An Analysis on Interior Design in Damascus (Demashq)

Centre of Post GraduateStudies MA IN INTERNATIONAL CONTEMPORARY ART AND DESIGN PR A C T IC E

MDA12333.2 Study Case Analysis

SEMESTER32014

Name: Murshed Hanna

Student No: 110035233

Supervisor : Prof.Dato’ Dr.Che Musa Che Omar

Assignment:

An Analysis on Interior Design in Damascus (Demashq)

Table of Contents:

1.0 Introduction ...............................................................................2.0 Back Ground……………………………………………………………………………. 2.1 Political………………………………………………………………………………….. 2.2 Economy ……………………………………………………………………………….. 2.2.1GNI…………………………………………………………………………………… 2.2.2 GDP….................................................................................... 2.3 Social………………………………………………………………………………….... 2.4 Technology……………………………………………………………………………. 2.5 Legal……………………………………………………………………………………… 2.6 Environment ………………………………………………………………………….3.0 SWOT Analysis…………………………………………………………............... 3.1 Strength ……………………………………………………………………………….. 3.2 weakness ……………………………………………………………………………… 3.3 Threats …………………………………………………………………………… 3.4 Opportunities ………………………………………………………………………4.0 Conclusion (Recommendation)………………………………………………… References

1.0 Introduction:

In this study, I'm going to choose a specific area of Syria, Damascus, and that I'm going to study it from all aspects which are useful for treatment and providing solutions in the creation of architectural design for the home of a Syrian commensurate with the Syrian environment mimicking reality of ancient and modern in terms of service and comfort, the environment and this requires the study of all elements of the environmental, social, political and economic, which helps in creating a solid base in order to protect the design process from falling into the different problems for different parties rely on the knowledge and know-how in order to fully realize this design

2.0 Background :

Founded in the 3rd millennium BC, Damascus is one of the

oldest cities in the Middle East. Dominated to the west by

Mount Qasiyun and bounded to the east by the desert,

Damascus was founded, with the name of Palmyra, in an

oasis that was very fertile thanks to the presence of the

River Barada, a meeting place for cultures and caravans. It

was the capital of an Aramaic kingdom (11th-7th centuries

BC), often at war with the kings of Israel and temporarily

conquered by King David. After being defeated twice by the

Assyrians, it was definitively conquered by Nebuchadnezzar

in 600 BC. It fell into Persian hands in 530 BC, and then in

333 BC it was annexed to the empire of Alexander the Great.

The two adjoining areas were unified by the Romans, during

the reigns of Septimius Severus and his son Caracalla (AD

197-217).

Figure: Damascus ( Demashq)

Figure: The River Barada

The city was enclosed by a single ring of enclosure walls that are

still be identified. After the interval of rule by the Sassanid

Parthians, in 636 its fate was sealed permanently as part of the

Arab world, becoming the prestigious and monumental capital of

the Umayyad caliph. The city then began to expand outside the

enclosure walls and enjoyed a time of particular economic

prosperity, which continued despite its loss of capital status

under the Mameluke dynasty and the devastation wrought

during the Mongol incursion. Damascus preserves a few traces of

its long history prior to the Arabic conquest, including some from

the Roman period, such as the decumanus, mentioned in the

Acts of the Apostles, which coincides with the present-day route

that crosses the city from east to west, a road lined with columns

which still preserves one of the three monumental arches. The

main entrance to the old city is the al Hamidiyeh souk. The

Ayyubid Citadel of Damascus is a masterpiece of military

architecture, and its courtyards, walls and two enormous

entrances illustrate numerous historical events, including the

conquest by Timur in 1400.

