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Title of thesis or dissertation: RETHINKING THE URBAN IDENTITY OF BAGHDAD IN THE 21ST CENTURY
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XC: GRADUATE COORDINATOR
RETHINKING THE URBAN IDENTITY OF BAGHDAD
IN THE 21ST CENTURY.
A thesis submitted to the College of Architecture & Environmental Design of Kent State University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master’s of Urban Design
by
Nadia R. Salman
August/2014 iii
Thesis written by
Nadia R. Salman
B.Sc., University of Baghdad, Iraq 2009
Approved by
______Adil Sharag Eldin, Ph.D., Advisor
______Jonathan Fleming, MArch, Director, Program of Masters of Urban Design
______Douglas Steidl, Dean, College of Architecture & Environmental Design
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TABLE OF CONTENTS Page
LIST OF FIGURES …………………………………………………………………..………….….....11
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS ...... 66
CHAPTER
1. PLACE IDENTITY…………………………………………………………..………………..……7 4
1.1 Introduction …………………………………………….…….…………..………..8 5
1.2 Identity Notion …………………………………………………..……………... 8 10
1.3 Suitability as a Standard ………………………………………………………...….12 10
1.4 Identity Aspects
1.4.1 Culture ……………………………………………..……….....….…..… 1415
1.4.1.1 Religions & Traditions …………………………………….…...……...... 16 15
1.4.1.2 Symbolism ……………….………………………………..….……..….…17 17
1.4.2 Science and Technology ……………...………..…………..…………....…18 18
1.4.3 Natural Aspects ………………………………………….……….….……..19 20
1.4.4 Architectural Heritage …………………………………….….………….....20 21
2. THE BAGHDADI IDENTITY …………………………………………...…….………..…….... 24 22 2.1 Brief History ………………………………………………………….……..…..… 25 23 2.2 The Identity Crisis ………………………………………...…………...…..……....23 25
2.3 General Characteristics ………………………………………….…….……...…. 2827
2.3.1 Location ………………………………….....………..…….…...... ……….27 28
2.3.2 Climate ……………………………….…………………….…...………. 2828
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2.4 Phases of Transformation in the Urban Form of Baghdad
2.4.1 The Traditional Fabric ……………………...... …………….……………. 2931
2.4.2 The International Style ……………………...... …………………………. 3336
2.4.3 The Nostalgia ……………………...... ……………...………….……….... 3538
2.4.4 The Present ……………………...... ………………...……………….…... 3741
Current recognition of heritage ……….…………………………...... …. 39
3. CONCLUSION & RECOMMENDATION …………………………………….………………..44 48
3.1 Conclusions ……………………...... ………………..…………………. 4945
3.2 Recommendation ……………………...... ……………………………. 5449
4. PROJECT: Designing a New Neighborhood in Baghdad…………………………………………..52
4.1 Guidelines……………………………………..……………………………..…………53
4.2 Project Site…………………………..…………………………………..………… 56
4.3 Current Plan………………………………………………………………..…………58
4.4 Demographics & Housing Demand…………………………………………..………59
4.5 Proposed Zoning…………………………………….…………………..……………60
4.6 Proposed Plan…………………………………..………………………….…………63
4.7 Design Theme……………………………………..……………………..……………68
4.8 Single-family Housing
4.8.1 Analysis………………………………..………………………………..……69
4.8.2 Proposed Design…………………………………..……………….…………71
4.8.2.1 Climatic Performance………………………………………………72
4.8.2.2 Elevations……………………………………..………..……………75
4.9 Multifamily Housing
4.9.1 The Plan…………………………………………….…..……………………76
4.9.2 Design & Climatic Performance………………………....……………………78
4.9.3 Privacy………………………………………………...……………………80
4.9.4 Diversity………………………………………….…..…………………… 80
4.10 The Commercial Area………………………………..………….………..……………81
4.11 Park 1…………………………………………….. …………..………………………85
4.12 Park 2………………………………………………………..…....……………………87
4.13 Discussion……………………………………………..………...……………………87
Bibliography……………………………………………………………………………………………. 90
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LIST OF FIGURES
Figure Page
1. Buildings in Iraq by Architect Rifaat Chadirji* ………………...... ……………….………. 7 9
2. Ministry of Housing and Construction *……………………...... ………………….…………..10 8
3. Using SUITABILITY as a standard for achieving IDENTITY …………….…………...... 1314
An artist's rendition of Baghdad around 762 AD, Abbasids ۞.…………..………………. 2823 .4
Arial view of a government palace in Baghdad ۞………………………………………….. 25 .5
6. Office building –Baghdad*…………………………………………………………………………26
7. Classroom building- Univ. of Tech.- Baghdad*………………...... …………….…….……….26 28
Topography ۞…………………...... ………………………………………………….…….….27 29 .8
River front, Baghdad ۞…………………...... …………………………………..…..………. 2830 .9
Development of Baghdad through history ۞…………….....………………..….………..…. 3032 .10
Alleys module ۞…………………...... ………………….……………………………………31 34 .11
12. Mashrabiya in Baghdadi house* …………………….………………….………...... …………….31 3
13. Al-Khadimya neighborhood ……………………..……………………...... ………….……….32 35
14. Wide streets through traditional city.
Al-adamiya neighborhood. 1930s*…………………………………..…………………………34 38
Al-Rasheed st. 1950s ۞…………………...... ……………………………….……..….……….34 38 .15
Sports Hall by Le Corbusier ۞…………………...... ……………………………….……..….35 38 .16
Al-Damirchi Building by Niaz Fatto ۞…………………………………………………………3835 .17
18. Al-Khulafa mosque by Makiya*……………………...... ……………………………..……. 3936
19. Residential building by Abdullah Thabit. Baghdad*…….………...... …….………...………….36 39
Public Square. Baghdad 1970s ۞…………………...... ……………………………….……….36 39 .20
Permission gotten ۞ Permission sought * 2
21. AL-YARMOUK neighborhood. 1970s ……………………...... ……………………………….37 41
22. Residential street with no vegetation*…………………………………………...... …………….38 4
23. Commercial street with small shrubs*…………………………….……...... ………………….38 45
24. Using Mashrabiya as Decorative addition in governmental building. Baghdad*...... 4541
25. Contemporary implementation of arches*……………………...... …………………………….41 46
26. Interstate gate in Basrah*……………………...... ………………………….……….………….42 46
Bridge of Civilization in Nasirya ۞………………….……….……….………...... ………….. 4246 .27
28. Mashrabiya condition in the past (left) & now (right).)*………………….....………………….43 47
29. Mustansirya historical school condition in the past (left) & now (right)*…………….……… 4743
30. The suitable elements of the architectural identity of Baghdad in priority sequence ………...……51
31. Testing shading for different orientation. …………………..……………………………….. 53
32. Temperature info. & Best Orientation. Source: climate consultant…………………………. 53
33. Using deciduous trees for shading in Summer and Allowing sun in Winter…………………. 54
34. Wind directions in Baghdad.Source: climate consultant…………………………………….. 54
35. Blocking North wind………………………………………………………………………… 54
36. Filtrating dusty wind……………………………………………………………………………….54
37. Privacy: using screens to control privacy*…………………………………………………………55
38. Diversity……………………………………………………………………………………… 55
39. Guidelines’ Logos…………………………………………………………………………………55
40. Map of Baghdad 2014. Source: Google Maps…………………………………………………….56
41. North East side of Baghdad 2014. Source: Google Maps…………………………………… 57
42. The boundaries of Al-Rehab complex. Source: Google Maps…………………………….. 57
43. Current Plan*……………………………………………………………………………………58
44. Current Plan Assessment…………………………………………………………………………..58
45. Housing Demand………………………………………………………………………………..59
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46. Unit types distribution………………………………………………………………………….59
47. Project area…………………………………………………………………………………………59
48. The site area………………………………………………………………………..………… 60
49. The green belt…………………………………………………………………………………. 60
50. The Residential Area……………………………………………………………………………61
51. Equitable access to the public services. ……………………………………………………… 61
52. Zoning.………………………………… ……………………………………..…………….. 62
53. Neighborhood Plan (Buildings) ……………………………………………………………… 63
54. Neighborhood Plan (Street network & parking) …………………………………………………64 …
55. Neighborhood Plan (small parks & playgrounds) ………………………………………………65…
56. Neighborhood Plan (Main Parks) ………………………………………………………………65
57. Neighborhood Plan…………………………………………………………………………………66
58. Bird’s eye view……………………………………………………………………………………67
59. Mustansria School*…………………………………………………………………………… 68
60. Mashrabia*………………………………………………………………………………………….68
61. Theme Sketches………………………………………………………………………..…… 68
62. Proposed Theme…………………………………………………………………………………69
63. Traditional Baghdadi House plan…………………………………………………………………70
64. Contemporary house plan*………………………………………………………………………70
65. Single-family Houses zone………………………………………………………………………71…
66. 3D model (shading & wind catcher).……………………….…………………………… …………72
67. Single-House 3D model……………………………………………………………………… 72
68. Proposed house plan………………………………………………………………………………72
69. Climatic performance in summer…………………………………………………………………73
70. Climatic performance in winter.…………………………………………………..……………73
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71. Single House Top View/ South-facing Wall…………………………………………………… 74
3D Model/ South facing wall.……………………………………………… ………………… 72. 74 73. Double Wall Performance in Summer……………………………………………………………… 74 74. Double Wall Performance in Winter……………………………………………………………… 74 75. Street view………………………………………………………………………………………… 75 76. Multifamily Building Sketch………………………………………………………………………. 76 77. Multifamily Buildings Area……………………………………………………………………..
78. Ground Floor & Typical Floor……………………………………………………………………76
79. Hierarchy of spaces in the Ground Floor & Typical Floor …………………………………………76
80. Apartment Circulation………………………………………………………………………………77 81. A,B&C: Sketches of Multifamily Buildings’ elevation……………………………………… 77 82. Southeast Elevation………………………………………………………………………………… 78 83. Northwest Elevation………………………………………………………………………………… 78 84. Southwest Elevation…………………………………………………………………………..
