A New Agora for Aleppo - Part 1

A NEW AGORA FOR ALEPPO MA_ARCH STUDIO DISAPPEARING Christian Zammit Prof. Roger Bundschuh Prof. Joris Fach PART 1

Table of Contents

What’s Disappearing?

5

Christian Demographics of the MIddle East

8

Why is it Disappearing?

12

Complicated Syria

18

Original Programme

24

Original Programme Narrative

28

The Site: Aleppo, Syria

38

The Ancient City of Aleppo

44

Umayyad Mosque

46

Al-Madina Souq

48

Battle of Aleppo

49

Programme Update

54

The Secular Canopy

58

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A New Agora for Aleppo

What’s Disappearing?

The photo essay on the previous pages was what gave rise to my fascination with the Middle East.

It documents the life of Syrian refugees in camps in Jordan and Lebanon. Although refugees are displaced from their home country they do not necessarily disappear.

This fact led to a more concise analysis of the region and a search for cultural or social disappearing elements in this part of the world.

?

5

Rise and fall of Christianity in the MiddleEast 6

A New Agora for Aleppo

This research made it very clear that although the Middle East was the cradle of one of the most popular practiced religions world wide; Christianity is disappearing at a very fast rate in this region.

This fact became the main research topic of this thesis; The

Disappearance of Christianity in the Middle East.

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% of Christians in the region has declined by half over the IN last century % OF CHRISTIANS THE REGION

HAS DECLINED BY HALF OVER THE LAST CENTURY

CHRISTIAN POPULATION 5%

2010 148.9M

CHRISTIAN POPULATION 10%

1900 15.8M

Population of Egypt, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Palestinian territories & Syria, 1900/2010

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A New Agora for Aleppo

CHRISTIANITY GROWTH IN THE REGION

Christian growth in the region 0 1900

30 1.6

60

90

120

150

14.2

1950 1970 2000 2010

7.5

141.4 Christians Non-Christians

Population of Egypt, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Palestinian territories & Syria, in millions

% FALL OF CHRISTIAN POPULATION IN THE REGION

% fall of Christian population in the region 13.0 12.0 11.0 10.0 9.0 8.0 7.0 6.0 5.0 4.0

1900

1910

1920

1930

1940

1950

1960

1970

1980

1990

2000

2010

2020

Based on the population of Egypt, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Palestinian territories & Syria, in millions

9

SYRIA SYRIA 2010 CHRISTIAN

2010 CHRISTIAN POPULATION POPULATION 1MILLION 1MILLION

About About 450,000 450,000

CHRISTIANS HAVE BEEN CHRISTIANS HAVE BEEN DISPLACED SINCE DISPLACED SINCE 2011 2011

10

EGY EGYP 2010 CH

2010 CHR POPULAT POPULATIO

Ab Abo 93,0 93,0

COPTIC CH COPTIC CH LEFT EGY LEFT EGYP 20 201

YPT GYPT HRISTIAN

CHRISTIAN TION: 4.1M ATION: 4.1M

out bout 000 3,000

HRISTIANS CHRISTIANS YPT SINCE GYPT 011 SINCE 2011

A New Agora for Aleppo

IRAQ IRAQ 2003 CHRISTIAN

2003 CHRISTIAN POPULATION: 1.5M POPULATION: 1.5M

About About 1 Million 1 Million

CHRISTIANS HAVE CHRISTIANS HAVE FLED IRAQ SINCE FLED 2003 IRAQ SINCE 2003

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Why is it Disappearing?

The following flow charts show various reasons which can be linked to this disappearance phenomenon. The intricate network of reason are compiled in order to discover ways or programmes how this abstract topic of disappearance can be translated in to the architectural realm.

DELAYED MARRAGE

LOW BIRTH RATE

MORE FAMILY PLANNING

D

FORCED OR VOLONTARY

MIGRATION

FORCED MILITARY SERVICE

POLITICAL INSTABILITY AND CIVIL UNREST

LACK OF DEMOCRACY

NO JOBS

RELIGIOUS DICRIMINATION

F

HEIGHEST RATE OF UNEMPLOYMENT IN THE WORLD

SLOW ECONOMIC GROWTH

FUNDAMENTAL AND RADICAL

ISLAM

LACK OF COMMUNICATION BETWEEN

RELIGIOUS LEADERS

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A New Agora for Aleppo

HARD FACT:

CHRISTIANS ARE DISAPPEARING FROM THE MIDDLE EAST

WHY IS THIS A PROBLEM?

