International Community School of Baghdad

English description provided by the architects.

The Baghdad International School embodies a modern reinterpretation of Baghdad's architectural legacy.

Here, the concept of the "wall" evolves from a historical symbol of power and fortification to a multifunctional structure that conveys both security and openness.

The wall transforms into a porous and interactive membrane, accentuated by blue metal plug-in structures that house vibrant arts, sciences, and public engagement programs.

At its core, the school embraces a central courtyard, a dynamic crossroads where students from various disciplines gather, reflecting the communal essence of Islamic courtyards.

This integration of communal spaces extends to the rooftops, made accessible and functional, resonating with the traditions of Islamic architecture where rooftops and staircases were integral to both the building's utility and its social fabric.

DIFFICULTIES AND SETBACKS

To address the security requirements for educational facilities in Baghdad, our team faced the challenge of incorporating a security wall that fulfilled government mandates without compromising the school's open and welcoming atmosphere.

Our solution was to integrate the security measures directly into the architecture by strategically placing the built area along the peripheries of the site.

This design choice not only ensures the safety of the students but also maintains the aesthetic integrity of the school.

Currently, a temporary fence encircles the construction area, but upon completion, this barrier will be removed, unveiling the building's innovative approach to security—a testament to architecture that prioritizes both protection and inclusivity.

Stucco, chosen for its cost-effectiveness and local availability, is used on the upper floors to provide a clean, off-white finish for the classrooms.

The lower floors are distinguished by pink terrazzo cladding, a material that is both durable and locally sourced, providing a vibrant base for the common spaces.

This approach ensures a balance between economy and functionality while maintaining a cohesive and engaging educational environment.

SPATIAL CONFIGURATION AND MAIN REASONS

The spatial configuration of the International Community School is ingeniously crafted to facilitate movement and foster interconnectedness. It is orchestrated through three distinct circulation systems.

This promenade is designed not just for transit but as an experiential journey that activates the school's various functions.

Complementing the main promenade is a secondary circulation system, a loop that interlinks the four distinct departments of the school situated at each corner of the square-shaped site.

Lastly, the school incorporates a tertiary circulation network comprised of the essential staircases and elevators.

These elements are positioned to provide efficient vertical movement within the school, complementing the more experiential promenade and departmental loop with their practicality and straightforwardness.