Figure: Enclosure walls

Figure: Outside the enclosure walls

At the end of the 4th century, during the reign of Emperor Theodosius, on the site of the ancient Temple of Jove there was a Byzantine church dedicated to St John the Baptist and, since 706, the Great Mosque, built at the behest of al-Walid, the sixth Umayyad caliph. The complex has an external courtyard, bounded by a massive wall and flanked by three minarets in different styles. The inner courtyard has three sides with a covered double portico and the centre of it is covered by a dome for the ablution ritual that precedes the prayers. Adjoining the porticoes is the Dome of Treasure, a small octagonal pavilion covered with fine mosaics, and surmounted by a dome that stands on eight Corinthian columns. On the fourth side of the internal courtyard is the mosque proper, subdivided by arches into three parallel aisles, cut on a perpendicular line by a transect, the central part of which was covered by a wooden dome that was destroyed in 1401.

Figures: Umayyad Mosque (the Great Mosque)

The arrangement of its component elements is reminiscent of the Christian churches of Syria and Armenia and represents a significant example of Umayyad art that continues, through the master craftsmen employed, the tradition of Byzantine art. The urban fabric underwent important transformations with the rise to power of the Abbasids: the urban centre ceased to be a unified organism and was divided up into autonomous quarters, each equipped with its own institutions, mosques, public baths, markets, and police corps. In this way, the rectangular blocks from the Hellenistic grid were transformed into the characteristic Islamic urban fabric. Over the centuries guilds of craftsmen and merchants established themselves around the Great Mosque, while the important Christian minority consolidated itself in the north-east quarters of the city, around the churches and sites associated with the conversation of St Paul.

Figure: Al Zeton Church

Figure: Al Adliah School

Figures: AL Hamidea Market

Figures: Medhat Bash Market

Figure: Old Damscus

Figure: Khan Assad Basha Figures: Public Baths

The city is closely linked with important historical events, ideas, traditions, especially from the Islamic period. These have helped to shape the image of the city and impact of Islamic history and culture..

The line of the walls of the old city forms the boundary of the property. Although areas outside the walls that represent the expansion of the city from the 13th century, are considered related to the old city in terms of historical significance, and provide its setting and context, the key attributes of Outstanding Universal Value lie within the boundary. These include the plan of the city and its dense urban fabric, city walls and gates, as well as its 125 protected monuments including the Umayyad Mosque, madrasas, khans, the Citadel and private houses.

Figure: Syrian House -Old Damscus

Figure: Syrian House -Old Damscus

Figures: Syrian House -Old Damscus

Figure: Syrian House -Old Damscus

Figures: Syrian House -Old Damscus

Figures: Syrian House -Old Damscus

Figure: Bab Tomah-Old Damscus

Figure: Bab AL Jabyah -Old Damscus

Figure: Bab Sharqi -Old Damscus

The attributes are vulnerable to erosion from a lack of traditional approaches to maintenance and conservation, and use of traditional materials, while its setting and context are threatened by lack of conservation policy for the historical zones outside the walled city and by regional planning projects.

Figure: Damascus View 2014

2.1 Political:

Country name: conventional long form: Syrian Arab Republic conventional short form: Syria local long form: Al Jumhuriyah al Arabiyah as Suriyah local short form: Suriyah

Government type:republic under an authoritarian regime

Capital:

Name: DamascusGeographic coordinates: 33 30 N, 36 18 ETime difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)Daylight saving time: +1hr, begins midnight on the last Friday in March; ends at midnight on the first Friday in November

Figure: Map of Syria

Figure: Map of Old Damascus Area

Constitution:several previous; latest issued 15 February 2012, passed by referendum 26 February 2012 (2013

Legal system:mixed legal system of civil and Islamic law (for family courts)

International law organization participation:has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt.

