#LANDSCAPING AND URBAN PLANNING PROJECTS
AMBS architects envisions a gravity-defying gateway for basra
Basra, located on the southeast of iraq, is known as the city that proudly showcases the country’s achievements to the rest of the world.
To emphasize on this, ambs architects have envisioned a gravity defying gateway for basra, where visitors are greeted by a grand entrance of suspended preponderant ocular arches, connected by bridges. capable of expanding or detracting, a framed modular flexible grid acts as the façade, evoking the presence of a stage. referenced by the abstract and naturally occurring geometric formations of the mineral pyrite, colliding cubes puncture the solid volume to produce a dynamic system of voids.to demonstrate basra’s lively culture, the all-encompassing conglomerate of inventive spaces is a profusion of overlapping structures, intersected to enable a multitude of activities. the gateway embodies basra’s past, present and future through the references integrated into the structures ensemble. i
nfluenced by islamic artistry, patterned and engraved façades veil the steel space frame within. alluding to the sobriety of traditional islamic fortresses, the distinguished geometry of the perforated mass stone walls contrasts to the fluid assemblage encompassed. the engaging openings and extravagant superfluity of idiosyncratic forms embrace compelling surrealist features of dramatic proportions, provoking exploration.to promote iraq’s rich variety of natural resources, an industrial steel shell is clad in light translucent alabaster. these panels brimmed in light generate a myriad of orifices that create patterns of diffused luminosity. the internal spaces come to life as natural daylight permeates the skin with a soft gleam, providing visual texture through the irregular veining. alluding the few remainders of babylon in iraq, a suspended lion is sculpted to encapsulate the power of basra.traditionally considered the sacred colour of islam, the gates exoteric faces are dressed in shades of gold and the iridescent turquoise green of patinated copper screens.
the classic iraqi arch perforates panels of opulent, pearly marble as a tribute to iraq’s unique and historic style. the appendable panels integrate shutters that are adjusted to elicit light and natural ventilation reminiscent of the local bazaar awnings.emulating the hanging gardens of babylon, the interior is draped in greenery with flourishing overhanging plants supplying shade and an essence of growth to the thriving microclimate. developed to provide refuge from the desert heat, the passive cooling system uses harvested pools of water to connect floors. vertically flowing streams cascade down, distributing water to the pleasure gardens, the engaging openings identifying public areas.