85. Northeast Elevation………………………………………………………………………………78
86. Multifamily Building Top View……………………………………………………………………79
87. Section shows climatic performance of the building………………………………………………79
88. Solar panels on the roof……………………………………………………………………… 79 89. Sitting area at the roof……………………………………………………………………… 79 90. Section shows Privacy…………………………………………………………………………… 79 91. Group of Multifamily Buildings………………………………………………………………… 79 92. Commercial Area Sketches…………………………………………………………………………
93. Commercial Area…………………………………………………………………………………80
94. Commercial Area 3D Model…………………………………………………………………… 80
95. Entrance……………………………………………………………………………………………81
81
82
82 5
Street Painting ۞………………………………………………………………………………82 .96
97. Green Wall……………………………………………………………………………………….82
98. Northeast side……………………………………………………………………………… 83
99. Climatic Performance. ……………………………………………………………………………83
100. Section in the Shopping Area……………………………………………………….……… 83
101. Roof Screen & Sun angles……………………………………………………………………83
102. Shopping Area in Summer……………………………………………………………………… 84 103. Shopping Area in Winter…………………………………………………………………… 84 104. Park 1……………………………………………………………………………………… 85 105. Park 1 Bird’s eye view………………………………………………………………………… 86 106. Park 1in Summer…………………………………………………………………………………
107. Park 1, Stormwater infiltration in winter…………………………………………………………86
108. Park 2………………………………………………………………………………………………86
109. Earlier Multifamily building……………………………………………………………………87
88
Permission gotten ۞ Permission sought * 6
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
I cannot express enough thanks to my advisor, Adil Sharag-Eldin, for his support, patience, and encouragement throughout my graduate studies. His advices were essential to the completion of this thesis and have taught me innumerable lessons and insights on the workings of academic research in general.
My thanks also go to the members of my committee, Steve Rugare and Sagree
Sharma for providing many valuable comments that improved the presentation and contents of this thesis. Thanks also go to all of those who helped providing valuable information.
My completion of this project could not have been accomplished without the support of my family members. They have been a constant source of love, concern, support and strength.
Finally, to my caring, loving, and supportive best friends, Zainab, Mayasa, Rusul, and
Zahraa: my deepest gratitude.
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CHAPTER 1: PLACE IDENTITY
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1.1 INTRODUCTION
New industry, technologies, and social and political orders, were the main features of the 20th century that caused revolutionary changes in architecture. The ‘international style’ in architecture exemplifies this impact. Architects worked on utilizing the new revolutionized technologies to build what transcends the potentialities of each place creating architecture that is inherently affiliated to the new sciences and technologies more than its affiliation to the region in which it is located. Thus, and as change was spreading widely, a uniform style of architecture begun to appear in quite different regions.
The ‘international style’ spread out by the architecture of Mies Van der Rohe, Walter Gropius, and others (Eldemery, 2009).
Following the primary principle of ‘Trial & Error’, non-European architects faced the problems that emerged from their highly unresponsive style. In the Middle East, that is culturally different from post-war Europe, stylistic incompatibilities became apparent mainly as the demand, for new buildings, increased in the mid fifties. That happened because many countries there were transforming from agrarian to industrial communities in response to the oil boom and industrialization which consequently increased the demand for new buildings (Canizaro, 2004).
Kenza Boussora - Middle Eastern architect and planner- categorized the problems that emerged as a result of the wide adoption of the international style in the Middle Eastern countries into four main problems, and they are (Canizaro, 2004):
Inappropriateness to Climate; especially hot-dry climates. The use of the new materials (such as
reinforced concrete and glass) increased building’s Indoor thermal discomfort which
consequently led to more dependence on cooling and heating systems. The later in its turn
increased energy consumption, pollution, and other health-threatening issues. Not to mention the
additional burdens of maintenance and importing costs.
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Deriving spatial norms from different cultures and adopting what were considered universal
ideals of space and shape. The imported settings (such as assumptions about privacy and
comfort) were not applicable in Middle Eastern countries.
A tendency to ignore local resources; this was represented by ignoring local materials,
traditional technologies, and the economic status of the region.
Insensitivity to local culture. As prof. Kuban (Canizaro, 2004) describe it, modernist buildings
led to incompatibility between the physical components of the city and the individual’s behavior,
thoughts, and culture.
In Baghdad, Architecture had gone through different stages starting with the various Islamic architectural styles representing different influences and then suffering the effects of the international architecture. By the 1960s, Iraqi architects have become aware of those issues, and this led them to return to the vernacular architecture and look for the identity of Baghdad (Khodaer & Nassir, 2010).
Their attempts to achieve a place-specific architecture continued, and some of these projects responded to the local characteristics of the place, others were interacting with the local architecture and place identity by merely having that expressed in the design of external facades but not in the plans such as
Chadirji’s projects (fig.1) (Elsheshtawy, 2004).
Fig.1.A-Iraqi union of Industries by Architect Chadirji. Source:FSBA. B-Al-Tameen Building by Architect Chadirji. Source:FSBA.
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Today, and after more than 50 years of stepping toward achieving identity, the Iraqi experience could have become a model for other Middle Eastern countries. However the frequent wars and the economic and political changes have prevented that and the true understanding of the underlying principles superficially emulated. Recent attempts focused on implementing different and unrelated elements of local architecture contemporary hybrids without proper use to suffice the local needs.
Consequently, that has resulted in more dependence on the new technologies (such as cooling and heating systems). In addition to the negative impact on local environment, unruly facades have similarly affected the urban coherence of the streets in Baghdad. This inability to identify a coherent meaning to the urban context has impertinent connotation to the confused nature of the city today.
Fig.2. A & B: Ministry of Housing and Construction. Source:FSBA. Since identity may be defined as the perception of the ones with a group (Ashforth and Mael,
1998), the incoherency of the street in Baghdad may be interpreted as a reflection of identity crisis at a city-wide scale. As a result, there is a real need for rethinking the identity of Baghdad over its history till today. This need should be grounded in historical and societal research instead of mere typological transformations and amalgamation.
1.2. NOTION OF IDENTITY
Human being’s self-awareness and self expression abilities are crucial differences that distinguish us from other organisms (Lappegard, 2007). Differences are what give things their identity as individuals and groups among others. Identity, in the general perception and everyday speech, is
11 what makes things (human, place, culture, civilization, etc.) distinguishable. In this research I am going to focus on the architectural identity of the city of Baghdad. There are many theories that attempt to define identity. Some of those which linked to place-identity are the following:
The first theory (Place-Identity) deals with the place itself and its effects on people. The term
“place-identity” has been in use since the 1970s (Proshansky, 1978). The theory links people’s self- consciousness and places by introducing the place as a reference through which people realize themselves. Lappegard (2007) stated “Place Identity is a substructure of self-identity much like gender and social class, and is comprised of perceptions and comprehensions regarding the environment”.
This begins in the early consciousness of the child when s/he starts to recognize her/his home and feel belonging to that physical environment. Proshansky & Fabian categorize environmental perception in two categories: the first is about feelings, values, memories, and settings. The second is about the ways in which these settings (home, school, neighborhood, etc.) are related (Proshansky & Fabian, 1987).
Thus this theory posits that people’s perception of a place is affecting and getting affected by the identity of that place.
The second theory is the Social-Identity about which Twigger-Ross states “A place is often associated with a certain group of people, certain life style and social status” (Lappegard, 2007). It is more about people’s characteristics. It is about the mutual influences of a society and its environment.
The theory posits also that individuals can be affected by the general traits of the group they belong to
(Tajfel, 1982). This can be shown in many regions which have certain dominant characteristics, such as the Islamic character of the Middle Eastern countries which is reflected in many aspects of daily life even among non-Muslims in that region. So the dominant character becomes a social identity and it gets reflected in people’s values and choices, which will be reflected in their way of interacting with the place. Hence, social considerations have a mutual effect with place identity.
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The third theory is the identity Process Theory. Lappegard (2007) describes this theory by stating “Identity in this view is seen as a dynamic, social product of the interaction of the capacities for memory, consciousness and organized construal”. That comes along with Correa’s (1983) definition of identity as he says “Identity is a process and not a found object. It may be linked to the trail left by civilization as it moves through history.” This theory, in a way, combines the ideas of the other two theories by thinking of identity of place as a process that is implicit in people’s perception of the place
(memory, consciousness, etc.) and by considering place identity as a social product which embeds the meaning of being affected by social considerations. Furthermore, the theory refers to change in the principles of culture, which form place identity, over time. This introduces time as a new variable in this theory.
In conclusion, place identity is the conception of people, how they see the place and what the place evokes in them, that guid architects to focus on place identity in occupants’ vision. That also includes the social considerations of the community in that place: how those people think, and what are their general values and cultural background are important determinants of identity. Another inevitable part of place identity is time, since cultures, situations, people’s perceptions and even the components of places are subject to change through time.
1.3. SUITABILITY AS A BASIS FOR IDENTITY
In essence, architecture reflects humans’ daily life. Therefore, it is important for it to be able to meet people’s needs whether those needs are physical or non-physical. The basic needs of human beings are similar but, over history, communities had different ways to fulfill them. That distinction can be noticed for instance in ancient civilizations such as Mesopotamia which built with mud since it is the available material in that area. In the same response to available materials, much of what remains of ancient Egypt civilization was built with stones (Harrell, 2008). The interaction of human beings and
13 their own environment, by utilizing the local resources, is the characteristic that helped achieving a distinctive identity for each community.
After industrialization and changes in technology, social orders, and the ensuing shifts in political orders, the concept of vernacular architecture has receded. New technologies have emerged and spread to be utilized in regions that differ from where they have originally been invented. The use of similar technologies in quite different places has resulted in identity loss. Canizaro (2004) posits that the dialectic of traditions and modernity is inextricably linked to the struggle between necessary cultural continuity and the desire for progress and innovation. Thus there is a problem as long as the innovation is being perceived as a synonym for using the new in isolation from the regional context. As that perception is tending to ignore the human dimension which, as Canizaro (2004) describes it, the power that unifies mankind and fosters the universality of many inventions. In conclusion, identity is not threatened by the universal adoption of technologies, instead, it could be achieved by getting the advantage of these everyday developing technologies when they are utilized in a way that meets the unique needs of the particular place.