Suffrage:18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Bashar al-ASAD (since 17 July 2000); Vice President Farouk al-SHARA (since 21 February 2006); Vice President Najah al-ATTAR (since 23 March 2006)head of government: Prime Minister Wael al-HALQI (since 9 August 2012); Deputy Prime Ministers Fahd Jasim al-FURAYJ, Lt. Gen., Walid al-MUALEMcabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president; note - new Council appointed on 14 April 2011(For more information visit the World Leaders website Opens in New Window)elections: president approved by popular referendum for a second seven-year term (no term limits); referendum last held on 27 May 2007 (next to be held in May 2014); the president appoints the vice presidents, prime minister, and deputy prime ministerselection results: Bashar al-ASAD approved as president; percent of vote - Bashar al-ASAD 97.6%, other 2.4%

Legislative branch:unicameral People's Assembly or Majlis al-Shaab (250 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms)elections: last held on 7 May 2012 (next to be held in 2016)election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - NA

Figure: Majlis al-Shaab

Judicial branch:highest court(s): Court of Cassation (organized into civil, criminal, religious, and military divisions, each with 3 judges); Supreme Constitutional Court (consists of 4 members)judge selection and term of office: Court of Cassation judges appointed by the Supreme Judicial Council or SJC, a judicial management body headed by the minister of justice with 7 members including the national president; judge tenure NA; Supreme Constitutional Court judges nominated by the president and appointed by the SJC; judges appointed for 4-year renewable terms subordinate courts: courts of first instance; magistrates' courts; religious and military courts; Economic Security Court

Flag description:three equal horizontal bands of red (top), white, and black; two small, green, five-pointed stars in a horizontal line centered in the white band; the band colors derive from the Arab Liberation flag and represent oppression (black), overcome through bloody struggle (red), to be replaced by a bright future (white); identical to the former flag of the United Arab Republic (1958-1961) where the two stars represented the constituent states of Syria and Egypt; the current design dates to 1980 note: similar to the flag of Yemen, which has a plain white band, Iraq, which has an Arabic inscription centered in the white band, and that of Egypt, which has a gold Eagle of Saladin centered in the white band

Figure: Syrian Flag

2.2 Economy: Despite modest economic growth and reform prior to the outbreak of unrest, Syria's economy continues to suffer the effects of the ongoing conflict that began in 2011. The economy further contracted in 2012 because of international sanctions and reduced domestic consumption and production, and inflation has risen sharply. The government has struggled to address the effects of economic decline, which include dwindling foreign exchange reserves, rising budget and trade deficits, and the decreasing value of the Syrian pound. Prior to the unrest, Damascus began liberalizing economic policies, including cutting lending interest rates, opening private banks, consolidating multiple exchange rates, raising prices on some subsidized items, and establishing the Damascus Stock Exchange. The economy remains highly regulated by the government. Long-run economic constraints include foreign trade barriers, declining oil production, high unemployment, rising budget deficits, and increasing pressure on water supplies caused by heavy use in agriculture, rapid population growth, industrial expansion, and water pollution.

Privatization and Investment Climate The Syrian Economy was based on the principle of industrial approach and work on establishment of the infrastructure under the umbrella of the public sector. The Syrian Economy remained based on central planning and relatively closed until beginning of the nineties of last century. Syria started a radical review to its economic and development style that was characterized by adoption of economic multiplication instead of the state’s unilateral method and activation of the private sector’s role. In 1991 Law No. 10 was issued to encourage investment and

grant the right to invest in Syria to all nationalities excluding the condition of Syrian citizens’ partnership in a capital share. This was an attempt to attract foreign capitals to Syria. The government started implementation of an economic reform program, through gradual liberation of trade by taking various procedures, such as simplification of the customs procedures, unification of customs fees, reduction and elimination of non-customs commercial barriers and the restrictions imposed on foreign currency and joining the “Great Arab Free Trade Zone” as well as modernization of the financial and banking sector.