AT THIS RATE CHRISTIANITY IS GOING TO DISAPPEAR AS A CULTURAL AND POLITICAL FORCE IN ITS PLACE OF BIRTH

DEATH

OR DISAPPEARANCE

LAWFUL KILLINGS

CONVERSION TO OTHER RELIGIONS

FEAR

(HATE) CRIMES

UPRISINGS

STARVATION

SUICIDE

DISEASE

INCLUDING MURDER, ARSON AND ABDUCTION

FRUSTRATION DEPRESSION TRAUMA

NO RULE OF LAW LACK OF PUBLIC SECURITY

ECONOMY BASED MAINLY ON EXPORTS OF COMMODITIES MAINLY

RELIGIOUS FANATICISIM

CHOOSING MYTH OVER SCIENTIFIC OR FACTUAL KNOWLEDGE

OIL

LACK OF

EDUCATION

MISINFORMATION

13

From this intricate network it was observed that; No Rule of Law and Slow Economic Growth are some of the main reasons for this disappearance, however they are both linked to a single major reason which is Lack of or

Limited Education.

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A New Agora for Aleppo

NO COORDINATION BETWEEN RELIGIOUS GROUPS

DIFFERENT

INTERPRETATIONS

LAW BASED ON RELIGIOUS TEXT

NO RULE OF LAW

FUNDAMENTAL AND RADICAL

ISLAM

LIMITED RENEWAL OF ANCIENT RULES LACK OF EDUCATION

STRONG GENERAL (PUBLIC) SUPPORT

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16

MURDERED OR FLEEING ACADEMICS

DISPLACED STUDENTS

FROM FOREIGN LANGUAGES

LACK OF

BOOK TRANSLATIONS

CONFLICT DISRUPTED EDUCATION

POLITICAL INSTABILITY AND CIVIL UNREST

KNOWLEDGE

LACK OF

FOREIGN LANGUAGE

CENSORSHIP

SUCH AS BOOKS

LIMITED EDUCATIONAL MATERIAL

LACK OF EDUCATION

IN RURAL AREAS

LIMITED SCHOOLS

SCIENTIFIC COMMUNITY

DISPROPORTIONATE

LOW PENETRATION RATE

LIMITED INTERNET ACCESS

LIMITED OR MISUSED EDUCATIONAL FUNDS

LACK OF SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH

LACK OF TECHNICAL INFRASTRUCTURE

LACK OF DEMOCRACY

LIMITED FOREIGN INVESTMENT

PUBLIC SECTOR

DOMINANCE OF

NO JOBS

SLOW ECONOMIC GROWTH

NO INNOVATION

LACK OF

ECONOMIC DIVERSITY

LACK OF EDUCATION

LACK OF

MANUFACTURE

A New Agora for Aleppo

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TURKEY

ALEPPO

SYRIA

LEBANON

ISRAEL

D AMASCUS

JORDAN

18

IRAQ

A New Agora for Aleppo

“The situation in Syria is too complicated right now....�

General James Mattis

19

At this stage it was decided that Syria should be the main country the thesis should focus on.

A thorough analysis of the current political and conflict situation was carried out. This analysis concluded that although the current conflict in this Middle Eastern country started as a fight for democracy; during it’s 4 years it has turned in to a sectarian conflict.

This led to a very important observation; The problem is not just the disappearance of Chrisitianity from the Middle East, but it is more about conflicts between majorities and minorities.

Aleppo being one of the worst hit cities by the current civil conflict , it was decided that this should be the city this project should be located in.

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A New Agora for Aleppo

HUMANITARIAN

EDUCATIONAL

ECONOMICAL

Needs of a post conflict territory.

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A New Agora for Aleppo

For reasons which will be explained later on in this document the programme that the final project is following differs slightly from the original programme drafted in the next pages.

However for ths sake of continuation and presentation of the full progress curve along the project, the original description of the programme is also included in this booklet.

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T he Programme

Commerce Faculty from the University of Aleppo is included in the programme with the primarily scope to give students first hand experience in managing a real business in real life, while also dealing with foreign NGOs having experiences in other countries.

The programme will combine the functions of Humanitarian Agencies, Publication house and Educational Institution on a multiple level.

