📝Project Overview
Situated in the historic city of Nasiriyah—home to two of Mesopotamia’s greatest cultural treasures, the Ziggurat of Ur and the House of Prophet Abraham—the Somarion Hotel Rooftop Lounge stands at the intersection of ancient heritage and contemporary hospitality. Nearby, the renowned Nasiriyah wetlands offer one of the most significant natural landscapes and boating destinations in the region.
For this 600-square-meter rooftop lounge, TTL Studio set out to create a refined, meaningful dialogue between the identity of ancient Mesopotamia and the expectations of modern hotel guests.
🧩Design Concept
A Contemporary Space Rooted in Mesopotamian Heritage
The ceiling and wall forms of the bar restaurant draw inspiration from ancient Mesopotamian boats. A central atrium brings natural light deep into the interior, shaping a dynamic spatial experience throughout the day.
Water elements—reflecting pools and fountains—at the entrance and outdoor areas reference the foundational role of rivers in Sumerian culture and the daily life of its people. A sequence of connected arches at the entrance seamlessly transitions guests from outside to inside, subtly dividing the lounge into public and semi-private zones.
🌿Outdoor Experience
The open-air courtyard is defined by four VIP cabanas, placed at each corner of the central square. These are connected by lightweight colonnades with retractable fabric roofs, allowing flexible shading throughout the year.
The signature Royal Cabana features a palm tree—symbolizing nourishment, resilience, and the cultural identity of Iraq—rising through the atrium and reaching toward the sky. Linear fire pits divide the space into intimate seating pockets, creating a calm and private atmosphere for guests.
🧱Art, Storytelling & Identity
Custom artworks placed within the main reflecting pool depict the people of Mesopotamia, standing in silent dialogue with the river and the Ziggurat of Ur—symbolic guardians of the city’s culture, heritage, and natural landscape.
🎯Result
The Somarion Rooftop Lounge blends tradition, nature, and contemporary design into a unified hospitality experience tailored for local guests, diplomats, and international travelers. It stands as a modern tribute to the timeless character of Mesopotamia and the living identity of Nasiriyah.