Incentives for Investors Public investment VS Private investment in Syria: 2007 2008 Public investment ‐Private investment Agriculture and irrigation 48% 52% Quarrying industry 31% 69% Manufacturing industry 36% 64% Water and Electricity 55% 45% Building 8% 92% Tourism 33% 64% Transportation 51% 48% Services 94% 6% Estates, money and insurance 52% 48 http://syrianeasternregion.org 22

Figure: Arabic Font (Artist: Mohammad Ghanoum)

Figure: Mozaik Figure: Copperplate

2.2.1GNI: GNI; PPP (US dollar) in SyriaThe GNI; PPP (US dollar) in Syria was last reported at 104161860661.39 in 2010, according to a World Bank report published in 2012. PPP GNI (formerly PPP GNP) is gross national income converted to international dollars using purchasing power parity rates. An international dollar has the same purchasing power over GNI as a U.S. dollar has in the United States. Gross national income (GNI) is the sum of value added by all resident producers plus any product taxes (less subsidies) not included in the valuation of output plus net receipts of primary income (compensation of employees and property income) from abroad. Data are in current international dollars.This page includes a historical data chart, news and forecasts for GNI; PPP (US dollar) in Syria.

2.2.2 GDP:Syria is a developing country with GDP per capita of $4,800 (2010 estimate), making it one of the poorer countries in the world. The country has a diversified economy primarily dependent on services, energy and agriculture. The unit of currency is the Syrian pound (SYP).Syria's economy suffers from low investment and inefficient public sector enterprises, thanks to centralised and restrictive government control. As a result, there is relatively low agricultural and industrial productivity. This is largely a legacy of socialist economic policies that the Syrian government had adopted in the 1960s.Efforts are being made to make the economic system more efficient. Private banking was legalized in 2001. Significant reforms were made with regard to rental and tax laws

Syrian AgricultureOnly one-third of Syria's total land surface is arable. The government strives to achieve self sufficiency in food production and inhibit the migration of its citizens from rural to urban areas.A period of continuous infrastructure development and capital investment together with input subsidy has enabled Syria to be known as an exporter of foodstuffs like vegetables, cotton and fruits. This has been made possible by the construction of extensive irrigation systems in north and northeastern Syria in recent years. Principal agricultural products are sugar beets, barley, wheat, olives, chickpeas, cumin, mutton, eggs, milk and poultry.

Figure: Agricultural Syrian Land ( Damascus)

Syrian Oil industry

Syria's oil production is approximately 400,400 barrels per day (2009 estimate). Crude oil exports form a major part of the country's total export income. A number of foreign companies like United States based ConocoPhillips has completed a natural gas production facility. Other companies like Gulfsands and Devon Energy has also invested in Syria.

Figure: Syrian Oil and Gaz Factors .

The State of the Syrian Economy

The services sector contribute the most to GDP. It constitutes 55.6% of the total, agriculture constitutes 17.6% and industry 26.8% accorsing to 2010 estimates. Investment is 21.5% of total GDP. Labor force consists of 5.527 million persons while the rate of unemployment is 8.3% (2010 estimates). Syria faces considerable challenges in its economy. Unemployment among the labor force of 5.527 is in excess of 8.3% (2010 estimates), and this is leading to unrest as part of the 2011 Arab Uprisings. Syria continues to receive economic aid, but that figure has been declining. It received $213 million in economic aid in 2008.

Figure: Syrian currency (SYP)

2.3 Social:Nationality: noun: Syrian(s)adjective: Syrian

Ethnic groups:Arab 90.3%, Kurds, Armenians, and other 9.7%

Languages:Arabic (official), Kurdish, Armenian, Aramaic, Circassian (widely understood); French, English (somewhat understood)

Religions:Sunni Muslim (Islam - official) 74%, other Muslim (includes Alawite, Druze) 16%, Christian (various denominations) 10%, Jewish (tiny communities in Damascus, Al Qamishli, and Aleppo)

Population:22,457,336 (July 2013 est.)country comparison to the world: 55 note: approximately 18,900 Israeli settlers live in the Golan Heights (2012)

Dependency ratios:total dependency ratio: 64.3 %youth dependency ratio: 57.7 %elderly dependency ratio: 6.7 %potential support ratio: 15 (2013)

Median age:total: 22.7 yearsmale: 22.5 yearsfemale: 22.9 years (2013 est.)

