to connect the project with the main node. Intimate piazzas between clusters offer diverse experiences. Creating a green spine overlooking the central park, promotes a deeper connection with nature. The design prioritizes well-being, considering social, physical, mental, and emotional effects on occupants and communities. The design reflects a holistic approach focusing on well-being-centric space and walkability.
- Dimensions & Packaging
- Land Area:197,000 sqm
Footprint: 20%
BUA: 101,500 sqm
Level difference 23 meters
Land Dimensions: 655m x 420m
46% of the Built-up area is dedicated for residential units and the rest is dedicated for the retail, commercial, hotels and amenities.
Surrounded by residential neighborhoods - Tags
- downtown, Mixed-use, spine, spiralspine, Mtown, Nightlife, alive, Integrated, Wellness, Walkabletown
- Production Technology
- The design was produced after a back and forth open discussions with the client to get a full understanding of their requirements. We started by introducing three different directions which gave us the opportunity to brainstorm with the client unlocking the full potential of our concept design. We used AutoCad, Sketchup, 3Dmax, Photoshop and InDesign to illustrate and present our design.
- Design Challenge
- The main challenge while designing this project was the level difference within the site and how to make use of that 20m difference creating an interesting integrated outdoor space. The other challenge was to come Up with an innovative downtown fabric and creating different vibe for each cluster connecting them all with the main spine harmoniously.
Another challenge is to keep this large open space walkable and safe for pedestrians without vehicles interference. - Project Duration
- The design process started in September 2023 and the project is under construction, located in the heart of Makadi Heights, merely 20 minutes from Hurghada by the Red Sea in Egypt. Makadi Height stands as a central hub, situated at the peak of Makadi Bay, at an advantageous location, positioned 78meter above sea level.
- Operation Flow
- Crafted with meticulous attention, our
design philosophy centers on creating
an environment that seamlessly weaves
together all essential facilities and amenities.
The intention is to craft a fully integrated
town where every conceivable need is not
only met but exceeded.
Our commitment to thoughtful planning
ensures that residents experience the
epitome of convenience and comfort,
making each aspect of daily life effortlessly
accessible within this meticulously designed
community. - Research
- Our research was based on the site studies and analysis in terms of contour lines, level difference, climate impact, the surrounding and the accessibility to the site whether for vehicles or the pedestrians access. In addition to the sea view studies. Our research was also focusing how to incorporate the wellness principles within the design as we believe that the urban fabric and architecture has a high impact on the well-being of the end-user.
- Inspiration
- Inspired by the unique shape of the land, the level difference within the land and the wellness concept. We are very keen to implement wellness principles within our design as we believe the urban and architecture fabric has a huge impact on the mood and well-being of the user.
The shape of the land effortlessly imposed the concept of the spiral spine connecting all the clusters and amenities with the main node and the sky piazza created as an outdoor amphitheater welcoming musical festivals. - Image Credits
- Main Image 3D Artist & Illustrator Atelier 23
Image #1 3D Artist & Illustrator Atelier 23
Image #2 3D Artist & Illustrator Atelier 23
Image #3 3D Artist & Illustrator Atelier 23
Image #4 3D Artist & Illustrator Innovation Design Studio
Colors of Mtown Makadi Heights Downtown
Design Interview about Mtown Makadi Heights Downtown
Our approach in designing Downtown Makadi is centered on creating a spine’s experience by incorporating building blocks around the spiral spine, connecting the entire project with the main node. This strategy adds depth and enriches the town’s core by creating intimate piazzas between clusters, each with distinct characters and activities. Introducing the village fabric allows users to immerse themselves in the downtown from with- in the clusters, providing a diverse range of experiences.
A key aspect of our design is the extension of the central park. Additionally, we’ve introduced a green commercial spine overlooking the central park, fostering a deeper connection
with nature for residents and users. Our focus on well-being is paramount, aligning with principles promoting long-term health for building occupants. Research underscores the impact of architecture and urban design on psychological well-being, influ- encing overall health. Our commitment is reflected in prioritizing the health and well-being of individuals, considering physical, mental, and emotional effects on both building occupants and the surrounding communities. This commitment shapes the essence of our meticulously crafted master plan for downtown Makadi.
