The London-based firm Assemblage has won the United Nations HABITAT international architecture competition for the design of new housing in Iraq. The competition is part of a larger program by UN-HABITAT and the Iraq government to construct new housing across the country. After succeeding teams from the Netherlands, France and other Arab states, Assemblage plans to refine their proposal and prepare their design for construction sometime within this year. Continue reading for more details on the project.
The masterplan provides a settlement for 3000 people. Programs integrated within the scheme include a health center, schools, markets and a variety of green spaces and playing fields. Modern construction methods and traditional aspects from Iraqi urbanism are appropriately applied throughout the scheme. A network of fully shaded pedestrian streets will protect inhabitants from the harsh sun, while circulation is orchestrated in a way to achieve a safe, fully pedestrian landscaped center. Local labor and materials will be used for construction.
In other news, Assemblage has also been shortlisted in the international competition for the design of a new Iraqi parliament complex in Baghdad. The design will include an entire complex in addition to the parliamentary chamber and a masterplan for the surrounding part of the city. The site is challenged with 50m reinforced concrete remnants of a half-built ‘super mosque’ by Saddam Hussein.
