're-coding post-war syria' uses 3D scanning to map the future of damascus

unveiled at the 2019/2020 bi-city shenzhen biennale of urbanism and architecture, reparametrize studio and digital architects have collaborated to create the ‘re-coding post-war syria’ exhibition. the multinational team of syrian, lebanese, austrian, bulgarian, ukrainian and chinese architects have showcased a unique set of images that shows the work in the destroyed city of damascus, through the combination of photography and projection mapping.

image courtesy of reparametrize studio/digital architects

‘it is not re-develop it is re-coding or re-generate!!’ says team leader ziwar al nouri, founder of the syrian architectural company reparametrize studio. ‘the difference between these words is big. we don’t want just to bring the city into its previous condition. we want to use this disaster as positive opportunity to bring better life for the future citizens.’

image courtesy of reparametrize studio/digital architects

the team relied on state-of-the-art technologies provided to them by the austrian tech company general laser to achieve their goals. they used state of the art 3D scanning to analyze the existing fabric of damaged buildings and understand which areas of the city need reconstruction and which are in useful condition in greater accuracy. this data can help policy makers to make redevelopment plans which does not rely on complete demolition but uses the existing, and still useful, urban fabric, resulting in a very cost effective and much more sustainable post-war redevelopment.

image courtesy of reparametrize studio/digital architects

the project also used social media platforms and ground surveys to collect data from the local citizens and the refugees who fled the country about their expectations of the post-war redevelopment of their home areas. through careful analysis of all this data reparametrize studio and digital architects can create new and more meaningful design decisions over the post-war redevelopment plans. this data is a way to share the thought process of design, and the vision of the local community for the future of the city.

image courtesy of reparametrize studio/digital architects

the project intends to provide the material for the community and the decision makers to interact to envision the future of the city. the team also try to raise awareness and attract foreign attention to their cause. they have organized multiple international workshops with universities in europe, middle east and china. and now they are part of the prestigious “eye of the city” exhibition at the shenzhen biennale invited by carlo ratti associati.

image courtesy of reparametrize studio/digital architects

the team have showcased their research trough a stunning 360-degree projection mapping. the story of this 30 minutes animation starts from a global overview at the country syria, a closer view on the city of damascus and a showcase of the case study project the team developed using their methodology in the neighborhood of zamalka. outside the projection booth the visitors can observe photography which illustrate the life in the ruins in extreme details.

image courtesy of reparametrize studio/digital architects

the team continue their work of raising awareness even further. they organize urban re-development workshop in shenzhen giving the opportunity to international group of students and young professionals to share their ideas, join the initiative and become part of the biennale.

image courtesy of reparametrize studio

image courtesy of reparametrize studio

image courtesy of reparametrize studio

project info:

project name: re-coding post-war syria

design: reparametrize studio and digital architects

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