Furthermore, Frampton (1981) states that “a region may DEVELOP ideas, and [sic], a region may ACCEPT ideas”. Innovations, in different fields, could be accepted in regions other than where they first emerged once they are deemed suitable for the host region. Furthermore, these innovations suitability for the host region means that that region was in need for them but it did not produce them itself due to a lack of its capabilities. Thus, suitability can be used as standard of judging the belonging and consequently the identity.
To study the reasons affecting region’s identity, I need to consider its environment as a whole.
Fathi (1977) classifies the environment to two categories, natural environment and built environment.
The natural is about all the natural aspects of life (human, plants, animals, topography, water bodies, climate, etc.) while the built is about what is created by human beings (buildings, streets, squares,
14 sidewalks, and bridges.). For identity, the architectural heritage is one of the most important aspects of the physical environment, as it expresses the process of urban life development (Kamouna, 2010). The value of the architectural heritage transcends the physical mass as it becomes integrated with people’s history, memories, and sentiments.
Furthermore, approaches for evaluating the whole environment are not the same for all communities. They are inherently related to each community’s needs and values. That means culture has an effective role in communities’ ways of expressing themselves. Another important aspect is the instruments that are used in each region to address its environmental mandate. These instruments are science and technologies which in their turn are affected by region’s economy. In conclusion, identity of a region could be inferred by perceiving its whole environment and all of what affects it.
Fig. 3. Using SUITABILITY as a standard for achieving IDENTITY. Source: Author.
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1.4 IDENTITY ASPECTS
1.4.1 Culture
Culture, according to Al-Jabri, is the homogeneous composition of memories, values, symbols, expressions, innovations, and aspirations that preserve to a community its dynamics and ability to communicate and evolve (Al-hamdani, 2005). It is therefore the way by which a community expresses itself. Furthermore Kroeber (as reported in Silverman, 2004) posits that culture is dynamic and it could be classified to three forms “Social culture (status and roles), Value culture (philosophy and morals), and Reality culture (science and technology)”. He posits that civilization is within reality culture
(Silverman, 2004). Cultures may keep on evolving without reaching a highly advanced state that could be named civilization
Since culture is about perception of place, then different cultures can have different evaluation for the same resources. Architecture, throughout Middle East, has mutual traits, and in the same regard,
Regional differences could be easily delineated (Al-Numan &Al-Tahlawi, 2008). These differences may be attributed to the availability of natural resources, predominant technological systems, and suitability of regional styles to contemporary needs and values.
Cultural variation between communities comes from differences in the common regulations of each community. Those regulations have been set through communities’ trial and error processes, giving each community its unique experiences and ultimately have transformed these rules into traditions (Al-Numan &Al-Tahlawi, 2008). Religions also contribute to set regulations and guide communities. Their role was the strongest in the primitive and preindustrial cultures since religions were an essential part of these cultures (Rapoport, 1969). One of the most effective roles of religion is the creation of symbols that had a direct impact on architecture. Thus, to draw the relationship between culture and place identity, I will go through each one of the aforementioned main components of culture
(traditions, religion, and symbols).
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1.4.1.1 Religions & Traditions
Green (1997) defined tradition as “a belief or behavior passed down within a group or society with symbolic meaning or special significance with origins in the past”. Green stresses the idea that the traditions which have been preserved and passed down across generations are of a special importance and they keep working as a type of the regulations that lead communities in all different eras.
The commonality of traditions in a community has the potential to strengthen its unity and the individual’s feeling of belonging to that specific community and its culture. Papper (as reported in Al-
Asadi, 1996) posits that traditions arise in response to a human need for regularity in social life, for this regularity helps in predicting some future events. Thus, individual innovations need to have, in a way, the characteristic of traditionalism to increase their acceptance by people and also to strengthen their influences on them. That is something to be considered to achieve identity in architecture, since it should be suitable for not only the physical needs, but also the moral.
One of the most significant influential factors on community traditions is religion, since religion is considered the foundation of cultural identity (Haft, 2005). Religions have their distinctive rituals and acts of worship which have affected the type of main buildings and also their form and contents.
Other than type of buildings, religious traditions have affected the way of life. An example of that is the Muslims’ tradition of achieving high privacy in their houses. That tradition has come from a religious (Islamic) regulation. Muslims needed to fulfill basic needs and, at the same time, meet their traditions and religious regulations. Their solution was the inward looking planning (El-Shorbagy,
2010) which has then become a characteristic of traditional Islamic cities.
It should be noted that climate modifying devices that meet the traditions at one time are not necessarily symbols of traditionalism at different times. To clarify, the Mashrabiya (latticework covered window) was used in the traditional houses of Islamic cities to fulfill many needs. One of those needs was a religious one that is privacy. But in spite of Mashrabiya’s success in fulfilling this need in the
17 past, using it today, without a need, does not express identity. That is because the Mashrabiya’s expression of identity has come from its suitability to the unique needs of the Arab community at that time.
Thus, the identification of each culture by its traditions is a critical issue for identity because it deals with people in their daily life attitudes and beliefs, and the result should meet a culture’s unique needs.
1.4.1.2 Symbolism
Symbolism is an important aspect of identity that it is considered an expression of cultural identity (James, 2009). Symbolism reinforces the affiliation to a specific identity by creating or enhancing common meaning among people as these common symbols give a representation of forms of life (Schulz, 1963; cited by Al-Hamdani, 2005).
Some of those significant forms of life are represented in religious symbols. Religious symbols are representations of incorporeal values or messages conveyed to adherents. They could be religious text, art works, or rituals of worship (James, 2009). Those symbols usually are not transmitted or used by other cultures, if they do not have commonalities with the source culture (Al-Hamdani, 2005).
A symbol, sometimes, is derived from an element which is there for a need, then the need disappears but the symbol continues being there since it becomes vernacular for people. For instance, in
Islam during the time of the prophet (PBUH) there was a need for calls to prayer so that everyone in the city could hear it. They did that from the roof of his house in Medina. After a while, for this need the
Minaret (tower-like structure) was adopted in Caliph Mu’awiya’s time in Iraq in nearly 665 A.C.
(Hillenbrand, 1994). Its function was not only broadcasting the call to prayer, it became a landmark and focal point since it was the highest element in the city. The norm was a single Minaret, but then many mosques started to have up to six (Khidir, 1998). Here the search for differentiation started to appear and go beyond the need. Today broadcasting the call to prayer is being done by using loudspeakers. But the Minaret still one of the important symbols of the mosque especially in the Islamic countries.
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Another example is the crescent which is always at the top of mosques with its opening point toward Al-Qibla (prayer direction). This symbol does not have any Islamic origins (James, 2009). But as a Middle Eastern that lives in an Islamic country with abundance of mosques, the crescent now is a symbol of mosques in our mind, although we may not look for its source. It is a symbol by familiarity and common use.
Hence, in the first place the symbol may emerge for a need or contemporary values, but then it gets entrenched in people’s mind and that is why it continues being used even though the need is not there anymore. That helps a community to have a common language that can be understood by its members, which then helps them feel their belonging to their specific culture as well as help them feel their distinction. On the other hand, what happens sometimes is merely repeating elements that are used in the past without thinking of their suitability to contemporary values, or if these elements really evoke certain feelings in people as symbols should do. Then it is important to foster the meaning of symbols, which gives a form a value and distinguish it from other traditional forms. It is also significant to understand culture’s perception and tales behind a symbol before deciding it is suitability for the place and time.
1. 4.2 Science and Technology
Before the industrial revolution, people used to utilize local materials and the contemporary technologies to construct their built environment. The materials and technologies used have helped pre- industrial societies to develop architectural forms with a strong regional affiliation. For instance, in many Arab countries, mud is the local material and it is used to create bricks. Bricks have been used to build distinctive architectural forms such as arches and domes (Kamouna & Al-Baghdadi). These forms were regional and have become a representation of the architectural identity of that region.
After industrialization in the West, new technologies have spread all over the world.
Globalization in architecture has become obvious from the frequent scenes of glossy facades of
19 commercial and residential towers in different cities (Weyland, 1997; cited by El-demery, 2004). There have been many objections based on the loss of identity that resulted. Paul Ricoeur (Canizaro, 2007)
Counter argued these objections by stressing the universality of science and innovation. He stated
“Even if it is possible to ascribe to such a country or culture the invention of
writing, printing, the steam engine, etc. an invention rightfully belongs to mankind as a
whole. Sooner or later it creates an irreversible situation for everyone. Its spread may be
delayed but not totally prevented.”
Ricoeure also posits that techniques are not the decisive factor of this era; instead it is the
“scientific spirit” that unifies mankind and contributes to passing down new inventions (Canizaro,
2007). Thus universal adoption of technology helps unifying the world and creates equal opportunities by unifying resources. In another word, technology today has no place-affiliation as the entire globe is one place for it.
In spite of the universality of technologies, there are cases where architectural identity gets threatened. In Baghdad, for instance, there is a wide use of glass. Based on the suitability argument, glass does not belong to the place and threatens its identity. The objection is not in here in the material itself but rather its excessive use. Therefore the limitation of glazing will have a distinctive impact on architectural identity. It is therefore about choosing the suitable technologies and materials for each specific place to meet the place’s characteristics and needs.
1. 4.3 Natural Aspects
I may argue that the natural resources are the only original aspects of a place. A wide variety of natural resources affect architecture such as topography, soil, water bodies, and plant cover. But the aspect with the most impact is climate.
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Human beings interact with natural resources which are available resources at a time, to fulfill their functional or environmental needs. Prior to using advanced technologies, indigenous people used the available resources –which could only be local resources- resulting is a more honest and true identity. Later, proliferation of inexpensive transportation technologies expanded the extent of availability of resources. Imports become easily available. In addition, technological advancement has lead to the ability to change topography, and use artificial cooling & heating systems. These changes have affected the uniqueness of regions.
To emphasize the affiliation to a place and articulate identity, architects need to take into consideration natural aspects and furthermore to incorporate them in the design concepts. That means a broader goal than the optimum use of new technologies (Frampton, 1983). Hence, it is important to be aware of what resources each site offers, and understand the benefits of those resources, to be able to utilize them for the benefit of the inhabitants in a way that preserves those resources and reduces the harmful impact of ignoring them.
1.4.4 Heritage
Architectural heritage is a conglomeration and accumulation of functional and aesthetic processes for a specific region (Al-Ani, 2011). Consequently, it should be continuous over time as it transforms into a witness of its value and consequently a cause of its existence till now.
