City of Rebirth and Resurrection — A Speculative Architecture Thesis on Karnak Temple

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City of Rebirth and Resurrection — A Speculative Architecture Thesis on Karnak Temple

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  • Project Name: City of Rebirth and Resurrection
  • Student Name: Miriam Evelina Sandu
  • Softwares/Plugins: Rhinoceros 3D , V-Ray , Procreate , Adobe Fresco , Adobe Photoshop , Adobe Illustrator , Adobe Indesign
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Excerpt: ‘City of Rebirth and Resurrection’ is an architecture thesis by Miriam Evelina Sandu from the ‘Department of Architecture & Landscape – University of Greenwich.’ The project aims to reimagine the Karnak Temple complex as a multidisciplinary city that unites cultural heritage with visionary thought. By integrating religious narratives, philosophical theories, and scientific hypotheses on rebirth and consciousness, the project seeks to create a timeless space where tradition and innovation coexist.

Introduction: City of Rebirth and Resurrection is a speculative architectural proposal situated within the Karnak Temple complex in Luxor, Egypt. The project reimagines the ancient site as a multidisciplinary city dedicated to the philosophical, spiritual, and scientific exploration of rebirth and resurrection. It integrates religious narratives, philosophical theories, and scientific hypotheses—ranging from reincarnation beliefs to quantum consciousness research—into an interconnected architectural framework. The design envisions a network of sanctuaries, ritual spaces, and research laboratories, connected by the symbolic Origin Column, which unites past, present, and future. Through this fusion of cultural heritage and visionary science, the project aims to create a timeless space where tradition and innovation coexist, enabling both personal transformation and collective dialogue on the eternal cycle of life.

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Site Context

City of Rebirth and Resurrection — A Speculative Architecture Thesis on Karnak Temple
The Temple of Karnak – Luxor, Egypt
City of Rebirth and Resurrection — A Speculative Architecture Thesis on Karnak Temple
1:12500 Site Location | Site Photo

The project is sited within the historic precinct of the Karnak Temple in Luxor, Egypt—a sacred complex dedicated to the Theban triad and rich with symbolism of regeneration and divine renewal. Historically layered through centuries of pharaonic construction, the temple’s architecture embodies a legacy of spiritual rebirth.

City of Rebirth and Resurrection — A Speculative Architecture Thesis on Karnak Temple
Site History
City of Rebirth and Resurrection — A Speculative Architecture Thesis on Karnak Temple
Site History

The proposal reinterprets this heritage through a contemporary program that organizes the city into three main research realms—Faith, Philosophy, and Science. Facilities include the Rebirth and Resurrection Sanctuaries, Ritual Centres, the Atom Observation Lab, and the Quantum Consciousness Lab. Communal spaces such as ceremonial halls, performance areas, and public learning platforms foster community engagement, while research facilities explore metaphysical and material dimensions of life after death. The city becomes both a cultural pilgrimage site and a future-oriented research hub.

Design Process

City of Rebirth and Resurrection — A Speculative Architecture Thesis on Karnak Temple
Rebirth & Resurrection MAP | Rebirth & Resurrection MAP Model
City of Rebirth and Resurrection — A Speculative Architecture Thesis on Karnak Temple
Rebirth & Resurrection Structures Model | Sketches Elements from Rebirth and Resurrection Sites | Collage Plan

The design process began with extensive research into religious, philosophical, and scientific concepts of rebirth and resurrection. This theoretical foundation informed a layered mapping of connections between belief systems and speculative science, forming the conceptual backbone of the city. The site study involved historical analysis of Karnak’s construction phases, symbolic alignments, and sacred routes. From this, a masterplan emerged that positioned key programmatic nodes along conceptual axes linking past, present, and future.

City of Rebirth and Resurrection — A Speculative Architecture Thesis on Karnak Temple
Sketch of Plan Key Areas and Connections | Temple Layout and Feature Architecture | Architectural Components

Iterative sketches and digital models explored spatial relationships between sanctuaries, research labs, and communal areas. Materiality and form drew inspiration from both ancient Egyptian motifs and futuristic scientific imagery, resulting in structures that balance symbolic resonance with experimental geometry.

