The Origins of Architecture and Design Found in Ancient Egypt

Our recent journey to Egypt was more than just a respite from our busy work and parenting schedules; it was an immersive exploration into the architectural and design origins of humanity. Our friends Nic Thomassen (Co-Founder/Owner of Kotis Design), and his wife Anna (Interior Designer of Anna Thomassen Design), joined my wife Marni (Founder/Owner of Tribu Travel) and I on this enlightening adventure with Tribu Travel, guided by the insightful Rabie Khaled of Unknown Egypt. This trip felt like taking the red pill in "The Matrix," as it opened our eyes to new perspectives on the history of our human race. We delved into the architectural mysteries of Giza, the design marvels of Luxor, Edfu, and Aswan, and the modernity of The Grand Egyptian Museum in Cairo. Each site we visited provided a glimpse into the beginnings of architecture, spirituality, and culture. This journey was more than just an exploration of ancient lands; it was an introspective quest that has profoundly transformed our understanding of the past and opened up new possibilities for the future of design and architecture. Join us as we share our experiences through the echoes of eternity, rediscovering the ancient wisdom embedded in the land of the pharaohs.

This Was Our Itinerary.

A Timeless Encounter in Giza

Unraveling the Mysteries of Location, Intention, and Quality

In Giza, the pyramids stood as silent sentinels to history, their grandeur surpassing the pages of textbooks. Walking around the pyramids for hours, we were struck by the precision of ancient engineering: a perfectly level base by 7/8”; sides aligned with cardinal points; the perimeter of the base (921.5m) / 2 x (146.6m) height = 3.14 Pi(π); the three pyramids' alignment with Orion's belt. Ascending to the King's Chamber created more intrigue: the sides of the sarcophagus polished to within 0.0001 of an inch of flatness; the multiple levels of ceiling stones that generate a resonance of 438 Hz with rumored healing powers. Conceptualizing how it was built just scratches the surface... it's the enigma of why it was built that keeps me up at night.

Location: A Celestial Blueprint

Location reigns supreme as the most crucial element in real estate. The choice of Giza as the location for the pyramids is likely no coincidence. The alignment with Orion's belt suggests a celestial connection, possibly linking the pharaohs to the stars and ensuring their place in the afterlife. The precision in the orientation of the pyramids, aligning with the cardinal points, demonstrates a deep understanding of the Earth's geography and the importance of the site's positioning in relation to the cosmos. It’s intriguing that the latitude coordinates of The Great Pyramid is 29.9792° N and the speed of light is 299,792,458 meters per second.

Intention: An Enigma Wrapped in Stone

Intention is the cornerstone of effective design, guiding every decision to ensure purposeful and impactful outcomes. The intention behind the construction of the pyramids remains one of the greatest mysteries of ancient Egypt, but that seems to be part of why it’s so captivating. While they are traditionally seen as tombs for the pharaohs, the complexity of their design suggests a deeper purpose. The King's Chamber is designed with acoustics, which some, like Randall Carlson, suggest could have been used for consciousness-altering purposes. Some researchers, like Christopher Dunn (author of “The Giza Power Plant”), propose that the Great Pyramid was not a tomb but a sophisticated machine for harnessing energy and healing.

Quality: A Testament to Ancient Engineering

Quality is the backbone of construction, ensuring safety, precision, and long-term satisfaction. The construction quality of the pyramids is truly remarkable. The precision with which the stones are cut and fitted together is a testament to the advanced engineering skills of the ancient Egyptians. The flawless alignment of the stones, with the base of the pyramid being perfectly level and the sides of sarcophagus polished to an incredible degree of flatness, showcases their meticulous attention to detail. The interlocking of the stones, with such perfection that not even a piece of paper can fit between them, highlights the sophisticated techniques employed in their building process. This level of precision and the scale of these constructions are so extraordinary that they have sparked wild theories, such as Erich von Däniken's suggestion in "Chariots of the Gods?" that advanced technologies, possibly involving manipulation of gravity or matter, could have been used by ancient civilizations.

The Dawn of Material Selection

The ancient Egyptians were masters in architecture, design, and material selection, with their choices driven by durability, aesthetics, and mystical properties. Granite, favored for its durability and potential resonance, was used in key components of pyramids, obelisks, and sarcophagi, with its quartz content speculated to conduct light or energy. The King's Chamber's granite slabs and specific dimensions create a unique sound resonance. Limestone, chosen for its reflective properties, originally encased the pyramids' exteriors, symbolizing divine connections and practicality. Sandstone was widely used for temple walls and columns, appreciated for its workability and availability. The Step Pyramid Complex of Djoser features faience tiles, showcasing the Egyptians' appreciation for beauty and aesthetics in their architectural endeavors, with vibrant colors and glazed finishes adding decorative elements to stone structures.

The Palette of the Pharaohs:

Exploring Color, Architecture and Symmetry Along the Nile

Aboard our floating sanctuary - The Historia, we indulged in exquisite cuisine with the foreign flavors of Egypt. We embarked on a timeless journey along the Nile, where we encountered the earliest signs of color, symbolism, and design in the temples that have stood the test of time, revealing the sophisticated aesthetic sensibilities of the ancient Egyptians.

