On the edge of the Sahara, Biskra’s thermal baths were established by the Ancient Romans. The client was driven to initiate this project because of Algeria’s lack of international-standard leisure and tourism provision. A two-storey entrance building inspired by local architecture contains shops, restaurants and other visitor facilities. The waterpark features multiple pools, water slides and an artificial river – the Ziban – fed by a saline-water purification and recycling system. All of the pre-existing palm grove’s trees were retained. New plantings feature species known to survive in this setting. Artistic landscape features include footbridges, kiosks, a labyrinth, and small Oriental, Aztec, Japanese and Chinese gardens. The project became a practical training ground for architecture students, gardeners, stonemasons and others.
Source: Aga Khan Trust for Culture