The embodiment of well-being is prominently displayed through its walkability. Prioritizing the safety of pedestrians, we’ve meticulously designed an environment that is alive with a joyful and vibrant atmosphere. Navigating through this space is not just a journey but an experience that evokes a sense of fun and happiness.
Nature is intricately woven into the fabric of the surround-
ings, creating a harmonious blend which fosters a serene and refreshing atmosphere, enhancing the overall well-being of those who engage with the space. Our commitment to creating a walkable, safe, lively, and nature-infused environment stands as a testament to the holistic approach embedded in the master plan’s design.
A key aspect of our design is the extension of the central park. Additionally, we’ve introduced a green commercial spine overlooking the central park, fostering a deeper connection
with nature for residents and users. Our focus on well-being is paramount, aligning with principles promoting long-term health for building occupants. Research underscores the impact of architecture and urban design on psychological well-being, influ- encing overall health. Our commitment is reflected in prioritizing the health and well-being of individuals, considering physical, mental, and emotional effects on both building occupants and the surrounding communities. This commitment shapes the essence of our meticulously crafted master plan for downtown Makadi.
The embodiment of well-being is prominently displayed through its walkability. Prioritizing the safety of pedestrians, we’ve meticulously designed an environment that is alive with a joyful and vibrant atmosphere. Navigating through this space is not just a journey but an experience that evokes a sense of fun and happiness.
Nature is intricately woven into the fabric of the surround-
ings, creating a harmonious blend which fosters a serene and refreshing atmosphere, enhancing the overall well-being of those who engage with the space. Our commitment to creating a walkable, safe, lively, and nature-infused environment stands as a testament to the holistic approach embedded in the master plan’s design.
The wellbeing of the user! Creating a well-being centered design is of utmost importance as it plays a crucial role in promoting long-term health for building occupants. Extensive research has shown that architecture and urban design have a significant impact on the psychological well-being of individuals, hence influencing their overall health in the long term.
A good design should prioritize the health and well-being of all people, taking into account the physical, mental, and emotional effects on both the building occupants and the surrounding community.
A good design should prioritize the health and well-being of all people, taking into account the physical, mental, and emotional effects on both the building occupants and the surrounding community.
We are delighted to let you know that they started field work and we cannot wait to see the project in real life, liveable and alive.
it took a month as it was required to be finished quickly for marketing purposes.
it was commissionedby the developer of Makadi Heights land, Orascom Development is one of the leading developers in Egypt and worldwide, mostly known for touristic destinations. And they have been our beloved client ever since the first project we did with them. We have worked with them in Gouna projects, Makadi Heights, Oman and recently in Senegale!
The developer are hiring a contractor for that job but they keep us on board to follow-up on the design and supervise the work on site.
We love that kind of projects where the architecture is highly impacting the urban fabric and vise-versa. it fulfills our passion of space making and influencing people's lives.
We definitely get inspired by other designers and projects during the design process.
Someone who loves to travel around, walk around and explore the beauty of cozy open spaces.
What makes this design unique from others resembling it is that it has it all with all oppositions! Openness yet closeness and coziness. Village fabric, yet large Central Park, water feature along the project, walkability, the allocation of the F&B that creates the right vibe for the project along the different spines and within the different clusters.
The developer is the one who came up with the name.
Sketches, Autcoad, SketchUp and 3D max
the village urban fabric and having different characters for the clusters yet all are in harmony and all have the same look & feel.
We worked with a structural design firm as well as an MEP firm to develop the IFC package of the project.
The use of AI for the marketing materials and introducing smart town, planning for the use of Electric vehicles only within the town.
Yes, all data and analysis we received from the client were put into consideration throughout the design process, as well as site analysis i.e. climate analysis, location and natural contou, land surrounding, road studies, the demography of the destination, opportunities and constraints.. etc..
The main challenge was the level difference within the land and how to absorb it smoothly throughout the project and how to make use of it.
Another challenge was to make this land free of vehicles safeguarding the pedestrian spine for optimal safety and convenience. Last but not least, the segregation between the service map and the users circulation.
Another challenge was to make this land free of vehicles safeguarding the pedestrian spine for optimal safety and convenience. Last but not least, the segregation between the service map and the users circulation.
We want to be recognized worldwide as we see our work has high standards and needs to be recognized, and our team are doing great in each and every project and we are excited to give them a hint of acknowledgment.
Teamwork has definitely improved throughout the process and the methods of translating the project to the client has improved as well.