Interactive Architectural Centre

Location: Baghdad, Al-Karakh

Area: 35,000 m2

The Vision

The interactive architectural centre project in Baghdad is envisioned as a significant architectural hub designed to foster social interaction and facilitate communication between architects, students, and the wider community. Situated over a sprawling 3.5-hectare area, the centre seeks to integrate various cultural, educational, and entertainment spaces under one roof. By engaging the local populace and providing valuable resources for students and professionals alike, the centre aims to enhance the appreciation and understanding of architecture within the community

Social and Architectural Communication

This project places a strong emphasis on rapprochement through social and architectural communication. The architectural design fosters dynamic interaction between visitors, facilitating a range of engagements that resonate with the community's needs. By utilising an interactive approach in both its external and internal spaces, the centre aims to create an environment where dialogues flourish and connections are formed, thereby building bridges among diverse community members.

Fostering Education and Creativity

A key component of the architectural centre's mission is to serve as an educational resource for architecture students. It provides an innovative learning environment equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, workshops, and exhibition spaces. The project not only supports academic pursuits but also offers opportunities for collaboration between students and practising architects. This interaction nurtures creativity and encourages the sharing of ideas, vital for cultivating the next generation of architects. Furthermore, the centre anticipates hosting various cultural and community events that will enrich the local area, reinforcing its role as a vital asset not just to architecture, but to Baghdad as a whole.

Tamayouz Excellence Award - Jury Comments

“This project has a very commendable subject and noble cause in educating the public and improving the built environment by spreading knowledge. We found the site selection in a very urban, vibrant part of the Iraqi capital with very important historical buildings quite interesting. The student has clearly analysed the site thoroughly, which is visible through the project’s levels and how the site might link with the wider urban fabric, especially via pedestrian connectivity.

“The project is very successful in terms of its scale and relation to its context. The resulting design, which incorporates elements of vernacular architecture, is interesting with intriguing views

“However, the project could benefit from simplification in some places. The use of vernacular elements to manage the climate would have made the project richer. In general, this is a well-resolved and detailed project.”

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