The nucleus of the programme is a Product; Knowledge. Knowledge that will try to reach a balance between Humanism, Science and the multi religious society present in this context. After thoroughly analysing the current and the predicted post conflict political and cultural situation, it is very clear that the topic in discussion; The Disappearance of Christianity in the Middle East which subsequently leads to the situation of ethnical and religious minorities, is very difficult to be directly treated via the architectural realm, however an architectural programme can act as a supporting factor to a much bigger issue; as a catalyst for change.

The main idea is that the management of this Centre would be a balance between all the institutions involved.

In order to change millennia of cultural and religious stubbornness one needs to dig deep to the roots of this situation, and maybe also sow new seeds for a better harvest. My approach would be to target the youngest group of society with the hope that as they grow older they keep their new ideologies and values alive while spreading them to future generations.

Develop and publish online material.

The primary idea is to create a publishing house, supported by secondary facilities which will make all the programme work efficiently as a whole. The target readership of this publishing house is children and young people, however this may vary. Instead of using religious convictions, this publishing uses Humanist literature and knowledge as tools in order to promote coexistence between people of different ideologies.

Assuming that a “new Syrian State” will be inclined towards Islam, even though for a progressive statement it might be retained as a secular state by it’s new government, a Humanist Centre might be considered as a threat to religion by society. The Inclusion of a Humanitarian segment in the programme, like spaces for the UN or other agencies; (which might finance the whole operation) might make the project more possible.

Considering that a new Syria will aspire to a more transparent economy, an extension of the

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What follows is some of the functions the programme could have.

Research, Creation and Publication of knowledge based on Humanist ideologies.

Translation of material to different languages for a broader market.

Distribution of printed material both locally and in the entire region.

Hosting both internal and public workshops to discuss and work on issues of coexistence.

Education on Commerce, using the entire operation as a model in collaboration with the University of Aleppo.

Education on publishing and printed material.

Hosting live and online conferences discussing topics related to the Centre.

Hosting Offices for UNESCO and other Humanitarian NGOs to monitor and help with the management of the Operation.

Touristic visits (considering the nature of the site) and educational programs of a Humanist nature.

Retail Sales of printed material.

G

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PU

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C

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U

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D

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A New Agora for Aleppo

NAL

MANAGEMENT

HU MANITARIAN

N A R R AT I V E L E V E L 1

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IO

PU

AT

BL

C

IS

U

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D

IN

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HU MANITARIAN

N A R R AT I V E L E V E L 2 (s y m b o l i s m)

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NAL

MANAGEMENT

1

PUBLISHING

1.1.2

1.1.3.1

ART SUPPLIES

GENERAL

1.3

LIBRARY/ARCHIVES

1.3.4

RESTING QUARTERS

1.3.3

KITCHENETTE + COMMUNAL

1.3.2

ENTRANCE + LOBBY

1.3.1

1.2.1

WEB DEP.

1.2

ONLINE

1.3.1.1

WAITING AREA

1.2.1.1

TECH ROOM

1.1.5.1

STOREROOM

1.1.5

MAIN WORKSHOP SPACE

1.1.4.1

MEETING ROOM

1.1.4

TRANSLATION DEP.

1.1

1.1.3.2

1.1.2.1

A.V. STUDIO

1.1.1.1

MEETING ROOM

LOCKER ROOMS

PRINT

ARTS + GRAPHICS STUDIOS

1.1.3

EDITORIAL DEP.

2

EDUCATIONAL 4

SHARED

1.1.1

1.1.7

4.3

I.T. OFFICES

4.4

KITCHEN + EVENTS AREA TECH ROOM

4.4.1

4.2.2

4.2.1

VISITOR FACILITIES

EXHIBITION SPACE

4.1.1

STOREROOM A.V. THEATRE HALL

4.2

4.1

ENTRANCE + LOBBY

FLAGSHIP STORE

2.5.2

VISITORS KITCHENETTE + COMMUNAL

2.5.1

PERMANENT

2.5.3

2.6

OFFICES

2.5

WORKSHOP SPACE

2.4

MEETING ROOMS

2.3

LECTURE ROOMS

2.2

LECTURE THEATRE HALLS

2.1

WEB CONFERENCE HALLS

3.3

DISTRIBUTION DEP.

3

HUMANITARIAN

RESEARCH DEP.

