Zamalka Into The Future
Damascus ,Syria
Zamalka Into The Future
Share
Year
2020
Typology
Size m²/ft²
32,2917/30,000
Status
PROPOSAL
Initiated as part of the Re-coding research project by reparametrize Ateliers in 2019, the Re-coding Zamalka is a Syrian town belonging to the Duma region in the province of Damascus. It is very close to the capital Damascus, 10 kilometers east of the capital. In the latest statistics of the population of the city in 2012, the population was more than 150 thousand people. The project represents a pioneering approach to post-conflict urban regeneration. This research, presented in numerous workshops, lectures, conferences and exhibitions focuses on rebuilding and reviving the cultural fabric of damaged areas, with the ultimate goal of returning displaced populations to their homes after war or disaster through smart, effective solutions utilizing locally sourced materials. Zamalka into the Future, a direct outcome of this research, exemplifies the core principles of Re-coding community-centric design, data-driven analysis, and a commitment to sustainable, resilient reconstruction. This project transcends conventional post-conflict reconstruction by leveraging cutting-edge technologies and participatory design principles to create a resilient, sustainable, and socially vibrant community within the scarred urban fabric of this war-torn town near Damascus. The project not only addresses the immediate need for housing but also establishes a new paradigm for post-war urban development—one that prioritizes community empowerment, environmental responsibility, and long-term resilience. It included renovation of six existing buildings and intervention of two destroyed buildings as well as development of public spaces and infrastructure.
The foundation of the project rests on a rigorous analysis of Zamalka's existing conditions. Utilizing advanced 3D scanning and point cloud technology, the project team creates a precise digital twin of the town, capturing the intricate details of damaged buildings and infrastructure. This granular data informs strategic decision-making, enabling the identification of viable existing structures for adaptive reuse and minimizing the need for resource-intensive demolition. Crucially, the project transcends a purely technical approach by incorporating extensive community engagement. Through social media platforms, ground surveys, and community workshops, the team gathers invaluable insights from both current residents and displaced refugees, ensuring that the redevelopment aligns with their aspirations and cultural values. This participatory approach fosters a sense of ownership and empowers the community to actively shape the future of their town.
01
02
At the heart of the project lies the innovative "co-living" system, based on prefabricated "frame box" units. These modular units offer a highly adaptable and flexible housing solution, capable of accommodating the deformed geometries of damaged buildings and integrating seamlessly with existing urban fabric. The system's inherent scalability allows for incremental growth and adaptation over time, responding to evolving community needs and fostering a dynamic urban environment. Detailed architectural renderings and diagrams showcase the units' versatile configurations and their potential for customization, reflecting a commitment to providing housing solutions that cater to diverse lifestyles and preferences.
An Eco-Conscious Approach: The project embraces a holistic approach to sustainability, integrating eco-conscious design principles throughout. The "frame box" units incorporate green roofs, providing thermal insulation, mitigating stormwater runoff, and creating pockets of green space within the dense urban environment. Furthermore, the integration of solar panels and wind turbines promotes energy independence, reducing reliance on external resources and minimizing the project's carbon footprint. Beyond these features, the incorporation of dedicated farming areas aims to cultivate a self-sufficient community, further enhancing long-term resilience. Detailed technical specifications and diagrams illustrate the units' sustainable features, highlighting the project's commitment to environmental responsibility and a future-focused vision.
"Rising from the rubble, Re-coding Zamalka embodies resilience, transforming devastation into opportunity through adaptive reuse. By integrating innovative modular design with existing structures, this data-driven project minimizes environmental impact while maximizing community benefit, creating a sustainable, vibrant landscape from the scars of conflict and showcasing architecture's power to heal and empower."
Bilal Baghdadi - Founder & CEO
Recognizing the vital role of social interaction in post-conflict recovery, the project prioritizes the creation of vibrant public spaces—inviting courtyards, rooftop terraces, and communal gardens—designed to foster a sense of belonging and facilitate social healing. These carefully planned spaces, including shared amenities such as vegetable gardens and relaxation zones, promote collective responsibility and strengthen social bonds while providing opportunities for residents to connect and interact. Simultaneously, the architectural design carefully navigates the balance between privacy and communality: the "frame box" units offer varying degrees of privacy, catering to individual needs while encouraging social interaction through strategically designed circulation paths and communal areas that facilitate chance encounters and spontaneous exchanges. This multi-layered spatial organization, illustrated through detailed sectional drawings and diagrams, demonstrates how private dwellings and shared spaces intertwine to create a dynamic and supportive environment.
The project adopts a sensitive approach to the existing urban fabric, prioritizing the adaptive reuse of damaged buildings whenever possible. This strategy preserves Zamalka's architectural heritage and minimizes the environmental impact of new construction. Architectural renderings showcase how the modular units seamlessly integrate with renovated structures, creating a cohesive and vibrant urban landscape that respects the town's history while embracing its future.
Beyond its functional objectives, the "Re-coding Zamalka" project aspires to be a powerful symbol of resilience and hope. Its innovative design, sustainable features, and community-focused approach—including the use of local materials and manpower—empower the local community to actively participate in the rebuilding process. This not only contributes to the revitalization of Zamalka's urban identity and fosters a sense of pride and renewal amongst its residents, but also stands as a testament to the transformative potential of architecture in post-conflict contexts. By embracing a holistic and forward-thinking approach, "Re-coding Zamalka" not only rebuilds physical infrastructure but also empowers a community to reclaim its future.
Lead Architect
- Bilal Baghdadi
Project Team
- Sara Faraon
- Zeina Orfali
- Mohammad Ghamry
- Lilian Al Waa
- Hamazeh Al Sawaf
- Ziwar Al Nouri