Berdyaev (1986) posits that remembering is not just retaining or recalling the past, but it is an innovative renewal and transformation for that past. He argues that recalling the past in our minds is a present act which has the present characteristics of the way we grasp it, for the past that lives in our memories is quite different from what it really was. That way of thinking classifies the time in which we live to; the present of past things, the present of presents, and the present of futures (Berdyaev,
1986).
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Examples of perceiving the architectural heritage according to this temporal dimension are abundant all over the world. The pyramids of ancient Egypt are one of those valuable heritages which were considered of the Seven Wonders of the World (UNESCO). That great architecture has been built for a need; ancient Egyptians had used their techniques and local materials to create what is suitable for their way of living and their values. Nonetheless, what distinguishes the past from the present of that heritage is its role. Is it still used for the same function? Definitely not, it is now used for tourism, which is suitable for the present way of thinking, values, and also technologies.
Hence, suitability is a need even in the way of dealing with and thinking of the heritage. Taking the advantages of heritage does not mean sticking to that heritage in all its aspects; instead it is utilizing the heritage to fulfill current needs. That helps expressing a vital identity that ignores neither the heritage nor the contemporary needs and values.
The use of vernacular elements could be very critical for the identity issue. In order to create architecture that bridges between heritage and future, it is significant to remember the time dimension.
We need our architecture to be suitable for our needs and time and that could be achieved if the borrowed elements, from the heritage, meet those conditions. Zarzar (2012) refers to that by stating that the use of the vernacular elements should be limited for what belongs to the specific region, taking in consideration that “belongs” here means emerged in that place or needed there. He reinforces that by giving Le Corbusier’s Piloti of the savage hut as an example, which was suitable for its own environment. This successful experience would not mean that it will be successful wherever it is transferred. This means that a successful architecture does not succeed in isolation of its environment; instead it has to work as one system. As a result, importing this architectural work to another place with different character will have different outcomes. Therefore, determining the contemporary needs and utilizing the architectural heritage to fulfill those needs is a suitable way of dealing with the legacy of the ancestors. This is in contrast with merely expressing nostalgia by imitating historical elements that are not effective functionally or environmentally.
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CHAPTER 2: The Baghdadi Identity
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2.1 BRIEF HISTORY
The Abbasid caliph Al-Mansur decided to establish a new capital for the Abbasid Empire. That capital was the city of Baghdad which planned to be a circular city, to function as an impenetrable fortress (Negoita, 2011). The construction took four years (762 A.C.) and the city represented the classical Islamic image of cities. Baghdad consisted of a central mosque and caliph’s palace, market, and residential quarters (fig.4) (Negoita, 2011). The location of the new city also was chosen carefully.
Al-Mansur chose arable land to the left of Tigris River (Al-Khafaji & Al-Kaissi, 2012). That location helped Baghdad to be one of the most prosperous places in the world during the 10th and 11th centuries as it was a trade center that linked the Middle East with Asia (Negoita, 2011). Baghdad continued growing and it became a center of education and science for the Islamic world until it got invaded by the Mongols in 1258 (Zaimeche, 2005). Thereafter, there were successive invasions of Baghdad by the
Safavids, Ottomans, British, and finally the 2003 invasion of Iraq.
Fig.4. An artist's rendition of Baghdad around 762 AD, Abbasids. Source: Muna’s company website.
2.2 THE IDENTITY CRISIS
Baghdad has gone through many episodes of occupation by forces of different cultures. Those experiences have had their impact on different aspects of the city and have formed its identity.
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Concerning the urban fabric, the significant changes happened after the 1920s (Khodaer & Nassir,
2010).
Transformations in the built environment started being significant after adopting modernism by the Iraqi architects and the advent of foreign architects who worked in Baghdad (Nooraddin, 2012).
These transformations were in response to the new needs of that era. For instance wide streets were needed instead of the narrow alleys to accommodate automobiles. Changes continued to dismantle the traditional organic fabric of Baghdad. Many foreign architects have applied their work that followed the international style in Baghdad such as Le Corbusier and Gropius. In addition to the Iraqi architects who studied abroad and contributed to disseminating the international style in Baghdad (Khodaer & Nassir,
2010).
In the 1960s and after, and as modern architecture spread across Baghdad, Iraqi architects turned to the identity issue and reevaluated the interaction between their architecture and the uniqueness of
Baghdad (Khodaer & Nassir, 2010). Some Iraqi architects, such as Rifat Chadirji, tried to reduce the gap between the technological development and the local conditions by turning to the social needs and heritage of Baghdad (Elsheshtawy, 2004). At the time, Elsheshtawy (2004) also states that some projects demonstrated a distinctive modern local architecture, but through the elevations only, while the plans remained closely linked to international style.
After the 1980s, the enthusiasm of Iraqi architects to create and develop a profound identity was challenged by new political and economic conditions which were a result of wars and extreme economic hardship. In response to these conditions, many well known architects were forced to leave the country, fearing the wrath of the ruling regime (Athwany). The architecture of the 1980s and 1990s was almost confined to government’s will which ignored the valuable aspects of Baghdad. For example, a new multi-story residential complex was built by damaging and cutting through a traditional and historical neighborhood (such as AL-Shawwaka, Al-Rahmania, and Al- Karkh). It was also the era
25 of the regime’s palaces, numbering over 170 across the country (fig.5), while people were languished in poverty and deprivation (Athwany). After 2003 a new stage of Baghdad architecture has begun by the change of the regime. A significant issue of this era is openness to the world market after the removal of the economic siege, leading to wide use of universal technologies.
Fig. 5. Arial view of a government palace in Baghdad. Source: Faye& Steve.
Today, in a globalized era, I can say that there is a struggle between desires to create local
Baghdadi architecture and to optimize the use of universal technologies and balance it with the cost.
Most of the architecture that attempts to express contemporary local identity is related to the uniqueness of Baghdad only by implementing traditional or historical architectural elements. Sometimes these elements are abundant in a single building mixed distastefully with some elements of modern forms
(fig. 6). The traditional elements used are often not utilized to get the practical benefits they offered at their time. Thus, people’s demands (especially the social and environmental) still require the use of new
26 technologies which means more energy consumption and pollution concerns. On the other hand, the use of materials, openings, and orientation mostly follow western style and that ignores the identity of
Baghdad and contributes to promoting the use of unsuitable technologies (fig. 7).
Fig. 6: office building –Baghdad. Source: FSBA Fig. 7: Classroom building- Univ. of Tech.- Baghdad. Source: FSBA In conclusion, the identity crisis in Baghdad emerges from the way of perceiving architectural identity and its relationship with the contemporary buildings. Today, and despite the challenges of this era, there are concerns about identity issues, and many of the famous
Iraqi architects support the search for architectural identity. Thus, in this research I am trying to contribute to this process through determining the fundamental characteristics of Baghdad by addressing the aforesaid aspects of identity to draw suitable methods of applying or dealing with each of them to achieve identity.
To better understand what the place naturally offers, I am going to address the natural characteristics of Baghdad. Then I will address identity aspects within the main phases of
Baghdadi architecture and finally draw the suitable methods that have been used, and avoid the problematic and identity-ignoring ones.
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2.3 GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS
2.3.1 Location
Topography:
Baghdad lies in longitude 30°19’N and latitude 44°25’E (Vidiani1, 2001). The city is within the plain area in Iraq (fig.8).
Fig.8: Topography map. Source: Vidiani1
Soil:
Soil type affects human’s way of life. According to its characteristics, there can be agricultural communities or others depending on hunting for instance. In Baghdad, the soil is good for agriculture
(USDA, cited by Saleh, 2010).
Water bodies:
Baghdad is located on both sides of Tigris River with its east boundary formed by Diyala River in addition to many man-made canals and ponds within the city (Saleh, 2011).
Water bodies are great assets for Baghdad especially that the city is within the hot arid zone,
since these features could help enhancing the microclimate of the adjacent areas. Moreover, the
1- A website for detailed world maps. www.vidiani.com
28 abundance of water bodies and especially Tigris River, which runs through the whole city, provides beautiful scenic sites that could be exploited for many activities. But the current situation is different
(fig. 9). The urban layout does not consider the river and there is a lack of recreational areas and paths along the river as well as a lack of openness toward it. Moreover, the river front is divided to separate areas at different land uses (Al-Akkam, 2012)
Fig. 9. River front, Baghdad. Source: Al-Akkam, 2012
2.3.2 Climate
Baghdad, according to Kotteck et al (2006), is within the hot arid desert zone BWh.
Summer is hot and dry with average daily temperature between (100-111) °F. While humidity is low (10-50%) and the temperature declines at night by (30)°F or more. Winter is cool and damp with an average temperature of (70-3.8) °F. Spring and fall are pleasant but too short (Encyclopedia Britannica, Inc., 2012).
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2.4 PHASES OF TRANSFORMATION IN THE URBAN FORM OF BAGHDAD
2.4.1 The Traditional Form
The round city of Baghdad was developed and expanded through history and the circular shape gradually transformed by many forces such as population growth, the decline of Abbasid Empire, and frequent demolitions and reconstructions (Elsheshtawy, 2004). Despite all the expansions and growth of the city (fig.10), the traditional form was still the dominant until the late 1920s, when the international style began to emerge (Khodaer & Nassir, 2010). To analyze the characteristics and main ideas of the traditional phase, and derive what is suitable for the current era, it is necessary to deeply understand the citizenry and their social dimensions.
As with other early Islamic cities, Baghdad was divided into quarters by the caliph, and a chief was assigned to be in charge of each quarter (Negoita, 2011). The fabric was compact which, in such city, comes as a response to the harsh environment (Hamoucha, 2008). The city appears as a coherent mass of small parcels that shade each other to reduce solar radiation impact (Kammouna, 1990). The center was preserved for the religious and secular authority. The Jami' Mosque (Friday Mosque) and caliph’s and princes’ palaces in the center, while the market place was in city’s periphery (Al-Khafaji &
Al-Kaissi, 2012). The location of the Jami’ mosque in Islamic cities presents its significance; it emphasized the importance of religion in social life. This is also emphasized in the skyline of the city, as the Minarat of the mosque was the highest element (Al-Zubaidi, 2012).
