Header: Living Design of Sweden
Living Design of Sweden has recently won the AIDA Africa International Design Award in the Interior Design / Hospitality Interior category for revitalising the Cairo Marriott Hotel & Omar Khayyam Casino’s Greatroom & Reception. The studio used a Modern Palace Experience concept to transform the historic Gezirah Palace into a contemporary luxurious hospitality venue.
The three pillars of a Modern Palace Experience
The new look of Cairo Marriott Hotel & Omar Khayyam Casino is based on three pillars:
- reviving historical grandeur
- preserving cultural identity and
- elevating the guest experience.
Located in the prestigious Gezirah Palace, built in 1869, the volume designed by Living Design of Sweden ignites a dialogue between the past and the present. The contemporary design is combined with Neo-Moorish, French Rococo, and Italian Renaissance elements, which the palace is known for. Gilded ceilings, collonaded halls, and handmade, carved mother-of-pearl wood panels are juxtaposed with geometric design and high-end materials.
Egyptian Belle Époque and contemporary Swedish design
The landscape surrounding the Marriott Hotel in Cairo is referenced in a selection of colours inspired by the Nile, the Cairo Desert and the sunset. The touch of the Egyptian Belle Époque is visible in water features, reinstating gardens and ceremonial spatial sequences. A sense of exclusivity overwhelms the place, but the design still maintains much-needed intimacy, creating a layered, immersive environment.
Great room contemporary innovation
The Greatroom lobby space ensures a spectacular arrival into the hotel. Large and spacious, the Greatroom honours the volumes’ palatial legacy. Meticulous architectural detailing creates a balance between classic and Moorish palace styles, which further heightens the refined sense of arrival. The redesigned space includes modern service models with a large reception area and guest relations pods that allow guests to interact seamlessly with the memorable setting.
The chocolatier counter is the centrepiece of the room. Made of marble countertops, the counter combines luxury with traditional hospitality. The large public spaces are optimised through the creation of distinct zones. Although separated, the Central Lounge, Private Lounge, and a dedicated Chocolatier Area have been connected through the unified bespoke rugs and elegant classical accents.
Adaptive renovation of the historic Gezarah Palace
Apart from cultural, the adaptive reuse of the historic Gezarah Palace has a sustainability impact. The project preserved numerous Neo-Moorish and French Rococo elements such as the gilded ceilings, Carrara marble staircase of honour and Ottoman frescoes.
High-quality materials such as wood, marble and mother-of-pearl inlays ensure prolonged use without the need for replacement. By revitalising original gardens and waterfalls, the design supports biodiversity. Modern service pods in the Greatroom optimise efficiency within the current footprint, ensuring optimal yet sustainable functioning.
The refurbishing of the Cairo Marriott Hotel & Omar Khayyam Casino has restored the rich Moorish, French, Ottoman and Egyptian cultural legacy. Blended with modern sustainable practices, the juxtaposition of the old and the new creates a sense of luxury and promotes biodiversity. With over 1,000 rooms, the hotel drives high-spending tourists on the Island, supporting the local economy while honouring the turbulent history of Egypt.
