This is the first private university in Syria, located outside Damascus. It is designed as a contemporary reinterpretation of traditional elements of Arab vernacular architecture, particularly in the use of material and colour. The intention is to create an international university, attracting Europeans as well as Arabs, and to transform the socio-cultural landscape of a village on the brink of urbanisation. Comprising seven faculties, dormitories, a restaurant and a library, the university also has several shared spaces to foster interaction between students and staff. The programmatic requirements have influenced the form giving it dynamic sculptural qualities and the sequence of courtyards reflects traditional Damascus town planning.
Source:
The Aga Khan Trust for Culture, 2011.