The buildings in that fabric were characterized by formal unity. Except mosques, the palace, and the citadel, all other buildings were of the same height. This urban form helped residents to avoid extra exposure to the sun and dusty wind (Kammouna, 1990). Human scale is also a significant trait of the traditional Islamic city, as it is a way to strengthen the relationship between people and their environment and avoid the sense of alienation (Al-Zubaidi, 2012). That trait was also represented by the hierarchical street network which linked the center with the periphery of the city (Negoita, 2011).
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Fig.10. Development of Baghdad through history. Source: Elsheshtawy, 2004. The network ranged from wide streets linked to the center to narrow alleys between the buildings and leading to cul-de-sac paths. Due to the winding nature of the alley ways, air movement was reduced resulting in the settlement of dust. The height of buildings related to alleys’ width, which created shaded and non-shaded areas within each alley and consequently created air movement that mitigated the weather especially in summer. The ratio of building height to street width was 1:2, and sometimes 1:3 or 1:4 (Kammouna, 1990). The minimum width was determined by adopting “a man riding a fully loaded camel” as a module (fig.11) (Mortada, 2003).
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Another characteristic of Baghdad’s traditional urban form, among the common characteristics of Islamic cities, is the inward looking planning. To achieve privacy, Muslims’ houses were open onto inner courtyards instead of public spaces (Negoita, 2011). This reduced the attention to the public spaces, as people focused on creating a convenient inner climate in their courtyards. Vegetation, for instance, was used in the courtyards but not in the alleys. In accordance with the inward orientation, there was lack of openings on the outside. Wooden screens (Mashrabia) covered the windows of the houses and controlled penetrating heat and light (AL-Zubaidi, 2010). In addition to mitigating houses’ inner climate, Mashrabias also offered additional shade that is added to the alley, and supported privacy, as their interwoven lattices do not allow outsiders to see through them (fig.12).
Fig.11. Alleys module. Source: redrawn from Al-Zubaidi, 2010 Fig.12. Mashrabiya in Baghdadi house. Source:FSBA Another element of traditional houses is the wind catchers (Malqaf). Before electricity and
HVAC technology, people in these cities needed a technology that creates cooling to mitigate the inner climate without depending on large windows (Sharag-Eldin, 1994). The Malqaf is a shaft that has an opening orientated toward the predominant wind direction to help provide the house with cool and less
32 dusty air (Fathi, 1988). This technology was suitable for the climate and also corresponded with the cultural need for privacy.
Dried mud blocks were widely used as they were locally sourced, low cost, and easy to use
(Kammouna, 2010). This material, which has developed then to bricks, is efficient in reducing the transmitted heat to the inner spaces (Fathi, 1988). The primitive technology of that time led to thick walls to carry the load, helping to increase the heat transmission resistance.
Traditional houses also had basements to get the benefits of the thermal storage capacity of soil.
The basement was a refuge for the occupants at noon since the temperature there was lower (Shahin &
Al-Zubaidi, 2008).
It is clear how the different elements of the traditional city of Baghdad were, as many other
Islamic cities, working as a system. Each element or technology performed multiple functions and fulfilled multiple needs. As a successful system, it continued to be adopted even after the expansion of
Baghdad and today there still are some neighborhoods of the old city such as Al-Khadimya neighborhood (fig.13). Then the Iraqi economy began to develop by the extraction and export of oil in the late 1920s, and this increased more in the 1930s. The new income gave the opportunity to increase constructions and attracted many famous architects (Khodaer & Nassir, 2010). Hence a new phase in
Baghdadi architecture began.
Fig.13 A: Al-Khadimya neighborhood. Source: Google maps, 2014. B: Baghdad 2013. Source: Google maps, 2014.
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2.4.2 The International Style
Baghdadi architecture responded to the introduction of the new materials and technologies. The international style of architecture was widely spread in Baghdad after the 1930s for many reasons in addition to the economic prosperity of the oil revenue. Those reasons are (Khodaer & Nassir, 2010 ; and Al-Zubaidi, 2012):
The return of the first generation of architects who had studied abroad (1930s & 1940s).
Those architects were eager to apply the concepts and techniques that they learned in the
United States and Europe.
The establishment of the Iraqi construction council (1950). This helped the horizontal
expansion of Baghdad as it mitigated the risk of flooding by establishing many
agricultural and irrigational projects such as Al-Tharthar dam and Dokan dam.
Inviting foreign architects to participate in the reconstruction of Baghdad. Such as Le
Corbusier, Gropius, and Wright (1960s).
The establishment of the department of architecture in the University of Baghdad (1958).
It was founded by Iraqi architects who studied in the US and Europe and started to
disseminate their thoughts and knowledge about international architecture.
The compact fabric of the city then became incompatible with the new standards of life which appeared by using these new technologies such as automobiles and cooling & heating systems
(Hamoucha, 2008). Consequently, life change required a transformation in the whole urban form which caused that form to lose its compactness. In the 1930s there were many attempts to re-imagine the new expanding city. Different plans were proposed for different parts of the city and they were mostly done by foreign planners such as German and Greek. Some of these plans were partially implemented, others were not considered at all (Al-Aboudi, 2012). The skyline of the city diversified and included high multi-story buildings (Khodaer & Nassir, 2010). Dwarfing in many instances overcame the unique
34 height of the Minarat and its symbolism. Market area also changed and expanded towards the center to compete with the dominance of the large number of mosques and governmental offices. This in turn, made the center inconvenient for residents, displacing, in the process, rich to leave the traditional city to the new neighborhoods (Al-Zubaidi, 2012).
In terms of street network, a new module -the automobile- required wider streets. Many streets were grafted through the traditional fabric (fig.14&15), and new neighborhoods have been built with a gridiron street network (Al-Zubaidi, 2012). Thus, drastically increasing area of impervious surfaces, that are exposed to the sun, raised the temperature of the arnea.
Residential units remained inward looking with three sides attached to the other houses and one side on the new streets (Al-Zubaidi, 2010). The fourth side overlooking on the new wide streets was more susceptible to the harsh environmental factors.
Skyline of Baghdad transformed with the proliferation of several commercial and residential buildings which follow international architecture, such as Al-Damirchi Building by the Iraqi architect
Niaz Fatto (fig.16), Le Corbusier’s sport hall (fig.17), and many others. Over time Iraqi architects became concerned about the identity issue and tried to move this architecture towards regional sensitivity of architecture in Baghdad (Khodaer & Nassir, 2010).
Fig. 14. Al-adamiya neighborhood. 1930s. Source: Google maps, 2014. Fig.15 Al-Rasheed st. 1950s. Source: FSBA
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Fig.16. Al-Damirchi Building by Niaz Fatto. Source: FSBA Fig.17. Sports Hall by Le Corbusier. Source: Arar.
2.4.3 Nostalgia
As architecture continued to grow vertically in 1970s and 1980s, the city grew horizontally to cover many new areas, and the total area of the city became more than eight times larger (Al-Zubaidi,
2012). Parts of the traditional city were removed, and new neighborhoods emerged along the main roads or around functional centers such as markets or mosques (Khodaer & Nassir, 2010).
Iraqi architects kept stressing the importance of Baghdad heritage and uniqueness (Khodaer &
Nassir, 2010). Many projects represent their attempts to address this issue, such as Baghdad central post office by Chadirji or Al-Khulafa mosque by Makiya (fig.18) (Elsheshtawy, 2004). In these projects, the architects have used traditional elements and tried to interact with the climate. Yet some of them were criticized, as the traditional spirit was not reflected in the plans, but only in the elevations
(Elsheshtawy, 2004).
In response to the increasing use of automobiles and development of transportation, the adoption of a gridiron network increased, with more complet intersections, sidewalks, squares (Al-
Zubaidi, 2012). The impervious surfaces that are exposed to the sun were noticeably increased, especially with little use for plants or any other ways of shading (fig.20).
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Fig.18: Al-Khulafa mosque by Makiya. Fig.19: Residential building by Thabit. Source: Elsheshtawy, 2004. Source: Alsultani, 2013.
Fig.20: Public Square. Baghdad 1970s. Source: FSBA
Even for the single unit (house), many changes occurred that ignored the climate conditions.
People managed to achieve comfortable indoor climate by depending solely on air-conditioning. For instance, outward looking designs emerged in the design of housing units. These units also were completely from the four sides (fig.21) (Al-Zubaidi, 2010) and with large windows, which were usually single-glazed (Rashid, 2012b). The Mashrabiya was no longer used. All this has reduced the thermal efficiency of the new houses. The traditional courtyards were mitigating the indoor climate of the house
37 through the use of sun control strategies, vegetation, and water fountains (Al-Zubaidi, 2010). While front yards today are used only when the climate outside is good in contrary of traditional courtyards which were creating that good climate. To meet the social needs of the residence, I may argue that the withdrawal of the housing units away from the new streets can be a sign for the cultural need for privacy in spite of the nominal cultural changes. This hypothesis can be proven by comparing the use of wide windows with that withdrawal, the windows are then open on a private property, which is the house’s garden.
The new urban form in Baghdad that followed grids of wide streets was appropriate for cars, but not for social and climatic aspects. It failed to achieve a balance between new technologies and
Baghdad’s identity.
Fig.21. Wider streets, Separate houses. AL-Yarmouk neighborhood. 1970s. Source: Google Maps, 2014.
2.4.4 The Present
Today, after many wars and political changes, architecture in Baghdad is again exposed to a new wave of modern universal technologies and new commodities in the markets. Yet there is no new proposal for re-planning the city. Features of globalization clearly appear on the individual buildings.
There are few and ineffective attempts to provide shading by Vegetation to mitigate the harsh climate of Baghdad. These attempts are limited to a few streets, while the majority is either without vegetation at all (fig.22) or with small shrubs ineffective for mitigating the climate (fig.23).
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Fig.22. Residential Street with no vegetation. Source: Fig. 23. Commercial street with small shrubs. Courtesy of resident Esraa Aljanaby. Source: FSBA.