OFFICES

3.2

3.2.5

MEETING ROOMS KITCHENETTE + COMMUNAL

3.2.3 3.2.4

VISITORS

PERMANENT

3.2.2

3.2.1

SECURITY LOBBY

3.1.1

WAITING AREA

3.1

ENTRANCE + LOBBY

3.2.2.1

3.2.2.2

NGOs

UN (UNICEF)

A New Agora for Aleppo

Progra m me S tructure

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Progra m me N arrative

F U N C T I O N S 1 - PUBLISHING

1.1-1.2 - PRINT/ONLINE 1.1.1 _ Research Department The Research Department will consist of journalists and authors trying to keep up to date with what is happening around the world in terms of religious ideologies and report and document anything which might be causing any social or cultural distress. The idea is to create and publish material for both children and adults to help them be more aware of what extreme ideologies can cause. This area is a major core of the programme as it the primary source of all knowledge intended to be published.

This department works hand in hand with the Humanitarian sector of the programme and thus these need to be well connected.

Society’s well being should be the main inspiration of this department and so this department should have a very good visual connection to the urban context around; such as streets with people, spaces from the souq and khans and perhaps even the mosque’s courtyard. However the space should also give an inspiration of unlimited knowledge unobstructed by any ideology; not even Humanism it self. It should feel like a temple of knowledge while at the same time dissolving any associations to spaces of worship.

All material collected and produced in this department must go through the Editorial Department and thus these two departments should be physically well connected also.

For a purer reference to unobstructed knowledge this space should be an independent space as not to be “contaminated” with more moderate approaches.

Every journalist/author should have his own individual space; either enclosed or open, however there should be enough vacant (desk) spaces for any visiting authors or journalists.

1.1.2 _ Editorial Department Editors should make knowledge gathered and created in the previous department accessible to society. Their role should be to filter knowledge in a way that all sectors of society can understand and tolerate while improving their knowledge with an open minded mentality towards different ideologies of their own.

They translate raw information to acceptable knowledge. For this reason the Editorial Department should feel very well connected to the general public. Editors should be able to feel the pain of a society rising up from the destruction of war, the devotion of people entering the Mosque or the needs of housewives shopping for groceries in the Souq.

To create this feeling this department should be immersed within the public context. It should be both physically and visually connected to the Urban context. There should not be any hierarchal differentiation between the Editorial and the Research department. Their importance must be celebrated from different perspectives.

Every editor should have his own space, however they should be given the possibility to change position as often as they desire in order to feel closer to the public context and thus to the public it self. One might choose a space next to one window on one day and another window the next. For this reason the use of hot desks is preferred.

1.1.1.1 _ Meeting Room The Editors should have a space or room where they can have discussions without creating any nuances to other members of the staff. Since the Research Dep. and the Editorial Dep. are in separate spaces this meeting area is to be used for their common discussions.

1.1.1.2 _ Editorial Locker Rooms The use of Hot Desks in the Editorial department creates the need of a space where editors can place their personal belongings at the end of a days work. This could either be an enclosed space directly linked to the editorial department or an open space in the department itself.

1.1.3 _ Arts + Graphics Studio/s This department can be either one space or multiple spaces. All the graphics for all

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A New Agora for Aleppo

publications are created here. Since the focused readership of the publication is the young generation a visual language is very important. This department can be described as an extension of the Editorial Department; a translation of knowledge for the public consumption. For this reason it should have all the characteristics of this previous department but better equipped for the production of visuals.

These studios produce also promotional material for both the publication and humanitarian sector of the programme and thus a good physical link to both is ideal.

It should be equipped with all material for the production of both digital imagery and more traditional hand made artworks.

While being both visually and physically linked to the urban context, the space should be endowed by good quality north lighting as a proper art studio.

1.1.3.1 _ Art Supplies Storage In order to avoid a cluttered studio/s all artistic material and equipment should be properly stored in spaces outside of the studio/s.

1.1.3.2 _ Audio Visual Studio A small Audio visual studio should be setup for all the needs of both Artistic and web departments. This studio should provide all digital equipment necessary for inhouse productions of Medium Level.

1.1.4 _ Translation Department This department is a real valuable asset for the success of the whole programme. Here, material produced in the other departments is translated to other languages for multi-regional distribution, while external productions and publications are translated to the regional and local languages.

For more clarity in case of any audio material to be translated or listened to every translator should have his own independent enclosed space. For symbolical purposes these spaces should be oriented towards the region of the languages in question.