Literacy:definition: age 15 and over can read and writetotal population: 84.1%male: 90.3%female: 77.7% (2011 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):total: 11 yearsmale: 12 yearsfemale: 11 years (2007)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 33.9% (male 3,900,073/female 3,707,117)15-24 years: 20.8% (male 2,387,006/female 2,285,496)25-54 years: 36.9% (male 4,214,621/female 4,075,181)55-64 years: 4.6% (male 504,422/female 517,413)65 years and over: 3.9% (male 395,806/female 470,201) (2013 est.)

Population PyramidA population pyramid illustrates the age and sex structure of a country's population and may provide insights about political and social stability, as well as economic development. The population is distributed along the horizontal axis, with males shown on the left and females on the right. The male and female populations are broken down into 5-year age groups represented as horizontal bars along the vertical axis, with the youngest age groups at the bottom and the oldest at the top. The shape of the population pyramid gradually evolves over time based on fertility, mortality, and international migration trends.For additional information, please see the entry for "Population pyramid" on the Definitions and Notes page under the References tab

The family is the heart of Syrian social life. Frequent visits and exchanges of invitations for meals among family members are integral to daily living. Although formally arranged marriages are becoming less frequent, parents ordinarily wield decisive authority in approving or rejecting a match. Marriage to members of one’s religion are the norm; Muslim men may marry non-Muslim women, although the reverse is prohibited; interdenominational marriages among Christians are legal but require permission from both denominations. Neighbourly relations and friendships among members of different religions are common in Syrian cities.A visible expression of Syria’s cultural eclecticism is demonstrated in its range of clothing styles: while some women choose the latest European fashions, others are completely veiled; older men in traditional black baggy trousers contrast with youths sporting Western styles.Syrian Muslims observe the major religious holidays of Ramadan, ʿĪd al-Fiṭr (“Festival of Breaking Fast,” marking the end of Ramadan) and ʿĪd al-Aḍḥā (“Festival of the Sacrifice,” marking the culmination of the annual pilgrimage to Mecca). Syrian Christians freely celebrate the holidays of the Christian tradition, including Christmas and Easter.Syrian cuisine makes use of a wide range of ingredients.

Figure: Syrian Market Figure: Syria During Christmas Figure: Syria During Ramadan

2.4 TechnologyAdvanced technology used in the in all scopes and extents of life and this technology is employed for the purposes of service, military and defense systemsExamples: - E-Government- Telecommunications- Surveillance and Radars- Military Hardware and Combat Systems- Defense Systems and Anti Aircrafts.- Intelligence (Foreign and Native) - General Security - Media and global communication - Electrical grid - Irrigation and Agricultural purposes - Industrial purposes and Infrastructure - Individual uses such as mobile networks and the Internet

Figure: Building Technology (Damascus)

Figure: Digital Syrian Army

Figure: AL Salam Hospital (Damascus)

2.5 Legal:

Legal History:Syria served as the centre of the Umayyad caliphate until the Abbasid Revolution of 756. After a succession of Arab, Crusader, Kurdish, and Mamluke rulers, Syria came under Ottoman control in 1516. Following the expulsion of the Ottomans after World War I, the League of Nations declared a French mandate over the region in 1922, from which Syria gained independence in 1946.The Ottoman Law of Family Rights continued to govern matters of personal status until 1953. The Qadi of Damascus, Shaykh Ali al-Tantawi, drafted a comprehensive treatise on personal law, based on takhayyur according to principles most suitable to changing social conditions. After the publication of al-Tantawi s treatise, the government established a Commission to prepare a draft code of personal law. The Commission based its draft on principles from al-Tantawi s code, the OLFR, various Egyptian laws enacted from 1920 to 1946, and the unofficial code prepared by Egyptian jurist Qudri Pasha. The Syrian Law of Personal Status (Qanun al-Ahwal al-Shakhsiyya) 1953 produced by the Commission covers matters of personal status, family relations and intestate and testamentary succession and was the most comprehensive code issued in the Arab world to that date. Article 305 of the SLPS directs that, for matters not specified in the text, resort shall be had to the most authoritative doctrine of the Hanafi school. Major amendments were made to the SLPS in 1975, particularly relating to the areas of polygamy, dower, maintenance, muta, cost of nursing, custody of children, and guardianship.