In term of housing, there are no adopted uniform building energy standards in Baghdad (UN-
Habitat, 2006). However, the contemporary residential units have some environmentally responsible strategies such as party walls where there are three-side attached (Rashid, 2012b) with multiple shafts for lighting and ventilation. The fourth side is open with large windows facing the garden and parking space. The compact house form is due to the raised value of land and it also reduces the exposed surfaces to the sun which in turn reduce heat gain into the buildings (Al-Jawadi, 2002b). Front yard is surrounded by a high fence (around 6.5 ft) for security issues and privacy reasons. To increase safety, security screens of different shapes are used on windows. Furthermore, heavy curtains with light color backing are used inside to reduce heat that is transmitted from outside especially in summer. Hence, these large windows are fulfilling the need of controlling views on front yards but at the same time they are not compatible with the climate and cultural needs in Baghdad.
The materials are bricks for load bearing walls and reinforced concrete or brick-arch for roofs
(UN-Habitat, 2006). Flat roofs are considered of the most influential factors on the inner climate of buildings in hot arid climates due to the large area exposed to the sun (Bakir, 2003). Thermal performance of reinforced concrete is less effective than the traditional brick-arch roofs but it is better in water-protection (Kharrufa et al, 2008). However, most roofs use 15 cm thick reinforced concrete,
39 with water protection, sand, and concrete tiles forming the exterior layer. On the other hand, gypsum plaster is used for interior finishes in addition to stone-cladding as exterior finish (Rashid, 2012b).
Stone cladding is the dominant wall finish and it is more suitable for hot climates than cement plaster
(Hassan, 2010).
Reliance on mechanical cooling and heating systems in buildings and the extensive use of private vehicles have brought many problems, such as extensive energy consumption, depletion of fuel, pollution, contributing to global warming. This raises the need of re-evaluating the use of appropriate new technologies.
The absence of stylistic uniformity of buildings in some profound aspects, such as Buildings’ relationship with their environment, has led Baghdad to be urbanistically chaotic. As people have traditionally reached the built forms through trial and error (Rapoport, 1969), then I can argue that in
Baghdad now there is no successful set of principles that people can take for granted.
Now, after going through different phases of Baghdadi architecture, It is time to compare the principles of those phases to draw the advantages of each one. Thus one can get an idea about the needs of the place and avoid what is not suitable for the current era. However, prior to that, it is significant to discuss the way this architecture deals with heritage.
2.4.4.1 Current Recognition of Heritage
The desire to rethink the place and its identity that emerged after the widespread of the international style in Baghdad was reflected by many aspects such as; the climate, culture, etc., and heritage is one of them. Many projects of famous Iraqi architects have included elements that are drawn from traditional Baghdadi architecture and heritage such as projects of Chadirji (fig.1), Makiya, and others (El-Sheshtawi, 2004).
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The arch is an example of an element that has been widely used during the 1970s-1980s in elevations to integrate the new buildings with the old ones (Kamouna, 2010). The half circle arch has been originally used in Roman architecture and it was a solution to achieve large spans (Wadah, 2005).
Then Muslim architects developed a variety of arches and used them for aesthetic aspects in addition to the functional (Wadah, 2005). In Baghdad, the local material (bricks) was compatible with such structures and helped to benefit from them aesthetically and functionally (Kamouna, 2010). Different types of arches were used in Baghdad, but one of the most famous is the arches of the Abbasid palace
(Wadah, 2005). This arch was used to achieve wide spans by using available local bricks. Thus these particular arches reflected the identity of Baghdad, even if they were originally imported from other civilizations. That is what Frampton (1981) refers to by stating “a region may DEVELOP ideas, and
[sic], a region may ACCEPT ideas”. Hence achieving identity today would be possible by reflecting that interaction between needs and place and not merely shapes of such elements. By roaming in
Baghdad, one can easily find buildings that have arches but they do not give that impression of belonging to this particular city. In fact, they appear to be stuck on the elevation as decorative elements that are not even working as symbols as they are not integrated in the design of the building. Thus, that excludes the value and main characteristics of these elements (fig24).
The same situation applies to the use of the Mashrabiya which was a way of achieving cultural need (privacy) in addition to controlling the penetrated light and air (Al-Zubaidi, 2010). It is often implemented in a way that excludes any value of it either by replacing the lattice wood screen with immovable glass or adding it as a decorative addition (fig.25). Furthermore even if its aesthetics meet some people’s taste, it could not be a representative of the architectural identity of Baghdad.
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Fig. 24. Using Mashrabiya as Decorative addition in governmental building in Baghdad. Source: FSBA.
Fig. 25. Contemporary implementation of arches. Source: FSBA.
Hence, I can argue that “a region may reject ideas that originally emerged in it”. An example of that is the interstates gate which is located in Basrah and shows the general perception of linking the present to the past (fig.26). In this gate, the architect resorted to the architectural heritage of Iraq but instead of creating a contemporary gate that Belongs to the spirit of the city, s/he used traditional elements and historical forms in a way that diminishes their value and meaning. What raises the identity issue here is that the original heritage is neglected (fig.28&29). In contrast, the design of the project of
“Bridge of Civilizations” in Nasirya city in Iraq was able to be linked to the heritage without using any
42 historical forms (fig.27). It reflects its name and city’s identity by having a mast-like tower that offers people a view on the relics of the historical city of Ur in Nasirya. Therefore, it is imperative for designers to grasp the value of the architectural heritage and traditional forms to be able to preserve their identity first and reflect their profound purpose for being if needed.
Fig. 26. Interstate gate in Basrah. Source: FSBA.
Fig.27. Bridge of Civilization in Nasirya. Source: Faz, 2011.
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Fig.28 Mashrabiya condition in the past (left) & now (right). Source: FSBA.
Fig.29 Mustansirya historical school condition in the past (left) & now (right). Source: FSBA.
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CHAPTER 3: CONCLUSIONS & RECOMMENDATIONS
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3.1. CONCLUSIONS
First, here is a summary of the physical attributes that were suitable in each period of architectural changes in Baghdad.
Table.1: Physical attributes of suitability-theory. Traditional city International style Nostalgia The Present Features Advantages Features Advantages Features Advantages Features Advantages Compactness unity FABRIC Climatic Central Symbol of Separate land mosque authority uses Traditional Symbol of Skyline Diversity Skyline (with Diversity Skyline (with Diversity Skyline authority (with multi- multi-story multi-story Privacy story buildings) buildings) buildings) STREET Hierarchy Diversity Wide Streets Suitable for Wide Streets Suitable for Wide Streets Suitable for NETWORK Safety cars cars cars Wind directing Narrow alleys Shading Street Shading Street Shading Wind Breaks Forestation Forestation Wind Breaks Wind Breaks Dust traps Aesthetics Dust traps Dust traps Safety Aesthetics Human Scale Safety & High Sense of High Sense of High Sense of belonging buildings development buildings development buildings development HOUSING Inward Privacy Inward Thermal Isolated Garden view 3-side Thermal UNIT Looking looking 3- Insulation Houses attached Insulation side Better use of Privacy Garden view attached land
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Court yard Enhance the Court yard Enhance the Vertical More Inner climate Inner climate Housing Housing Privacy Privacy Thermal Insulation
Thick Walls Thermal Brick walls Space Brick walls Space Brick walls Space Insulation Investment Investment Investment
Lack of Privacy Lack of Privacy Large Garden view Large Garden view openings openings windows windows With grills safety Light Mashrabiya Privacy Louvers + Shading Sunlight Screens Control Malqaf Wind Catchers Dust Traps Basement Cooler Inner climate
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By tracking the different elements and their advantages in each phase in the table above, it could be inferred that the needs which have been fulfilled in a phase are ignored in another phase which in its turn fulfilled other needs. For instance, a cultural need such as privacy was achieved in the traditional city by many techniques and one of them was the lack of openings. Then in the other phases, when that has been replaced by large windows to provide a front-yard view, the privacy has been affected. Hence a need has been fulfilled on the expense of another. That applies to many other needs that could be drawn from the table.
Those needs are: Symbol of authority, Privacy, Diversity, Safety, Wind directing, Shading, Wind Breaks,
Dust traps, Diversity, Suitable for cars, Aesthetics, Sense of development, Thermal Insulation, Safety & belonging, Better use of land, Enhance the Inner climate, Sunlight Control, Space Investment, Garden view.
By categorizing them they will fall under the four main aspects of identity. These are; Nature, Heritage,
Culture, Technology, and Economy.
Here are the main conclusions that could be inferred from all those phases:
The compact form of the traditional city of Baghdad has been changed gradually by the
influence of the modern planning practices to finally become a grid-iron based city.
The central mosque and palace has disappeared as an expression of the retreat in the religious
authority and replace it by civil authority which represented by governmental buildings that
are spread across the city.
The traditional, dominated with Mosque elements, skyline reflected the unity of this form and
central religious authority. That has also been replaced by the multi-story buildings that have
been and continue being built. The new skyline offers diversity and sense of modernity by
being in line with world’s development but it conflicts with the need for privacy of the
adjacent houses.
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The organic traditional street network was characterized by its hierarchy with street widths
related to privacy. That hierarchy was a way to deal with the harsh climate by providing
shade and controlling wind velocity and movement. The demand for wide streets that are
suitable for the new technology (vehicles) resulted in replacing that network with a grid-iron
network. There are attempts to compensate the lost shading and wind control by planting
trees along the new streets. The attempts are not very effective, as they are limited to few
streets and in some of them there are only small shrubs.
Human scale is also a distinct feature of the traditional fabric. It was integrating people with
their environment by respecting the idea of the container (place) and the content (people). On
the contrary, the new form ignores human scale by inflating the container and adopting
automobiles as the content instead of people. As a result, the new city with its high buildings
and wide streets is less welcoming to pedestrians and marginalizes them by limiting them to
side-paths.
The climate in Baghdad is harsh in general which makes it a crucial aspect in the architectural
design and that led to an extensive use of new cooling and heating technologies inside the
buildings. That is consequently adversely affecting the environment and the natural resources.
There are abundant water bodies in and around the city of Baghdad but most of them are not
appropriately utilized.
Traditional housing units were protected from climate conditions, on three sides by being
attached to the other units and on the fourth by the narrowness and shading of alleys. Modern
housing, on the other hand, has more exposure and worse thermal performance.
Privacy continues to be a cultural priority, but current housing seeks to combine it with
desirable views to the outdoors. This is achieved through building high fences around houses,
in addition to the withdrawal of the house itself away from streets.
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Vegetation was used in the courtyards of traditional houses to enhance the indoor climate.
