Bridging the Gap
A gradual integration of a community within another
Project name: Bridging the Gap
Location: Qanawat, Sweida, Syria
Function: Connecting/Integrating/temporary living
Plot: 18,000sqm
Theme
The projects thesis takes a theme that studies the plight of Internally Displaced Peoples (IDPs) around the world, but more specifically the movement of IDPs in Syria, from areas of high conflict to areas of lower conflict. It tackles the concept of cultural and identity loss as well as the loss of a strong sense of belonging. IDPs are continuously being viewed as a threat to a host society’s security, history, and cultural relationships.
The objective is to gradually merge IDPs into the urban fabric of their host city, rather than exclude them in isolation. The aim is to use architecture to create a physical bond between the host society and the ‘new society’, the IDPs, that incorporates them into the society, and creates a link between the two histories. Moreover, the goal is to shift the preconceived notion that IDPs are a threat, and instead incorporate them in a way that can benefit the society, and benefit themselves, through the incorporation of self-build structures in specific areas
site
The site chosen is in the city of Qanawat, located in Northern Syria, Sweida. The city dates back to the first century BC., and contains a variety of monuments and remains from Roman and Byzantine Empires. The outcome of the research studied the movement of IDP and their temporary stay and accumulation in the city, before being relocated to an isolated gated camp. The aim of the thesis is to provide an alternative solution to the IDPs accumulation, and propose a more integrating and identity preserving solution as they temporarily remain in the host city.
Project Design
The project concept aims to integrate IDPs into the society gradually, and therefore the project colonizes three plots that are nearby one another. The project comes to life through a continuous path that physically connects the 3 different plots, while occasionally becoming the roof of recessed volumes, that seem to be pushing through the path. The project is to start on an archaeological site in Qanawat, highlighting the history of the site as well as of the existing society. The next plot in which the path expands houses a museum, providing the visitors with a journey and insight between the permanent, which is the host city, and the temporary, which is the IDPs society, identity, and history. The path finally reaches the third site, where it becomes a platform of the ground level on which a self built common facility is built, by the IDPs for the IDPs.
The platform going up from the archaeological site and providing a stepped seating area to enhance views towards the remains.
Interior view from restaurant on platform overlooking the archaeological site and with a direct view of the Roman bath below, as well as the pedestrian staircase that plunges into the valley below.
Programs on the Archaeological site are chosen to provide insight about the history and culture of the city, as well as information and lectures about the remains on site. Moreover, the platform serves as a promenade where people can gather and enjoy the nature as well as the programs provided. In addition, the roof space can occasionally be used for events where IDPs can provided temporary self built kiosk markets.
From the Platform, visitors can access the site below, which is at -12,000mm, through two pedestrian staircases that punch through the platform and into the valley.
Second Plot
As the visitors leave the Archaeological site, the path takes them to the next plot, where it vertically moves to the second floor of the museum building
As the path extends to the Intermediate plot, it forms a platform which houses the museum, directly accessed from the path, forcing the visitors to go through a walk through museum at the second floor, that first exhibits the "permanent" society, and then becomes an exhibit of the history of the temporary society "the IDPs"
View walking from the museum on plot B to the Archaeological site, plot A. Visitors walk through a path that opens up to become platforms and eventually house the functions. The face is cladded with louvres with spacing varying based on the privacy of the function.
The visitors experience a journey through the different cultures as they experience the host culture and then are directed through the museum to get insight about the IDP culture and history.
The Gradual decrease in structure rigidity aims to portray the gradual integration of the temporary culture within the society as the path slowly disintegrates when it reaches the refugee camp.
The interior of the museum building, the grand seating and socializing staircase that people approach after finishing the journey through the exhibition.
Third Plot
The path finally reaches the third plot, where it descends to the ground level on which a self built common facility, using the Kobayashi system, inspired by the Maeamihama Veneer House, can be built for the IDPs, surrounded by their self built accommodation units.
To further explore the project concept and the thesis research behind the proposal, please check the link below to my thesis book " Internally Displaced Persons; A plight Unnoticed"
https://issuu.com/zinahalasad/docs/501_final_indesign_zinahalasad