2.6 Environment There is no doubt that the common climate in our region tends to be hot and dry, which is prevalent in our way of architectural needs tailored to fit human living circumstances, in both seasons where in summer residents need to find ways to make the air currents flow. In winter, it is necessary to keep a heat source which provides for maximum enjoyment through the heat of the sun, while reducing heat loss from the building.In general architecture sought to secure the thermal conditioning, lighting and ventilation, how do we achieve these conditions?First, by choosing the appropriate place for the establishment of the city, the site with all the terms of the enjoyment of nature, and to ensure security, and to achieve contact with the edge of the city and its gatesSecond, the principle of resorting to (Cluster) any rapprochement city buildings with each other in a compact interfaces to prevent exposure to weather elements, and the difference in the heights of buildings will reduce the impact of the sun and the wind.

As a result of this traditional compact, that narrowed the streets and became just a narrow lane, to accommodate the movement of people, pedestrians, and rarely accommodate vehicular traffic as it was not accounting for the buses and the streets

Spring Time (Damascus)

Winter Time (Damascus)

Autumn Time (Damascus) Summer Time (Damascus)

Constitutional Status of Islam(ic Law): The Constitution was adopted on 13th March 1973. Article 3(1) declares that the religion of the President of the Republic shall be Islam. Article 3(2) declares Islamic jurisprudence a main source of legislation.

Law/Case Reporting System: Law reporting is through the Official Gazette.

International Conventions (with Relevant Reservations): Syria acceded to the ICCPR and ICESCR in 1969, submitting the following reservations: the first reservation relates to non-recognition of the state of Israel; the second reservation (relating to Articles 48(1) and 26(1) of the ICCPR and ICESCR, respectively) states that these provisions are incompatible with the aims of the Covenants, as they do not allow all States "without distinction or discrimination" to become parties to the Covenants.Syria signed the CRC in 1990 and ratifying it in 1993, with a general reservation to any provisions that are not in conformity with Syrian legislation or the principles of the Islamic sharia, with particular reference to Article 14 on children's freedom of religion, and Articles 2 and 21 concerning to adoption

Figure: Syria Presidency of the Council of Ministers

Figure: Syria “ coat of Arms”

3.0 SWOT Analysis

Damascus

City landmarks Damascus

Greater Damascus from Mount Qasion

Syrian Opera University of Damascus

Umayyad Mosque

National Museum of Damascus

Four Seasons Hotel and the Barada River

Maktab Anbar Azem Palace

•Greater Damascus from Mount Qasion•Syrian Opera• University of Damascus •Umayyad Mosque • National Museum of Damascus • Four Seasons Hotel and the Barada River•Maktab Anbar • Azem Palace

1. This is because the geographical location of the city in the fertile plain narrated by the Barada River and many of its branches

2. The site is also characterized by the presence of a mountain town where Qasion

3.1 Strength:

3. Traditional Housing Concept: it is the origin of all housing characteristics of Damascus and consists of the living area and guests or reception area which is open to the inner courtyard and the middle fountain water and Liwan in the living area and guest area. Thus secure comfort and fit in the living from all directions.

4. The use of natural resources in building the traditional houses helps it adapt quickly with the environment in terms of weather factors and the nature of the domestic business

5. trade, industry and tourism externally

Internal: External: 1. The common European architecture trends surfaced and became commonly used by local architects who have studied in the West

2. spread of European Baroque in Syrian traditional building such as Anbar Office.

