AL-NURI MOSKEE

MOSUL - 2021
INZENDING UNESCO COMPETITIE

In samenwerking met aa.arkitektur (Andi Arifaj, Adonel Myzyri), Andi Halilaj en Rio Kerpaci

Summary Statement:

To empower the cultural identity, the architecture of the new complex is mainly based on the traditional features of the urban fabric and architecture of Mosul. This is reflected in the complexity and apparent accidentality of the composition, the use of informal spaces and routes through the complex, and further enhanced by the use of patios, rooftops, shaded areas and the homogeneity of materials.

The transition of spaces are carefully designed to make the mosque area stand out as a unique spiritual oasis. To accentuate this, we propose the new cultural mosque complex as a unified body by adding a lightly programmed roof/terrace in between the north and south buildings.

The main focus in the program organization is to stimulate vibrant social activity and to build a strong sense of community, with emphasis on the central courtyards, but also by adding living rooms, terraces and informal areas where social encounters can take place.

Last but not least, we propose an extensive reuse of the debris, encouraging local workers and industries to solve a major ecological issue and boosting the local economic development. Above that, we believe that by transforming the debris to new materials in the rehabilitation of Al Nouri, it will embody the memory of a destructive episode in history, and moreover, it will embody the power to revive and to build back better.