This department should work really close with the editorial department and thus these should be linked.

1.1.4.1 _ Translators Meeting Space Since all translators would have a personal enclosed space, a meeting space for collective discussions should be provided outside of the individual spaces. This can either be an independent enclosed space or part of the circulation area. Preferably for symbolical reasons it should be as open as possible and act as a connector of all international languages (regions).

1.1.5 _ Main Workshop Space This should be the Agora of the programme. It has to be an open multipurpose space capable of accommodating a considerate number of people, not just from the publishing sector, but also from the others.

As an Agora it should be blended into the fabric of society and thus should be physically, visually or both as close as possible to the urban context.

It should allow multiple configurations for different type of workshops. Although this area/ space should be visually very permeable it should be easily closed off.

1.1.5.1 _ Storage This storage space should be directly connected to the Workshop area in order to store all equipment and supplies necessary for workshops, such as chairs, tables, white boards ect.

1.1.7 _ Distribution Department The Distribution Department should not be considered just as a bureaucratic function of the whole operation. It’s function should be translated in a more literal sense.

This is the Department which Hands out the Knowledge.

1.2.1 _ Web Development This is the space which launches all knowledge collected and created in this centre to everyone around the globe. It is for contemporary societies what was the printing press in the renaissance. It is a direct link of the centre to the world and it should be at the hearth of the centre.

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1.2.1.1 _ Server/Technical Rooms If the shared technical rooms would not be enough this department should be provided with its own for a more efficient function.

1.3 _ GENERIC 1.3.1 _ Entrance + Lobby All formal/public Entrances and Entrance halls must be carefully blended in to the external environment. This shouldn’t look like a corporate entrance of any other publishing house. It should be welcoming to all brackets of society.

These should be easily found but not too pronounced.

In order to attract people other functions from the immediate urban context could be integrated; such as popup shops or small kiosks.

Because of the delicate nature of the topic in discussion it is important that a proper level of security is considered.

Although not necessarily, preferably every sector of the programme has a separate entrance. This would create a less formal atmosphere making the entrances blend in with other urban functions.

This entrance could also function as the entrance to all other sectors of the programme.

1.3.1.1 _ Waiting Area Either as part of the lobby or as an independent space this entrance should be provided with a waiting area.

1.3.2 _ Kitchenette + Lounge Every sector should have a small kitchen where one can prepare simple snacks and hot beverages. A small lounge area where the staff can spend break time should also be considered.

This must also be considered as a social space for colleagues to get to know each other and thus must be designed appropriately.

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Natural lighting with views on urban public spaces would make these spaces more

attractive. They should be considered the second best option after going out in the urban context it self.

1.3.3 _ Resting Quarters Considering the nature of the publishing industry this sometimes requires long working hours and even all nighters. These quarters are to be used by the staff in such situations.

This area should be placed at a reasonable distance from the working space for a complete detachment from the working environment.

These areas can be used by staff from all sectors of the programme and thus should be accessible from all the different sectors.

1.3.4 _ Library Because of the nature of the programme there should not be a designated space as a library, as all the programme should be considered one.

Books and publications are distributed around all the communal and group spaces. This will promote more interaction between staff and encourage movement in all the building.

2 - EDUCATIONAL The Educational Sector of the programme will help with the diversification of users of the building.

Besides expanding the levels on which knowledge is delivered this will make the whole programme more dynamic in terms of users. Instead of restricting the influx and movement of students in the area of the university campus on the North East of the city, this part of the programme will attract these users to the centre of the city.

Influenced by the location (Souq), by the City’s ancient culture of trading and by the important post conflict need of an economic recovery the main focus of this campus extension is Commerce.

However the educational spaces can be utilised for lectures on any topic in relation to the programme.

A New Agora for Aleppo

2.1 _ Lecture Theatre Halls

educational and management purposes.

There should be 2 Lecture theatre Halls. One accommodating 240 people and another one for 100.

They can either be enclosed rooms or open spaces; part of the circulation.

These Lecture theatre halls should be as transparent as possible on account of various levels of symbolism. They should be transparent as the economy of the new Syrian state but should also allow an extreme level of visual connection with the society outside. However visual connection and light should be easily be blocked if desired.

These halls should also accommodate public lectures, and with a considerate level of security they should be as inviting and easily accessible as possible to the general public in case of public events. These can also open up and become part of the urban context if desired.