Now it has been used in external front yards.
The soil type in Baghdad is suitable for building basements which were widely used in the
traditional city in response to the harsh climate. Then basements were eliminated when
houses were able to achieve convenient indoor climates by dependence on mechanical
heating, cooling, and ventilation technologies.
Traditional houses were constructed with thick mud walls that provided good thermal
insulation. Contemporary houses are constructed with bricks. This makes walls less thick and
reduces their insulation capacity, but at the same time it allows better space investment.
Mashrabiyas and Malqafs were used for cultural and climatic needs but they are excluded
today also because of the dependence on mechanical cooling and heating technologies. If
such elements are used today for their original benefits, they are merely decorative.
The perception of heritage (except in a few projects) is diminishing the value and function of
historical and traditional artifacts and turning them to mere forms. That is reflected by the
intercalation of these elements in contemporary projects without any need or function.
Meanwhile the architectural heritage of the city is neglected.
3.2. RECOMMENDATIONS:
Baghdadi architectural identity needs to combine the positives of each phase, and exclude the failures. Achieving the advantages of a phase does not need to be limited to the means of that particular phase. However, that combination needs to be attained in different levels with determining the priority sequence (fig.30), and those levels are:
Preserving and evolving diversity in the contemporary skyline with considering each part of
the form. In another words, avoiding the conflict of development and tall buildings with
community’s cultural, climatic, and economic needs
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For street network and skyline, it is significant to integrate people with their environment by
giving pedestrians the priority. Then, for the network, balance needs to be achieved between
being suitable climatically and for technology. So there is a need for shade and wind & dust
control in the contemporary street network in Baghdad, in addition to its suitability for
vehicles.
Housing units also need to achieve balance between multiple needs. There is a need to
establish a Baghdadi house that is able to achieve privacy, openness, and convenient indoor
climate together and in this sequence of priority.
Architectural heritage needs to be utilized and thought about in contemporary perception
rather than being merely imitated. For instance, it could be a good economic source if
invested for national and international tourism.
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FORM
Natural Aspects. Culture. Architectural Heritage. Economy. Science & Civilization.
Fig:30: The suitable elements of the architectural identity of Baghdad in priority sequence.
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CHAPTER 4: THE PROJECT
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4.1 GUIDELINES:
Before starting the project, I created a list of guidelines that are drawn from the previous chapters.
Climate:
Sun: Priorities are:
1st: Shading in summer.
2nd: Sun in winter.
3rd: Wind in summer. Fig.31: Testing shading for different orientation.
By testing different orientations (fig.31&32) it can be noted that north-south streets are easier to be shaded so it works better for pedestrians. On the other hand, east-west streets are harder to be shaded so it works better for vehicles. Moreover, rotating masses from the cardinals will increase the shade.
Decidous trees are of a great benefit to achieve these priorities as they provide shade in summer while allowing sun exposure in winter (fig. 33).
Fig.32: Temperature info. & Best Orientation. Source: climate consultant
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Fig.33: Using deciduous trees for shading in Summer and allowing sun in Winter.
Wind: Moderate the effects of undesired winds, but allow ventilation. That can be done through:
Undesirable cold wind N - Open to the NW wind as it is the most desirable
wind in this region.
-Block the North cold wind in winter (fig. 35).
-Filtr the South & SW dusty wind through using
a dense tree canopy in the direction of the dusty
wind (fig. 36). Fig.34: Wind directions in Baghdad. Source: climate consultant.
Fig.35: Blocking North wind. Fig.36: Filtrating dusty wind.
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Privacy:
a significant cultural need that lattice wooden window covers were one of the traditional ways to achieve it.
Safety:
- Safe public spaces in terms of scale and visibility. Fig.37: Privacy: using screens to control privacy. Source: Courtesy of photographer: Moftah. - Separating Vehicular traffic from pedestrian paths
Diversity:
- Variety of income levels within each housing type.
- Different public spaces to target all age groups. Fig.38: Guidelines’ Logos. Source: Author.
In addition to the above, and according to the universal calls for creating a sustainable environment, it is important to ensure creating a vibrant, healthy, walkable, mixed use neighborhood, with equitable access to public amenities.
In summary, these guidelines could be catigorized as in the following (fig. 39).
Fig.39: Guidelines’ Logos.
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4.2 PROJECT SITE:
To apply and test the outcomes of the theoretical part of this thesis, I had two choices: the first was working on an old neighborhood and try to enhance it in the light of my research. The second was to design a new neighborhood. I chose the second although it seems easier, but that wasn’t the case or the reason. If you look at Baghdad map (fig.40), you can see that it is still expanding and there are many new housing complexes being built on the peripheries. As the world calls for stopping the urban sprawl, and keeping in mind that there is a big housing demand in Baghdad, I found it more appropriate to work on a new complex so that I have the chance to enhance that application and deal with all the problematic issues. This will provide the reader with a comprehensive review of the application of the guideline in the context of addressing the housing problem in Baghdad. Hence, and for more realistic project, I worked on one of the new neighborhoods that the city already started building. It’s called Al-Rehab Complex located in Al-Ubaidi district in the north east side of Baghdad.
Fig.40 Map of Baghdad 2014.
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There are mainly residential areas around Al-Ubaidi district (fig.41) and it is connected with the nearest main economic and commercial centers via a highway to the north of it.
Fig.41 North East side of Baghdad 2014.
Except the northern edge of the site that is formed by the main highway, and in spite of all the residential areas around the site, the exact boundaries of the site are in the middle of a vacant area, as that area was originally abandoned but of some scattered illegal houses (fig.42).
Fig.42 The boundaries of Al-Rehab complex.
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4.3 CURRENT PLAN:
The total area of the site is 46.5 Ha. And the plan is to provide about 2266 units. The number of units meets the Iraqi standards in this area.
According to the current Iraqi urban housing standards, the site could be divided to four neighborhoods each of which has a small center and they share some bigger amenities that is for the district. The plan has dealt with the whole site as one huge neighborhood with one main center.
I used the guidelines check list to evaluate the plan and understand its N merits and shortcomings
Fig.44: Current Plan Assessment. Source: Author. Fig.43: Current Plan. Source: Iraqcan Company.
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4.4 DEMOGRAPHICS & HOUSE DEMANDS:
To tackle the majority of the issues in the urban design of this region, I am going design one neighborhood which is quarter the area of the current site (fig.47). From the aforementioned information about the site, and by referring to the Iraqi Urban Housing standard (State commission of housing, 2010) and Iraqi housing market stady(UN-
Habitat,2006), I found out that the average family size is five people and the housing demand percentage for the different income level is as he following (fig.45):
High 12%
Middle 64%
Low 24%
Fig.45: Housing Demand.
No. of Units in the district 2266
No. of Units in the neighborhood 567
The unit types in the neighborhood will
Be proportionally distributed (fig 46):
68 unit 363 unit 136 unit
Fig.46: Unit types distribution. Fig.47: Project area.
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4.5 PROPOSED ZONING:
For this particular site, I tried to let natural forces occurring in the site influence the determination of the programming layout.
Climate
Based on the sun & wind, a green belt will form the western and southern boundaries of the site.
Fig.48: The site area.
Fig.49: The green belt.
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Program
To achieve adequate representation of different of income levels, a decision was made to include multifamily housing in addition to single-family houses. Building heights will be higher on the west & south sides and gradually lower on the north & east sides to block the undesired wind and allow the desired.
Fig.50: The Residential Area. Equitability
As providing equitable access to the shared amenities is fundamental in the concept of sustainability, the public amenities are located in the middle of the site.
Fig.51: Equitable access to the public services.
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Privacy
Privacy, the significant cultural need in this region, is achieved by blocking direct lines of sight to residential areas and separating multistory buildings from single houses’ location.
Fig.52: Final zoning.
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4.6 PROPOSED PLAN
Based on climate analysis (solar orientation, street shading, and orientation relative to the dusty wind, I chose to rotate the multistory buildings to face the most preferred direction
(fig 53).
Fig.53: Neighborhood Plan (Buildings). Source: Author.
Create the North-South alleys for pedestrians in the single house area as it could be
shaded easily.
For safety, achieving complete separation between pedestrians and vehicular traffic
(fig.54). Streets are around the site from three sides and cul-de-sacs expand to reach all
the houses in the single house area, and reach the parking garage of each group of
multistory building.
Parking lots are distributed as the following (fig.54):
- Private parking in each single family house.
- Shared parking garage for each group of multistory buildings (5 buildings).
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- Two public parking lots: the first one is on the main street to the east of the site and it is close
to the health care building, office building, and the kindergarten. The second is close to the
schools and the market as they could serve people from adjacent neighborhoods.
Next to the first public parking lot is the public transportation stop and it is within walking
distance from all the other areas of the site.
2nd
1st
Fig.54: Neighborhood Plan (Street network & parking).
Streets and parking spaces are well shaded in summer and sunned in winter by deciduous trees
(fig.55).
A hierarchy in the open areas is significant to meet the needs of all the different age groups in this
specific culture.
Starting from small green areas and playgrounds for kids that are distributed in a way that allow
safe and easy access for the kids from all the different housing units.
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Fig.55: Neighborhood Plan (small parks & playgrounds). Location of a larger green area that is more suitable for youth (especially females) is selected to
provide a sense of security by it is being in the middle of the site, overlooked by the surrounding
residential buildings, and close to the market (fig.56).
The largest one is the green belt on the south and west of the site that is with extensive tree
canopies which climatically helps filtrating and breaking down the dusty wind, and culturally it is
more suitable for family-base activities.
Fig.56: Neighborhood Plan (Youth Park, and Family Park)
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67
Fig.58: Bird’s eye view.
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4.7 DESIGN THEME
Thinking of all the images that come to the mind about Baghdad, and after analyzing the diverse elements of identity that mentioned in chapter 2, I tried to explore with some of these distinctive elements
(fig.59&60 ) to produce a design theme that will confer unity on this neighborhood, keeping in mind all the needs of the region.
Fig.59: Mustansria School. Source: FSBA Fig.60: Mashrabia. Source: FSBA
Fig.61: Theme Sketches.
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The final outcome is a traditional element (screen) created by using a historical symbol
(Abbasid arch) in a modern assemblage (fig.62).