Final Outcome

City of Rebirth and Resurrection — A Speculative Architecture Thesis on Karnak Temple
Plan View City of Rebirth and Resurrection | Rebirth Ritual Centre Plan
City of Rebirth and Resurrection — A Speculative Architecture Thesis on Karnak Temple
Rebirth Sanctuary Plan | Resurrection Sanctuary Plan | Atom Observation Lab Plan
City of Rebirth and Resurrection — A Speculative Architecture Thesis on Karnak Temple
Side Render

The final proposal envisions City of Rebirth and Resurrection as an immersive urban and architectural experience. The masterplan integrates sanctuaries for spiritual reflection, ritual centres for communal gatherings, and advanced research facilities investigating metaphysical and scientific dimensions of life after death. 

City of Rebirth and Resurrection — A Speculative Architecture Thesis on Karnak Temple
Rebirth Sanctuary
City of Rebirth and Resurrection — A Speculative Architecture Thesis on Karnak Temple
Sin Reflector | Consecration Tower

Central to the design is the Origin Column, a vertical landmark symbolizing the infinite cycle of rebirth, physically and conceptually connecting all programmatic areas. Each structure—whether the Chapel of Rebirth, the Quantum Consciousness Lab, or the Atom Observation Lab—expresses its thematic focus through spatial form, light, and materiality. 

City of Rebirth and Resurrection — A Speculative Architecture Thesis on Karnak Temple
Resurrrection Sanctuary | Chapel of Rebirth and Praying Rooms
City of Rebirth and Resurrection — A Speculative Architecture Thesis on Karnak Temple
Rebirth Ritual Centre
City of Rebirth and Resurrection — A Speculative Architecture Thesis on Karnak Temple
Performance and Art Space | Ceremonial Hall

The resulting cityscape merges monumental architecture with intimate spaces, creating a living museum of ideas where ancient beliefs and futuristic visions converge, offering visitors a transformative journey through time, faith, and science.

City of Rebirth and Resurrection — A Speculative Architecture Thesis on Karnak Temple
Interdisciplinary Collaboration Spaces | Research Laboratories
City of Rebirth and Resurrection — A Speculative Architecture Thesis on Karnak Temple
The Quantum Consciousness Lab

Conclusion: The project proposes more than an architectural intervention; it envisions a living dialogue between heritage and futurism. By uniting sanctuaries, communal spaces, and research facilities around the symbolic Origin Column, the project transforms Karnak into a site where spiritual traditions and speculative science intersect. 

[This Academic Project has been published with text and images submitted by the student]

Site Context

City of Rebirth and Resurrection — A Speculative Architecture Thesis on Karnak Temple
City of Rebirth and Resurrection — A Speculative Architecture Thesis on Karnak Temple
City of Rebirth and Resurrection — A Speculative Architecture Thesis on Karnak Temple
City of Rebirth and Resurrection — A Speculative Architecture Thesis on Karnak Temple
City of Rebirth and Resurrection — A Speculative Architecture Thesis on Karnak Temple
City of Rebirth and Resurrection — A Speculative Architecture Thesis on Karnak Temple
City of Rebirth and Resurrection — A Speculative Architecture Thesis on Karnak Temple

Design Process

City of Rebirth and Resurrection — A Speculative Architecture Thesis on Karnak Temple
City of Rebirth and Resurrection — A Speculative Architecture Thesis on Karnak Temple
City of Rebirth and Resurrection — A Speculative Architecture Thesis on Karnak Temple
City of Rebirth and Resurrection — A Speculative Architecture Thesis on Karnak Temple
City of Rebirth and Resurrection — A Speculative Architecture Thesis on Karnak Temple
City of Rebirth and Resurrection — A Speculative Architecture Thesis on Karnak Temple
City of Rebirth and Resurrection — A Speculative Architecture Thesis on Karnak Temple
City of Rebirth and Resurrection — A Speculative Architecture Thesis on Karnak Temple
City of Rebirth and Resurrection — A Speculative Architecture Thesis on Karnak Temple
City of Rebirth and Resurrection — A Speculative Architecture Thesis on Karnak Temple
City of Rebirth and Resurrection — A Speculative Architecture Thesis on Karnak Temple
City of Rebirth and Resurrection — A Speculative Architecture Thesis on Karnak Temple
City of Rebirth and Resurrection — A Speculative Architecture Thesis on Karnak Temple
City of Rebirth and Resurrection — A Speculative Architecture Thesis on Karnak Temple
City of Rebirth and Resurrection — A Speculative Architecture Thesis on Karnak Temple
City of Rebirth and Resurrection — A Speculative Architecture Thesis on Karnak Temple
City of Rebirth and Resurrection — A Speculative Architecture Thesis on Karnak Temple
City of Rebirth and Resurrection — A Speculative Architecture Thesis on Karnak Temple
City of Rebirth and Resurrection — A Speculative Architecture Thesis on Karnak Temple