Taking the space out to the people instead of vice versa.

2.2 _ Lecture Rooms Lecture rooms should accommodate up to 45 students. On the opposite of the theatre halls they do not have to consider public use and thus should not be so pronounced. These rooms can also be distributed around the whole programme adjacent to spaces from other sectors.

Natural lighting and a visual connection to the outside is preferred.

2.5 _ Offices There are two kinds of Office spaces; Offices for Permanent Staff and Desk space for visiting Academics.

2.5.1 _ Permanent These offices are intended for academics which have a permanent schedule of lectures at this venue. They should have good accessibility to the lecturing spaces but visual connection is not necessary.

2.5.2 _ Visitors Outside the offices of the permanent academics there should be a space where academics could either have discussions between themselves or also use it as an alternative to their enclosed office space.

This open area would accommodate desks for visiting academics.

2.5.3 _ Kitchenette + Lounge This kitchenette is be used by the academic staff and should follow the same principles as the previously described kitchenette in 1.3.2.

2.6 _ Entrance + Lobby Space 2.3 _ Meeting Rooms These spaces are used by students for group discussions. They should accommodate between 5 to 10 students. They must be enclosed spaces with a good visual connection either to the urban context or the internal environment.

2.4 _ Workshop Spaces

Although separate entrances for all the different sectors of the programme are preferred, this could be shared with the previously described Entrance (1.3.1).

In the case that this is a separate entrance, it should be easily accessible but not to pronounced.

The lobby needs to act as a social space for students and academics and should be perceived as an extension of the urban context.

Similarly to the Meeting Rooms these spaces are also used by students for group discussions and workshops, however they allow a higher level of informality and thus create a different feeling.

These spaces are also used for discussions and operations involving students and the humanitarian sector of the programme; both for

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3 - HUMANITARIAN This sector is the pillar on which all the programme is being supported. It is tying all the programme in to one holistic operation and tries to project reliability towards a fragile post conflict society.

3.1 _ Entrance + Lobby Space As previously explained in 2.6 a separate entrance for every sector of the programme is preferred. However if considered necessary this can be combined to any other entrance.

In the case of an independent entrance this should look as humble and welcoming as possible while still offering a considerate level of security.

Similarly to the other lobbies this should act as an extension of the urban context by offering a social space.

3.1.1 _ Waiting Area Similarly to 1.3.1.1 this space should be provided with a waiting area, either as part of the lobby or as an independent space.

3.2 _ Offices As for the Educational Sector there are two type of Office spaces. The Permanent spaces and the spaces for visitors.

3.2.1 _ Security Lobby Due to the nature of the programme in order to access to the offices one must go through a security lobby first.

3.2.2 _ Permanent These offices are intended for staff which is permanently employed at this centre.

Although not necessarily split into different spaces, these permanent office spaces will be used by a major humanitarian operation like the United Nations branch UNESCO and other small NGOs with similar objectives and ideologies.

3.2.2.1 _ UNESCO Besides having a long relationship with the city of Aleppo, Education, Science and Culture are UNESCO’s main responsibilities and thus

32

the ideal ambassador for such a programme. Although there should be no hierarchical distinction between all the sectors of the programme. These spaces should be considered as the binder of the project. Having an outstanding international backing this agency should be able to stitch the whole operation together and thus this should be projected symbolically in the programme.

A visual connection towards the city (especially the ancient part) is required.

3.2.2.2 _ NGOs These NGOs need to work hand in hand with the main humanitarian group in the programme (UNESCO) and thus should be well connected to the UNESCO quarters. Every NGO must have it’s own space and this should be in the form of open office space.

A high level of transparency is desired.

3.2.3 _ Visitors Outside the permanent offices there should be desk spaces provided for visiting personnel. These should be part of the circulation space but should offer a good level of working environment.

These desk spaces can also be used by anyone from the permanent staff if desired.

3.2.4 _ Meeting Rooms In order to keep this part of the programme as heterarchical as possible meeting rooms are shared. This is a very basic representation of the holistic objective of the whole operation.

3.2.5 _ Kitchenette + Lounge This kitchenette is be used by the humanitarian agencies staff and should follow the same principles as the previously described kitchenettes in 2.5.3 and 1.3.2

3.3 _ Online Conference Space There should be multiple web conference space catering for different number of people.

