Shady Zenaldin

A village reincarnated

Breathing Life into Basalt Village as a Sustainable Community Hub

 

'A Village Reincarnated' is a design project nestled in the village of Al-Mushannaf, situated atop Jabal al-Druze Mountain in southern Syria. The story traces back approximately 12,000 years to when the Al-Safa volcano was active, giving birth to the region’s characteristic basalt landscape. This ancient eruption has made basalt an essential element of the area’s cultural fabric. Local inhabitants have used this volcanic material extensively, particularly in architecture, employing it in everything from homes and temples to monuments, streets, water canals, and theatres, making basalt a cornerstone in shaping the built environment. 

The ancient section of the village, constructed from basalt, reflects the rich historical tapestry of the area, despite being destroyed and rebuilt multiple times. Tragically, these old houses have remained abandoned since the 1970s. Furthermore, since the onset of the Syrian conflict in 2011, the village and its surrounding landscape have suffered extensively, resulting in significant consequences for both the community and the natural environment. 

The primary objective of this project is to delve into the architectural heritage of the old village and its landscape, seeking to address a pivotal question: How can architecture contribute to the healing of both the community and the landscape in such a setting? The project involves an in-depth study of the ancient village, coupled with the design of structures that draw inspiration from the narrative of basalt, the harmony between the houses and the landscape, and the historical context of the area. The project emphasizes the use of natural, locally sourced materials and traditional construction techniques, with minimal change to the existing fabric. The aim is to establish a community centre that is conceived and constructed by the locals for their collective use, offering a facility that can support their psychological, social, and financial recovery, thereby fostering a process of communal and environmental rejuvenation. 

Graduation date: 08 April 2024 
Graduation committee: Jeroen van Mechelen (mentor), Hanneke Kijne, Sasa Radenovic   
Additional members for the exam: Lada Hrsak, Quita Schabracq