Figure: Damascus Syria “ Anbar Office”

3.2 weakness:

1. Lack of exposure of the industry to “International Know How” & “Best Practices” 2. Country infrastructure (airports, roads, railway etc.) 3. Delay of investment projects – quality of construction safety 4. Administrative and legal constraints for operators and investors (complicated procedures, taxation etc.) 5. Lack of environmental friendly practices 6. Underdeveloped status of archaeological sites – master plans, site management, cleanliness, hygiene, safety

Internal:

External:1. the economic blockade 2. state of war

7. Grouping of buildings without taking into account the presence of voids sufficient movement in the postponed

8. Narrow streets in residential neighborhoods

Figure: Damascus, Congested residential buildings

Figure: Damascus, Traffic congestion

3.3 Threats:

2. Political unrest and instability in the region Change of ethics towards tourists by the population 3. Loss of biological diversity & pollution4. Loss of intangible heritage – e.g. dances, Bedouin folklore 5. Handicrafts – decay of know how – cheap imports

1. There is erosion of cultural landmarks in the city because the people follow the construction of the modern building materials and the use of foreign

Internal:

External:

1. Absence of international high quality tour operators2. Withdrawal of investments and discouragement of future investors

3. Stop most of the projects of foreign and foreign investments in Damascus, Syria

3.4 Opportunities:

1.Strengthen true Public Private Partnership Strengthen cultural heritage conservation efforts following best case international examples2. Develop environmental protection schemes in the industry (Blue Flag, Green Key) 3. Develop integrative approaches for the benefiting of communities located at tourist sites 4. Encourage new investments into quality & stylish accommodations Encourage new investment into rest 5. stops, thematic food & beverage outlets, Hamams – wellness concepts Strengthen the FIT segment

Internal:

External:1. Peace 2. Open Mentality

Figure: Peace Symbol

4.0 Conclusion (Recommendation)

A successful house design changes human’s personality for his need to this fixed place in his life due to his renewable needs in life and that leads to alter our feel or responsibility to meet these demands to fulfill all the desires and demands of human wishes. And After I have been studied about Syria and I collect the information about specific area "Damascus" to know exactly what I should do to create a new design for Syrian housing which is all about serving Syrian people related to their social live and using Syrian material to build those houses which will make it more organic as will as compared to with other designs has been done in other part of the world. My design will be modern design followed culture factors to build in Syria where is the place to fit in easily .

After reviewing the status of Damascus regarding economic, social, environmental and geographical situation mainly since the climate Damascus consists of four seasons. It is also rich in handicrafts , agriculture, tourism , trade and industry , there is also Old Damascus parameters of civilization that indicate the way of living and communication between the people of this region, where residents rely purely on local resources but the openness of the City and expansion led to a move away from the appearances of Damascus in modern buildings adjacent to the old city of Damascus , and it was due to the desire of people in the development of their homes thinking that mimic the designs of modern foreign is the best solution but it’s easier because the city cannot separate the buildings from reality and its climate and style of living , which connects all the details of life in and properly , because the purpose of the development is to achieve comfort and harmony in the place. Given that Damascus and Syria is now in a state of war and economic blockade must be reconsidered in the use of local resources and work to develop and update the old structures while preserving its originality, by simplifying forms and know the function of all the elements used in the design process to verify correct functionality of these elements

Recommendation

Syrian housing design “new concept”

Figure: Ground Floor Figure: Roof

Figure: Perspective Figure: Exterior View

References

http://www.slideshare.net/VanditaHajra/swot-analysis-of-syria-as-a-tourism-destination

https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/sy.html

http://www.discover-syria.com/news/9252

http://www.tradingeconomics.com/syria/gdp-growth-annual

https://globalnetworkinitiative.org/news/gni-slate-network-shutdowns-go-beyond-syria

http://www.heritage.org/index/country/syria

http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/20

http://www.infoplease.com/encyclopedia/world/damascus-history.htm

http://www.lonelyplanet.com/syria/damascus/history

http://www.economywatch.com/world_economy/syria