Ziad Ali and Aisha Shbib Achieve Honorary Ranks in the TAMAYOUZ Competition

Both Ziad Ali and Aisha Shbib, from the fifth year of the Architecture Department, reached honorary ranks in the TAMAYOUZ Architecture Prize competition for the design of the "Iraq Pavilion at the World Expo." The design concept focused on invoking the deep history of Iraq’s ancient civilizations and the diversity of its intertwined cultural heritage, taking the visitor on a reflective journey that transcends time, guiding them through eras of glory and craftsmanship, starting from the dawn of Mesopotamian civilization to its diverse artisanal heritage.

The pavilion’s design sprawls across a wide expanse, intricately interwoven like a contemporary historical tapestry, where architectural blocks merge with gradients inspired by the construction techniques of the Sumerian and Assyrian periods, particularly the irrigation systems that acted as the lifeblood of ancient Iraq.

The pavilion draws from the spirit of the Hanging Gardens, that mythical symbol of the genius of land and water, reawakening this concept through a blend of agriculture and architecture. In every corner, Iraqi handicrafts breathe with a deep connection to a long history of pottery and sculpture, echoing ancient civilizations, pulsating with the spirit of cultural diversity that defines Iraq from its north to its south.

At the heart of this experience stands the spiral tower, piercing the space upward, symbolizing the whirlpool of events that have swept through Iraq over the centuries, as though inviting reflection on the intertwining of times and destinies. Green spaces cover the surfaces of the blocks, mirroring the Hanging Gardens that once flourished with plants, offering visitors not only a chance to interact with this heritage but to immerse themselves in it, wandering through it and becoming part of this unique experience, where the past merges with the present in a moment of deep contemplation.

The Jury's Comment on the Iraqi Pavilion Design:

"The project demonstrates a strong conceptual foundation and a thoughtful, modern approach to generating forms. The use of circular slopes to connect fragmented blocks is an ambitious and innovative gesture, contributing to the distinctive visual identity of the project. The clean and clear design reflects a rational development process and an admirable attempt to create a noteworthy urban connection, offering valuable potential for integration with its context.

While the interior spaces have been carefully developed, they could benefit from a clearer hierarchy to enhance their memorability and usability. Similarly, the circular path and central spine present interesting design movements, but further development would strengthen their functional and spatial cohesion. In fact, the visual representations of the project are particularly strong, providing a clear depiction of the concept. Even with certain objective elements, such as the Hanging Garden, potentially being realized more fully, enhancing the contextual harmony and functional clarity, the design holds the potential to become a significant architectural proposal."

We take great pride in the creativity and excellence demonstrated by our esteemed students and wish them continued success and the achievement of many more accomplishments in their future.

For further reading, please follow this link: