RZLBD retains historical façade to create new baghdad design centre

atelier RZLBD has designed the new baghdad design centre, located in the al-rusafa area of the iraqi city. the existing site was once home to the baghdad governorate building, however since the 2003 US invasion it has lain in ruins due to looting and vandalism, with only the outer skin remaining. the project intends to engage in a dialogue with the historical building, which was originally built in the early 20th century, while affirming its own presence. 

the main elevation: existing ruins in the front with the new white addition in the background

all images courtesy of atelier rzlbd

the new design centre by rzlbd leaves the majority of the site intact as an open area. the emptiness of which creates a dialectic between the two proposed interventions: the pavilion and the courtyard. together they reclaim the space, while the public agora, the ‘sahn’, encourages visitors to mediate between the past and present.

the entry pavilion provides a blank canvas to give more prominence to the remains of main façade

in order to protect the site as an open space, all the required activities are accommodated underground. by excavating spaces below ground, the thermal performance of the complex is increased and offers the built elements added protection from weathering.

the main plaza (the sahn)

the only addition to the site is the pavilion, which acts both as an entry point and as an observation platform. more importantly, it provides a blank canvas to give prominence to the remains of the main façade. the blankness of the proposed pavilion lends itself to the playful movement of the shadows during the day and becomes backlit at night. the material used for the project is locally poured in-situ white concrete. the resulting design creates a sensitive architectural intervention that respects the history of the site.

the sunken courtyard

library at basement level 1

workshops / studios at basement level 1

auditorium / exhibition space at basement level 2

view of the entrance hall towards the reception area

site plan

floor plans from top to bottom clockwise: roof plan, ground level, basement level 1, basement level 2

exploded axonometric view

project info:

project name: baghdad design centre

client: tamayouz international

program: design center

location: baghdad, iraq

architects: atelier rzlbd / reza aliabadi

project team: reza aliabadi, kiera hughston

structure: reinforced concrete

site area: 1400 m2

size (gfa): 2500 m2 

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: lynne myers | designboom