Sea Turtle Rescue & Rehabilitation Foundation

HAVEN

Heaven was the name of our institution for the Temporary Structures course.It represents a place where sea turtles can find shelter, healing, and care,and through it, we aim to reach the highest possible level of awareness.We chose this name to reflect our mission—one that conveys calmness, peace, and comfort for sea turtles 🤍.

The idea of the project began when we came across numerous videos of boats encountering sea turtles by chance—turtles suffering from fungal infections and shell diseases. In many cases, people on these boats attempted to treat them using sharp or inappropriate tools.Through our research, we discovered that the number of affected turtles is significant and spread across many locations. Unfortunately, their population is decreasing year after year, placing them at serious risk of extinction.

We also realized that this issue is widespread in Egypt, particularly in a major tourist area—the Red Sea—and that it has negative impacts on the marine environment.At this point, we discussed the problem with our professor and decided to design a temporary structure dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating sea turtles.

The duration of the institution’s operation depends on the number of injured turtles present at the selected site.After monitoring several locations where injured turtles were found, we identified our first operational site as:Red Sea – Hurghada – Giftun Island.

The institution is divided into two main zones:

An awareness zone dedicated to visitors

A functional zone for veterinarians, researchers, and on-site staff

We aimed for the architectural style to be modern and minimal, combining simplicity with functionality.

One of the key features of our institution is that it is amphibious, which allows it to be easily transported to nearby islands and anchored along the shoreline.It is also designed to be assembled and disassembled, enabling us to cover multiple locations across the sea.

We now leave you with the project 🤍

..............................................................................................................................................

POSTE​​​​​​​R & LOGO

LOCATION

The institution is located in the Red Sea, on Giftun Island.Following a study of the prevailing wind directions, the location of the institution on the island was carefully selected to ensure a safe position, away from dominant wind exposure.

EXTERIOR

Utilizing AI an innovative tool for selecting and integrating diverse materials

LAYOUT

The layout is organized into two clearly defined zones: a public zone for visitors and a restricted zone for staff and professionals.

Visitors are welcomed into the reception area, where they may wait comfortably before being guided to the exhibition and hologram experience, accessed through the gate located on the left side of the reception.

The gate positioned on the right side of the reception leads directly to the veterinary clinic, laboratory, and treatment and care facilities, which are exclusively designated for veterinarians, researchers, and on-site staff.

..............................................................................................................................................

RECEPTION

a comfortable waiting area for visitors and newcomers, designed with sustainability in mind. From here, the space branches into two directions: on the right, the staff work area, and on the left, the visitor area featuring the exhibition and the hologram room.

Proposed-1

..............................................................................................................................................

WORK AREA

..............................................................................................................................................

TURTLE CLINIC

a state-of-the-art facility equipped with the latest medical technology, staffed by specialized veterinarians who provide accurate diagnoses for turtles and develop tailored treatment plans​​​​​​​

CARE ROOM

each injured turtle has its own dedicated tank, and every corner here is 'smart,' equipped with hidden devices that continuously monitor pressure, temperature, and vital signs. The blue lighting around the tanks isn’t just for aesthetics; it helps create a calm environment that reduces stress for marine animals during treatment.

DIAGNOSTIC LABThis lab is dedicated to analyzing samples taken from marine animals, allowing us to accurately assess their health and determine the appropriate treatment.

MARINE OBSERVATION AND MONITORING ROOM

featuring an integrated system of digital screens that cover the entire walls. The screens display live footage of the sea, showing divers as they rescue marine turtles, whether injured or entangled in plastic debris like bags or fishing nets. The system also provides precise data on diver locations, turtle conditions, and risk levels in each area, coordinating underwater rescue teams and enabling rapid intervention in emergency situations to help preserve the ecological balance.​​​​​​​

MANAGER’S OFFICE

..............................................................................................................................................

VISITOR AREA

..............................................................................................................................................

EXHIBITION

"We created the exhibition as an educational and exploratory space all about turtles, suitable for both adults and children, and open to anyone visiting the island where we are located. It introduces people to marine conservation in general and lets them learn more about turtles up close."​​​​​​​

A turtle model with glass panels revealing the bone structure in that part of its body, along with information about the fundamentals of its skeletal system.

On the left, it illustrates the turtle's daily routine, while on the right, it explains the turtle's life cycle, the species found in the Red Sea, ancient turtles, their fossils, and related information.

"Put on the headset… the ocean comes alive!"Using the VR goggles, headphones, and the interactive map, you can choose the spot where you want to experience the underwater adventure.

Here, you’ll find small screens and panels showing the dangers turtles face throughout their life cycle, which have contributed to their declining numbers. A chart illustrates how these threats over the past 10 years have impacted turtle populations in the sea, putting them at risk of extinction.

THE HOLOGRAMAfter exploring the exhibition, visitors enter the hologram room, immersing them in a different experience. Here, they can observe the turtles’ movements in the sea, learn about their disease stages, and access information in a unique way, beyond what is shown on the screens .​​​​​​​

THANK YOU