Week 2- Ancient Civilizations- Egypt

INT221-History of Interiors Blog 

By: Nicol Valeria Torres Villamil

 

Week 2- Ancient Civilizations- Egypt  

This week we studied Ancient Egyptian architecture, interior design, and furniture. The Old Kingdom is the Pyramids Period. It includes the Great Pyramid of Giza, which stood for the duality of religious belief and engineering mastery, and enormous tombs. The funerary custom of burying rulers with the purpose of retaining in earth some of the oldest examples of furniture, such as wooden chairs, beds, and chests. 

The Great Hypostyle Hall at Karnak is another masterpiece in design-it marks space, with immense, detached, flat-roofed colonnades defining a monumental space. During the New Kingdom (1570-1090 B.C.), the furniture was exquisite; it was constructed primarily of cedar, ebony, and cypress with inlaid gold, silver, and ivory, and often studded with gems; the legs if carved, possibly lion paws or hawk talons, signified strength and power. 

The discovery of Tutankhamun's burial provided an astonishing range of furniture and artifacts such as obelisk thrones, chests, and ceremonial pieces. Egyptian art and design followed a very stylized, conservative system which emphasized order, the principle of representation, significance, and durability; the colors which included-red, black, and gold-and textiles that included, linen and wool-showed their cultural knowledge and exquisite taste.

In this regard, Ancient Egypt was a paradigm of a civilization that united design and function with symbolism and status, thus influencing architecture and interiors for a thousand years.

Historical Images 

The Great Pyramid of Giza

The Pyramid of Giza is the largest and most famous Egyptian pyramid, built as a tomb for Pharaoh Khufu and symbolizing eternity. 

 The Great Hypostyle Hall at Karnak

The Hypostyle Hall at Karnak shows the Egyptian mastery of stone columns, creating monumental interior spaces filled with light and shadow.

Throne of Tutankhamun

Tutankhamun’s throne is richly decorated with gold and inlay, reflecting the symbolic power of Egyptian kingship.

Queen Hetepheres’ bed 

This bed is one of the oldest surviving pieces of wooden furniture, showing both craftsmanship and symbolic design.

Egyptian jewelry and textiles  

 

Jewelry, linen, and textiles highlight the Egyptians’ use of color, luxury, and symbolism in everyday life.

 Current Aplications 

Luxor Hotel, Las Vegas 

The Luxor Hotel replicates the pyramid form, showing how Egyptian architecture continues to inspire entertainment space.

Transamerica Building, San Francisco

The Transamerica Building uses a pyramid shape as a modern skyscraper design, echoing ancient Egyptian geometry.

Chrysler Building, New York

The Chrysler Building incorporates Egyptian motifs through Art Deco style, linking ancient forms with modern architecture.

 Egyptian-Inspired Home Accessories

Home décor items with lotus, scarab, or hieroglyphic designs demonstrate the timeless influence of Egyptian symbolism.

Fashion and Cosmetics

The use of kohl eyeliner, gold jewelry, and Egyptian color palettes shows how ancient beauty traditions remain popular today.

One step Further- Zaha Hadid 

 As my Beyond One Step I chose Zaha Hadid (1950-2016), a global architectural figure who was born in Baghdad but drew great inspiration from ancient civilizations, like Egypt. In Zaha Hadid's work, a sense of monumental scale, geometric experimentation, and symbolism are paramount, leading her to emulate Egyptian architectural grandeur.

For example: 

The Cairo Expo City (unbuilt project)

A futuristic interpretation of Egypt’s monumental traditions.

Bridge Pavilion (Zaragoza, Spain, 2008)

 

Flowing forms with structural innovation, reminiscent of symbolic monumental gateways. 

MAXXI Museum (Rome, 2010) 

 

Demonstrates ambition to create timeless, enduring spaces, much like Egyptian temples and pyramids. 

Hadid’s work reflects how ancient principles monumentality, symbolism, and innovative structure still inspire modern architecture.

Reflection 

Ancient Egyptian design revealed to me how much architecture and interiors can be about more than function. They can express belief systems, social hierarchies, and notions around cultural identity. From the pyramids to Tutankhamun's throne, every detail had significance. I discovered that Egyptian style continues to impact modern design (Art Deco buildings and daytime wear). This is evidence that great design does endure for millennia.