Sphynx Jazz Club II & Egyptian Shopping Marketplace

The new Sphynx Jazz Club II & Shopping Marketplace is definitely the crowning achievement to date of Nieuport General Contracting. We were given the task of creating a lush, immersive world, and with two full sims and a 25,000-prim budget at our disposal, we did exactly that. No detail was spared in this celebration of ancient Egyptian art and architecture which is truly a feast for the senses.

The Sphynx Jazz Club has been a landmark in Second Life for quite some time, and has a long history of good jazz, romance, and elegant atmosphere. When owner William Zeta approached us about putting together a proposal for a vastly expanded jazz club, marketplace, and explorable region, this job literally became a dream come true with my long-time fascination with ancient Egyptian architecture and art. With the expansion of the Sphynx Jazz Club, William was interested in creating a themed sim that would go beyond the bounds of Second Life society and culture, to show the world what is possible in Second Life itself and hopefully attract a whole new demographic of members.

The main focus of the Sphynx Jazz Club complex is, of course, the jazz club. Our concept behind this project is a celebration of Egyptian art and architecture, but presented with strong art deco influences as one might have found in one of the most fantastic "jet-set" nightclubs in 1930s Cairo. Many of the art graphic images that are used throughout this site are authentic ancient Egyptian, coming from a variety of wall paintings and carved reliefs. The stonework from which the club is constructed emulates the limestone, marbles and granites used by the ancient Egyptians. Architecturally, the club is heavily inspired by the Egyptian ruins of the temple of Hatshepsut in Luxor, and the tall columned ruins of Karnak. In designing the club we wanted to emulate the grand scale of Egyptian architecture, but still have a dance floor and communal areas where guests can mingle and socialize. Visitors to the club come from all over the world, and I have personally received compliments from individuals who live in the Middle East, Europe, and Asia.

The Sphynx Shopping Marketplace is where visitors first arrive when teleporting to the complex. The buildings here draw on the texturing used throughout the sim, but with a decidedly modern architectural appeal. The layout and design of the mall was the work of our own Gubatah Tigerpaw. Here visitors will find stores featuring some of the greatest fashion designers in Second Life. The focus here is quality rather than quantity.

Visitors to the Sphynx complex can literally wander around for hours exploring with everything these sims have to offer. Located on a concourse underneath the Sphynx Jazz Club is a walk-around gallery of torch-lit ancient Egyptian painted art. The main sim offers several secluded islands, all accessible by covered bridges. Enjoying the ocean view on these islands amid the swaying palm trees is a refreshing experience in which one can almost feel the cool breeze.

The second adjoining sim is purely for exploration and enjoyment. On an elevated plateau, there are ruins where guests can enjoy a stunning panorama of both sims. There are also two pyramids and an oasis recreation area, perfect for small events, or just relaxing with good friends. Tying everything together is an Egyptian boat-ride created by our own Gimli Garzo in which visitors can use boats to explore and travel around both sims on several pre-determined routes.

The Sphynx Jazz Club II complex has to be seen and experienced to be truly understood. Be sure to join the group when you arrive so you'll be privy to the daily schedule of performers, shows and DJs.