A New Agora for Aleppo

4 - SHARED FACILITIES

4.2.2 _ Exhibition Hall

These facilities or areas are shared between all sectors of the programme fusing it into one operation.

This is the place where the physical project is explained through pictures and models.

While the Audio visual experience outlines the philosophical content of the operation, the exhibition space gives a more tectonic feel of the project.

4.1 _ Flagship Retail Store This whole operation should not be considered just as assistance to a country rising up from ashes of war, but should be celebrated as a symbol of change in ideologies. Considering the location and the high influx of visitors predicted once the dust settles, a retail store can help to spread the publications (and possibly merchandise) at a more direct level. More than a symbol this operation should become a brand which promotes all ideologies of the operation.

The introduction of a ‘shop’ in this area will blend in with the adjacent urban functions and thus helps to fuse the whole operation to the context.

This retail shop must be at street level and can either be directly connected to any of the other sector entrances or have an entrance of its own.

It can also substitute or be part of any of the other entrances.

4.1.1 _ Storage A storage space for the retail store should be provided. This should be easily accessible from the store but should not offer easy access to the public.

This storage space could be shared with other areas which might need storage, such as the events area, the kitchen and the exhibition space.

4.2 _ Visitor Facilities These facilities should allow an audio visual introduction together with a permanent exhibition explaining the whole concept of the project, the ideology behind it.

The retail store can act as the connection to this area.

4.2.1 _ Audio Visual Theatre Hall

While this exhibition does not need to be enclosed, it should not be completely visible from the urban spaces as to encourage involvement of visitors and not just an overview from the outside.

4.3 _ Events Area and Kitchen This can be described as the main social space of the whole complex. It is where staff from all the different sectors can have lunch together at the same time. The kitchen is equipped enough to permit preparation of meals for more multiple persons.

Considering the vicinity of the Souq and the importance of food in Middle Eastern cultures the kitchen should not be considered just as an amenity, but once again should be defined as an extension of the urban context inside the programme. For this reason there must be a high level of visual connection with the urban context.

The events area should permit multiple configurations for various events such as receptions, book and programme launches ect.

4.4 _ I.T Department Considering the importance of the digital technology in this whole operation a small I.T. Department should be able to cater for all the technological needs of the programme.

4.4.1 _ Technical Areas Server rooms and other technical spaces should be provided.

The theatre hall should accommodate groups of 50 persons at a time. It should be used as an attractor for the visitors and its function should be clearly perceived from the outside.

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A New Agora for Aleppo

Society’s well being should be the main inspiration of this department and so this department should have a very good visual connection to the urban context around; such as streets with people, spaces from the souq and khans and perhaps even the mosque’s courtyard.

the space should also give an inspiration of unlimited knowledge unobstructed by any ideology; not even Humanism it self. It should feel like a However

temple of knowledge while at the same time dissolving any associations to spaces of worship.

35

36

A New Agora for Aleppo

This should be the Agora of the programme. It has to be an open multipurpose space capable of accommodating a considerate number of people, not just from the publishing sector, but also from the others.

As an Agora it should be blended into the fabric of society and thus should be physically, visually; or both, as close as possible to the urban context.

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L

ISRA

The

Site; A L EPP O, Syria 38

A New Agora for Aleppo

TURKEY

ALEPPO

SYRIA

LE B A NON

AE L

DAMASCUS

IRAQ

J O R D AN

39

200

300

5000 BC

637 AD Aleppo came under Arab and Islamic rule.

700

333 BC Alexander the Great took over the city and was given the name of Boroea

c.715 AD Foundation of the 1st Umayyad Mosque (great Mosque of Aleppo)

800

1100

1000

1157 AD Construction on the current Umayyad Mosque starts.

1092 AD Erection of the Minarette of the Great MNosque is complete.

974 - 987 AD The City came briefly under Byzantine rule.

1183 AD The city fell to the control of Saladin

1138 BC On the 9th of August a deadly earthquake hits Aleppo and the surroundings.

1098 AD Aleppo is besieged by Crusaders.

1200

64 BC Aleppo came under the control of the Romans

1300

100

0

5000 BC Aleppo inhabited for the 1st time.

1516 AD The city fell under Ottoman rule and became a major centre for trade.

1700

1613 AD Consulate of the Netherlands opens in Aleppo.

1583 AD Consulate of England opens in Aleppo.

1564 AD Consulate of France opens in Aleppo.

1548 AD Consulate of the Republic of Venice opens in Aleppo.

1260 - 1516 AD The city was controlled, through various struggles, by the Mongols and Egyptian Malmuks.

