Type of project:
Architecture (housing)

Start of construction:
not foreseen

Principal authors:
Luca Donner and Francesca Sorcinelli, architects, Donner e Sorcinelli Architetti, Silea, Italy

Comment of the Holcim Awards 2005 Jury for Africa Middle East
Deserving special merit, the project demonstrates an environmentally responsive design that is informed by traditional Islamic architectural principles. Successful is the maintenance of cultural continuity while at the same time achieving a contemporary tectonic expression.

Equally noteworthy is the prototypical approach (rather than site-specific) toward transforming inherited typologies while still remaining sensitive to the values of local culture. Another key achievement of this work is its clear lesson in the translation of traditional architecture to modern form and materials and avoiding a conventional tendency of imposing frozen, stylistic elements.

The project provides high potential for transferability and adaptation to a variety of sites and contexts within the Islamic world. Both the size as well as the selection of materials and construction technology makes the design appropriate for environmental demands as well as customary privacy hierarchies.

Strategies for climatic response also derive their principles from the traditional architecture of hot-arid regions and yet, serve to further enhance them based on the application of new technologies. The work shows an accomplished degree of skill in creating fluid transitions between indoor and outdoor spaces.