WESAL | Public Library in Damascus Competition: SAE Architecture School Workshop

2ND Prize Award

Bridging Past Wisdom With Future Vision.

In the heart of Damascus, a city of deep heritage and resilience, Wesal emerges not just as a library, but as a healing campus. This project was developed as part of the SAE Architecture School workshop, where our team was honored to be shortlisted among the Top 10 projects.

The Vision: The design reimagines the future as a continuation of memory. Inspired by the flow of the historic Barada River, the project creates a dialogue between the city’s rich history and its contemporary aspirations. We aimed to design a space that fosters community connection, offering a sanctuary for reading, reflection, and growth.

Key Design Strategies:

Healing Through Nature: Reviving the Barada River as a central landscape spine and integrating biophilic gardens to promote mental well-being.

Sustainable Facade: A rhythmic façade inspired by paper folds, utilizing local limestone and high-performance glazing to manage solar gain while honoring Damascene architecture.

Community Centric: From the shaded "Storytelling Circle" to the open courtyard, every zone is designed to bring people together.

Innovative Systems: Features like water-harvesting umbrellas and green roofs to address environmental challenges.

Tools Used: Revit, D5, Photoshop, Illustrator.