The Christian population was spared

1600

2011 AD Start of Syrian Civil conflict.

1919 AD After WW1 the Province of Aleppo became officially part of modern Syria.

1866 AD Aleppo became the centre of the newly constituted Vilayet of Aleppo.

1920 - 1946 AD Aleppo under a French Mandate.

2000

1124 AD Aleppo is besieged by Crusaders.

1900

1869 AD Opening of the Suez Canal.

2100

40 1800

1500

1400

900

600

500

400

300

200

100

400

A New Agora for Aleppo

Tr a d e R o u t e s c o n n e c t i n g E a s t a n d W e s t t h r o u g h A l e p p o .

Aleppo was the most developed commercial and industrial city in the Ottoman Empire after Constantinople and Cairo.

41

Population growth of Aleppo in Millions

2.4 2.2 2.0 1.8 1.6 1.4 1.2 1.0 0.8 0.6 0.4 0.2

1900

42

1910

1920

1930

1940

1950

1960

1970

1980

1990

2000

2010

2020

A New Agora for Aleppo

1901 1922 1944 1944

1922

2005

2005

Christians

Christians

Muslims & Others

Muslims & Others

Ratio of Christians to other religions 43

44

1. Old Citadelle

2. Great Mosque of Aleppo

B àb ed - An t àk i 3

3. Al-Madina Souq

2

1

The Ancient City of Aleppo

3

5

6

1

2

7

4

8

9

A New Agora for Aleppo

1. Umayyad Mosque 2. Al-Madina Souq 3. Khan al-Hibal 4. Khan al-Sabun 5. Khan al-Jumruk 6. Khan al-Nahassin 7. Khan al-Ulabiyye 8. Khan al-Wazir 9. Khan al-Khayr

45

Umayyad Mosque The Great Mosque of Aleppo

46

A New Agora for Aleppo

47

AlMadina Souq

48

Pro Regime Forces

Kurds

Contested

Battle of Aleppo 2012Pro Regime Forces

A New Agora for Aleppo

49

50

2010

2014

A New Agora for Aleppo

51

Original Condition Present Situation

52

A New Agora for Aleppo

Original Condition Present Situation

53

Programme Update After further research and analysis with regards to the previously described programme and site; there have been some major changes to the actual programme.

The programe as described before was giving to much of a colonial feeling; as if institutions from the west go to the Middle East and are able to solve, or at least try to solve every problem.

This consideration led to the discovery of the Insititution for the Secularisation of the Muslim Society; an institution composed of people from Islamic and MIddle Easter origins which have secular and humanist views on various issues of life.

What follows on the next page is a Manifesto written by the founders of the forementioned institution and is the outline of the new updated programme.

54

A New Agora for Aleppo

i n q u i r y t h r o u g h c r o s s c u l t u r a l t r a n s l a t i o n , p u b l i s h i n g , a n d t h e m a s s m e d i a .

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The updated programme follows a narrative based on the themes of Knowledge, Dialogue and Action. This narrative takes out all the essence from the previous programme and reduces it to the bare minimum functions to create a platform for dialogue and discussion and forms a New

Agora for Aleppo.

The new programme is a highly interconnected facility where circulation and functions follow no hierchy whatsoever as a symbol of freedom and open communication.

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A New Agora for Aleppo

Action

tea area (informal)

small chat rooms

large chat rooms

auditorium

workshop space

Dialogue

editors

research

translators

conference

workshop space

Knowledge

library

library

A New A

NDSCHUH

UNDSCHUH

tea area (informal)

small chat rooms

large chat rooms

workshop space

auditorium

library

library

editors

research

translators

conference

workshop space

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A New Agora for A

S Se ceucl au rl aC ra n C o pay n

opy

Mosque Courtyard

A New Agora fo

DSCHUH

The Above programme is distributed in a ‘Secular canopy’ which hangs over the northern wing of the Great Mosque of Aleppo.

This canopy is a symbol of freedom of the individual conscience and tries to relate the secular and the spiritual realm into a peaceful Dialogue.

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I

Dessau International Architecture School Anhalt University Department 3 Christian Zammit Š 2015