LAUSR

While the incursion of Mass-Tourism has been a serious threat to the sensitive Ecosystem, following the principles of Ecotourism may allow the natural landscape to be better maintained and respected than before its introduction. Using renewable energy resources, sustainable water and waste management practices and the preservation of local culture and traditions are all important design considerations of an Ecolodge which makes its conceptual design distinct from the design of any other conventional touristic project. Therefore, educators of future architects face the challenge of adjusting their pedagogical strategies and restructuring their design studios within this aspect to align with the global increased awareness of Ecotourism and sustainability. The primary objective of the study is to present an example of a design studio pedagogical process for designing an Ecolodge. It also shows the resulting students’ projects and the students’ feedback on the overall learning experience of designing an Ecolodge in two different touristic locations in Egypt. In general, the study relies on two main approaches. The first one is the literature review, which is necessary to provide a theoretical background on Ecolodge design objectives, the regional and international Ecolabeling and the local development standards and regulations that affect the studio-based learning experience. The second approach involves the design of a questionnaire to investigate the students’ responses and feedback about their design experience regarding the Egyptian “Green Star Hotel” Ecolabel and local governmental design considerations in the context of designing Ecolodges in Egypt. The paper also suggests how the project’s teaching process may include other supplementary components (such as invited guest speakers, field trips, and practical workshops concerned with vernacular building techniques) to be considered as a guide model for Sustainable Architecture Education