Echo of Civilization – Re-Coding Post-War Syria
The Syrian Civil War is one of the worst humanitarian crises, that has entered its eighth year. There are a lot of plans for post-war reconstruction, and most of these plans are for the complete demolition of the existing damaged fabric by replacing it with a new urban fabric. But in the process, the participation of the community in these reconstructing plans is completely missing.
Post-war effects are widely spread and can be long term or short term. Meaningful post-war redevelopment should consider the balance between architectural infrastructure, public health provision, and social order. Reducing the importance of one of these three axes can lead to a collapse of social structure, services, education, health care and also has a long-term impact on society.
The main focus should be on understanding how communities can be involved in the rehabilitation of these aspects.
When we look at the image of the ancient cities in the Middle Eastern regions, we see the urban texture that extends horizontally according to the needs of societies. If we bring the image closer, we see the paths that extend like veins reaching to the unit that forms all this beauty. At center stage of this discovery often is the ancient mud house.
Ancient mud houses are the basis of societies in these regions. Especially since they are built by the inhabitants, from their land, and to serve their environment. It is a sustainable urban social and functional fabric that varies between cities and rural areas.
CHALLENGE
Challenge is to create a space that acts as a vessel in reviving the destructed neighborhoods and encouraging inhabitants to come back. A space that respects the past, responds to present and incorporates the possibility of a bright future of Syria.
A space that reinterprets the ancient mud house and uses it as a tool for a cultural revival.
Curator:
Ziwar Al Nouri
M.Arch / PhD Candidate – Founder, Reparametrize Studio, Damascus
Bilal Baghdadi
Co-founder, Reparametrize Studio, Beirut
Judges:
Atanas Zhelev
Ceo, Digital Architects, Austria
Baerbel Mueller
Associate Professor / Mag.arch / Head / Owner, [applied] Foreign Affairs, University of Applied Arts Vienna ; nav_s baerbel mueller, Austria
Gregorio Lubroth
Principal, TZOU LUBROTH ARCHITEKTEN, Austria
Short Description
The cost of war cannot be quantified but the price Syria has to pay now is much more than it can afford. And even if we assume that the conflict is solved, still the daily life they used to live is impaired. It is the community of people in Syria that have suffered the most and without including them, the significance of the place will perish.
Organizer
UNFUSE
Link to Competition
Link to Registration form
Prizes
Prize pool of worth 20,000$
First Prize: 5000$ (For students and professionals)
Runner Up: 6 x 1100$ (For students and professionals)
People’s Choice: 4 x 600$ (Open for all)
Honorable Mention: 12 x 500$ Each
Type of Competition
Open to the public/Minimum requirements (Open to anyone that complies with the requirements), Single stage (Winners selected immediately)
Who can Participate
Minimum eligible age for participation is 18 years.
There is no restriction on the degree of design disciplines to participate in the challenge.
Participation in the competition can happen in a team as well as an individual.
Maximum numbers of participants in a team are 4.
Dates and Time Frame
Registration Closes August 10, 2020
Deadline to Submit Project August 25, 2020
Winners announcement Date October 22, 2020
Languages
English
Location of Competition
Syria
