Date of Submission
Spring 5-4-2018
Degree Type
Undergraduate Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelor of Architecture
Department
Architecture
Committee Chair/First Advisor
Giovanni Loreto
Abstract
The learning environments in Iraq have been greatly affected by war and ongoing conflict in the past two decades. As a result, the drop-out rates have increased, academic achievement is low, and the students are suffering from stress. Architecturally, the existing school typologies in Iraq were designed more than 70 years ago and does not reflect the needs of the 21st century students. The new design does not only provide a physical function - an elementary school and a pedestrian bridge, but also presents a community gathering space for the parents and families of the two separated neighborhoods. Programmatic functions and the site forces combined to create the form while providing many special variations on each floor. The level of privacy increases on the higher levels while the bridge serves as a public space above water level. In terms of safety, the location provides a great control in the two entry points on both ends of the bridge while it opens to the public in the after-school hours. By connecting Adhamiya and Utayfia neighborhoods together, the school becomes the bridge that does not only connect both communities physically but also to bond the people and those young students back together in a warm welcoming Environment.