Final Outcome

City of Rebirth and Resurrection — A Speculative Architecture Thesis on Karnak Temple
City of Rebirth and Resurrection — A Speculative Architecture Thesis on Karnak Temple
City of Rebirth and Resurrection — A Speculative Architecture Thesis on Karnak Temple
City of Rebirth and Resurrection — A Speculative Architecture Thesis on Karnak Temple
City of Rebirth and Resurrection — A Speculative Architecture Thesis on Karnak Temple
City of Rebirth and Resurrection — A Speculative Architecture Thesis on Karnak Temple
City of Rebirth and Resurrection — A Speculative Architecture Thesis on Karnak Temple
City of Rebirth and Resurrection — A Speculative Architecture Thesis on Karnak Temple
City of Rebirth and Resurrection — A Speculative Architecture Thesis on Karnak Temple
City of Rebirth and Resurrection — A Speculative Architecture Thesis on Karnak Temple
City of Rebirth and Resurrection — A Speculative Architecture Thesis on Karnak Temple
City of Rebirth and Resurrection — A Speculative Architecture Thesis on Karnak Temple
City of Rebirth and Resurrection — A Speculative Architecture Thesis on Karnak Temple
City of Rebirth and Resurrection — A Speculative Architecture Thesis on Karnak Temple
City of Rebirth and Resurrection — A Speculative Architecture Thesis on Karnak Temple
City of Rebirth and Resurrection — A Speculative Architecture Thesis on Karnak Temple
City of Rebirth and Resurrection — A Speculative Architecture Thesis on Karnak Temple
City of Rebirth and Resurrection — A Speculative Architecture Thesis on Karnak Temple
City of Rebirth and Resurrection — A Speculative Architecture Thesis on Karnak Temple
City of Rebirth and Resurrection — A Speculative Architecture Thesis on Karnak Temple
City of Rebirth and Resurrection — A Speculative Architecture Thesis on Karnak Temple
City of Rebirth and Resurrection — A Speculative Architecture Thesis on Karnak Temple
City of Rebirth and Resurrection — A Speculative Architecture Thesis on Karnak Temple
City of Rebirth and Resurrection — A Speculative Architecture Thesis on Karnak Temple
City of Rebirth and Resurrection — A Speculative Architecture Thesis on Karnak Temple
City of Rebirth and Resurrection — A Speculative Architecture Thesis on Karnak Temple
City of Rebirth and Resurrection — A Speculative Architecture Thesis on Karnak Temple
City of Rebirth and Resurrection — A Speculative Architecture Thesis on Karnak Temple
City of Rebirth and Resurrection — A Speculative Architecture Thesis on Karnak Temple
City of Rebirth and Resurrection — A Speculative Architecture Thesis on Karnak Temple
City of Rebirth and Resurrection — A Speculative Architecture Thesis on Karnak Temple
City of Rebirth and Resurrection — A Speculative Architecture Thesis on Karnak Temple
City of Rebirth and Resurrection — A Speculative Architecture Thesis on Karnak Temple
City of Rebirth and Resurrection — A Speculative Architecture Thesis on Karnak Temple
City of Rebirth and Resurrection — A Speculative Architecture Thesis on Karnak Temple
City of Rebirth and Resurrection — A Speculative Architecture Thesis on Karnak Temple
City of Rebirth and Resurrection — A Speculative Architecture Thesis on Karnak Temple

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