Fig.62: Proposed Theme.
4.8 SINGLE HOUSES:
4.8.1 Analysis
Designing single-family units started with analyzing the circulation in the traditional
Baghdadi house and comparing it with the contemporary one.
In the traditional house (fig.63), the open-to-sky space is accessed by family members only. On the contrary, in the contemporary house (fig.64) (typically 200m2), that space turned to be the parking and the front yard. Culturally, this space is not very convenient now for the use of females as when there is guest, they will pass by or through this space in addition to the fact that it is overlooked even by the surrounding houses that are of the same height.
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Fig.63: Traditional Baghdadi House plan.
Public Semi Public
Private
Guests’ circulation Family circulation Open-to-Sky space Fig.64: Contemporary house plan. Source of house plan: Rashid, 2012.
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4.8.2 Proposed Design:
The zoning shows that the public zone (guests’ area and parking) is in the front while the garden is pulled to the middle of the house land. The garden area, the courtyard, is now separated from the public area so it could be used freely by the family yet it is still connected to the main entrance which makes it more flexible as it is still could be used by guests without having them passing through the house.
Fig.65: Single-family Houses zone
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4.8.2.1Climatic Performance:
Shading by the building mass and using deciduous tree in the courtyard.
Building a basement (fig. ).
Wind catcher oriented to the direction of the prevailing wind. That will provide air circulation in
summer, and will be closed in winter.
Also wind movement above the courtyard will create air movement in it and help refreshing the air.
In winter, collecting storm-water in a rain barrel and reusing it later for irrigation.
Fig.66: 3D model (shading & wind catcher).
Public Semi Public Private Guests’ circulation
Family circulation Basement Open-to-Sky space
Fig.67: Single-House 3D model. Fig.68: Proposed house plan.
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Fig.63: Contemporary house plan
Fig.69: Climatic performance in summer.
Fig.70: Climatic performance in winter.
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The southern wall is solid with no openings because it’s directly on the street. It will also
have this technique of using double wall (fig.xx, xx, xx, xx) so that help increase heat gain
in winter and reduce it in summer.
Open
Fig.71: Single House Top View/ South-facing Fig.73: Double Wall Performance in Summer. Wall.
Close
Fig.72: 3D Model/ South facing wall. Fig.74: Double Wall Performance in Winter.
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Cul-de-sac streets are paved with pervious pavement that will reduce the heat radiation in summer,
and allow stormwater infiltration in winter.
4.8.2.2 Elevations:
No setbacks, as that will help shading the street. This applies to the southern elevation which is solid
for climatic and cultural reasons.
On the southern elevation, a palette is set for the different designs. It limits the materials and colors to
brick, white stone, and one more color. That will ensure using what is available, suitable for climate
(heat gain and loss), and tolerant to the very frequent dust storm.
One more thing to cover is the personal taste. As people have the desire to express themselves in their
houses, and on the other hand to avoid the chaos on the public scene, people will have the chance to
express their taste freely in the design of the inner façade (open to the courtyard).
Street view the pervious pavement and the shaded street in summer. It also shows different house
elevations following one palate which is an example of the ability to achieve diversity without losing
unity.
Fig.75: Street view.
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4.9 MULTIFAMILY HOUSING:
4.9.1 Plan
This has also gone through many sketching and redoing stages.
For achieving diversity, all income levels are included in each building. There are high, middle, and
low income levels in the ground floor and 3 middle and 1 low income levels in the typical floor.
Fig.76: Multifamily Building Sketch. Fig.77: Multifamily Buildings Area.
High income
Middle income Low income
A B
Fig.78: A: Ground Floor. B: Typical Floor.
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As the family size is one for all income levels (5 people), so each apartment got the same number of
spaces while the differences are in the size of these spaces.
Instead of the courtyard here, each apartment has a space that could be described as a deep and half
covered balcony.
Ensure the hierarchy of spaces in each apartment. Furthermore, regarding privacy, there is, in each
apartment, an access to the open space for the guests without passing through the semi private spaces.
B A
Fig.79: Hierarchy of spaces in the A: Ground floor. B: Typical Floor.
Public Semi Public Private Guests’ circulation Family circulation
Deep balcony
Fig.80: Apartment Circulation.
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4.9.2 Design & Climatic Performance:
Using the screen theme on the main facades to control sun and wind.
A B C Fig.81: A,B&C: Sketches of Multifamily Buildings’ elevation.
Fig.82: Southeast Elevation.
Fig.83: Northwest Elevation.
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More openings to the east while to the west, there are no openings and the double-wall strategy is used
(fig.84, 85).
Fig.84: Southwest Elevation. Fig.85: Northeast Elevation.
On the roof: to the east there is a sitting area while solar panels are added to the west (fig88, 89).
Using wind catchers (fig.86,87).
Fig.86: Multifamily Building Top View. Fig.87: Section shows climatic performance of the building.
Fig.88: Solar panels on the roof. Fig.89: Sitting area at the roof.
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4.9.3 Privacy
Ensuring that windows of the ground floor are above the average human height (fig.90).
4.9.4 Diversity
Encompassing different income
levels and buildings height.
The image below (fig.91) is a scene from a balcony that shows the p revious, green, and shaded parking Average Human lot. Height.
Fig.90: Section shows Privacy.
Fig.91: Group of Multifamily Buildings. Source: Author
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4.10 THE COMMERCIAL AREA:
It occupies the central area of the neighborhood and includes all programmatic elements intended to bring the community together (market, community center, and a café) (fig.93). The design is basically driven from the direction of the desired wind (Northwest). So the main walking area is open to that direction and it bends at a certain point to slow down the wind. The central space of this building is where all the three activities come together. The community center is on the east and it is closer to the other public services in the site. On the west is the
Arabian café with a patio that is used in summer. This part is to the west because it is mainly used at night.
Fig.92: Commercial Area Sketches.
Arabian Community Cafe Center
Fig.93: Commercial Area. Source: Author.
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The shopping area, which is consisted of two parallel strips of shops (fig.94), is a brick indoor looking building with two entrances (northern and southern) (fig.95).
Fig.94: Commercial Area 3D Model.
Fig.95: Entrance.
The southwest facing side is a solid green wall. On the other hand, northeast side of this building is a free wall that has historical Abbasid arches of different sizes framing a variety of graffiti drawings. That will show traditional material, historical element, and modern art coming together in one scene.
Fig.96: Street Painting. Source: FSBA Fig.97: Green Wall.
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Fig.98: Northeast side.
The roof of the market is also utilized. The roof of one of the strips NW wind is an open air sitting area, while the other is a green roof. Finally the
walking alley between the two shopping strips is roofed by two screens with an angle that allows direct sun in winter and blocks it in summer (fig.101).
Between these screens, is another modern assemblage of Abbasid arches and this is also mirrored on the floor to be a water basin that has small fountains with some ribs will work as seats and flower beds (fig.102,103).
Fig.99: Climatic Performance.
Sep. Jul.
Dec.
Fig.100: Section in the Shopping Area. Source: Author. Fig.101: Roof Screen & Sun angles.
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Fig.102: Shopping Area in Summer.
Fig.103: Shopping Area in Winter.
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4.11 PARK 1
As mentioned earlier that this park is mainly for the youth (fig.104). The youth basically want to go to a park with their friends. BUT the culture in Baghdad does not really recommend a girl to visit a park without the family. By surveying some people and reading about parks to analyze the difference between parks that a female can go to and others that she can’t go to without family, I concluded that it is about the feel of safety. That feeling I perceive it and apply it here as a matter of SCALE and
VISIBILITY, So that this park is located in the middle of the neighborhood, overlooked by the surrounding Residential buildings and has fewer trees than the main park. I again used the arches to create different spots so as to give the feeling of having a group’s own area (fig.106). These spots will also help slowing down and temporarily containing stormwater in winter (fig.107).
Fig.104: Park 1.
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Fig.105: Park 1, Bird’s eye view.
Fig.106: Park 1,in Summer.
Fig.107: Park 1, Stormwater infiltration in winter.
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4.12 PARK 2
It is the area with the largest number of native trees (willow) that will help to filtrate dusty wind and also provides a well shaded area for family based activities.
Fig.108: Park 2.
4.13 DISCUSSION
First of all, choosing this topic was because I used to hear, at school, about architectural identity and how this issue is becoming critical along with the call for sustainable design. What made me interested more in it is that lectures and talks were mainly about the current problems and comparing them with the past and keep regretting the glory of the later. At the same time, everyone knows that past can no longer be efficient nowadays with all changes and progression that life has been through. Hence I became
88 concerned with investigating the idea of identity itself to break it down to its ingredients as that might help achieving the goal of designing something that really shows belonging to its particular region.
After studying the identity notion and reading about different experiences in this field, I perceived the relationship between architecture and its place as a matter of suitability or unsuitability. According to this perception, I started analyzing the current situation in Baghdad and came across many the improper utilization of historical and traditional elements. From here, and as young people usually try to prove themselves in isolation from the past, I thought of designing what will be suitable for this region (its climate, culture, time, etc.) and that will eventually be a representative of the identity of it with no need to utilize any old element. The first result for the multifamily buildings, for example (fig.111), met the characteristics of the region and could be applied their but there was still something missing. And I may say that that was the hardest part of the design. The tenant may feel how this building is suitable for its place because it meets all his/her needs, but those who will see the building from outdoor will not recognize its belonging to this specific area.
Fig.109: Earlier Multifamily building. Thence I rethought the way people recognize the belonging at the first sight, and from here I went back to the images that is related in the mind of Baghdadis to their city. The challenge was how to utilize old and traditional elements that will help evoke the identity of the city unconsciously by the people yet using these elements in a contemporary way so as not to fall in the same faults of the current cases.
Finally, and after a long process of trying elements and patterns, I came up with the proposed screen
89 which I assumed will bring unity to the neighborhood and its diverse buildings. But afterward, another issue arose. It was the issue of achieving diversity within that unity. Thus, and by that challenge, I got the chance to reexamine the screen and its elements in many different ways. This was a challenging but yet interesting stage of the project. In the end, that one piece project with its diverse yet compatible areas was not to be achieved with imitating the old or borrowing explicit pieces of it and using it as a decorative object nor with ignoring it completely and pretending to regenerate a present from scratch.
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