The Vivid Hues of the Sacred: Burial Chambers and Karnak Temple

Color plays a crucial role in evoking specific emotions and creating a sense of harmony in design, as exemplified in the principles of Feng Shui. In the Valley of The Kings Burial Chambers and Karnak Temple, the use of color was not merely decorative but deeply symbolic. The burial chambers, with their vibrant hues and intricate patterns, can be seen as the earliest examples of color and design resembling wallpaper, setting a precedent for decorative wall treatments. The ancient Egyptians created these vivid colors using various natural materials, such as minerals and plant extracts. The colors were chosen for their symbolic meanings; for example, blue represented the sky and the Nile, while red symbolized life and power. The intricate designs and symbols adorning the walls contributed to the overall aesthetic, each telling a story of gods, the afterlife, and the pharaohs' divine journey.

The Architectural Legacy: The First Columns

The concept of columns, often attributed to Roman or Greek architecture, finds its origins in the temples of ancient Egypt. Karnak, Luxor Temple, the Temple of Horus, Kom Ombo, and the Temple of Isis all showcase the use of columns, which were not only structural but also symbolic elements of design. These columns were adorned with carvings and hieroglyphs, adding to the temples' visual narrative. The Egyptian influence on what would later be known as "Roman columns" is a testament to the ingenuity and creativity of ancient Egyptian architects.

Curb Appeal through Processions and Art

Curb appeal has always been a crucial element in real estate, capturing the attention and imagination of visitors. We can only speculate about the beauty of these ancient temples, surrounded by higher water levels and lush landscapes when the Sahara was fertile. The ancient Egyptians enhanced the curb appeal of their temples with grand processional avenues lined with sphinxes or statues, leading up to the symmetrical temple entrances. The Avenue of Sphinxes from Karnak to Luxor Temple is a striking example, guiding visitors from temple to temple with a sense of anticipation and awe. Sculptures and art played a significant role in creating curb appeal, with intricate carvings and reliefs adorning temple walls and entrances. The detailed depictions of gods, pharaohs, and scenes from Egyptian mythology added depth and meaning to the symmetrical structures, making each temple a unique and captivating destination.

Reflecting Perfection through Symmetry

Symmetry has always been a fundamental aspect of design, often considered the very basis of beauty in both nature and architecture. The ancient Egyptians' mastery of symmetry is a defining characteristic of their architectural and artistic achievements, showcasing their deep understanding of sacred geometry. The Great Pyramid of Giza, with its precisely aligned sides, epitomizes their commitment to balance and harmony. Temples like Karnak and Luxor demonstrate this symmetry in their layouts, with meticulously aligned central axes creating a sense of order that reflects the Egyptians' reverence for the universe. The Temple of Horus at Edfu and the Temple of Kom Ombo further illustrate the use of symmetry, with mirrored courtyards and halls emphasizing the dual nature of these sacred spaces. Iconic sculptures, such as the statue of Ramses II, exhibit physical symmetry and convey a sense of harmony central to Egyptian aesthetics. The symmetry extends to the façades of temples and the arrangement of sculptures and obelisks within temple complexes, creating a visually captivating experience. This dedication to symmetry showcases the ancient Egyptians' ability to create not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing spaces that continue to inspire.

A Glimpse into Modern Day Egypt

Our exploration of modern-day Egypt culminated in the vibrant cities of Cairo and Giza, where ancient history resonates within the rhythm of contemporary life. Wandering through the ancient Islamic city, we admired mosques adorned with Alabaster stone, reminiscent of ancient temples, and indulged in lavish rooftop lunches featuring traditional dishes like Camel Meatballs and Pigeon Soup paired with the resonating sounds of the call to prayer. While sitting in a Muslim mosque, our group engaged in a heartfelt discussion about the similarities between ancient Egyptian beliefs, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, and other religions, contemplating how modern-day humanity could benefit from focusing on these similarities rather than the differences. A visit to the Old Museum brought us face-to-face with King Tutankhamun's tomb, a testament to ancient artisans' ingenuity. The citadel of Mohamed Ali, a fortress symbolizing history and power, echoed stories from Egypt's Islamic era. Our journey came to an end at The Grand Egyptian Museum. After 20+ years of conceptualizing and building, it’s an architectural masterpiece poised to become the world's largest museum dedicated to a single civilization. Its design, reminiscent of ancient temples, features high ceilings and expansive spaces that invoke awe and reverence. Ascending the grand staircase, we encountered an optical illusion akin to the Grand Gallery leading to the Great Pyramid's King's Chamber, connecting the past with the present. The museum's modern architecture, inspired by ancient Egyptian geometry, serves as a bridge between the ancient and modern, showcasing Egypt's commitment to preserving its rich heritage.

Final Thoughts

This journey to Egypt was more than mere travel; it was a pilgrimage to the dawn of civilization. It challenged us to reconsider the story of humanity and to recognize the profound connections that bind us across time. It was not just an exploration of ancient lands but an introspective quest, one that has irrevocably altered our understanding of the past, and perhaps, of ourselves. After spending time in this astounding part of the world, it's impossible to dismiss the work of Robert Schoch, Robert Edward Grant, Graham Hancock, Randall Carlson, and countless others pointing towards a lost ancient civilization. As gurus from the East have professed in such books as "Holy Science" and "The Yugas," was human consciousness of the ancient past more advanced in many ways? And could the clues left in Egypt point towards a lost civilization from 10,000 to 20,000 years ago? It’s at least worth deeper exploration.