Infinite Free Iraqi Constitution Proposal / Manhal Al Habbobi

Nov 2011

By Alison Furuto — Filed under: Institutional Architecture , Abu Dhabi, Manhal Al Habbobi, United Arab Emirates

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How can you condense more than ten thousand years of civilization into a single project that faithfully tells the story of a great nation? The answer is in the winning design of a prestigious architectural competition, to design the new compound for the General Secretariat for the Council of Ministers in Baghdad. Zaha Hadid and more than 30 other international architects participated in this competition, won by the Iraqi Architect Manhal Al Habbobi (Master in Philosophy of Architecture) with his ‘CAP Emirates’ design. More images and project description after the break.

The design concept evolved as a logical and natural outcome of the system approach, concluding that an ‘Infinite Free Iraqi Constitution’ would be the perfect translation for the objectives of the project, as it represents now the virtual ruler that it is to house and maintain.

The four stages of the concept’s evolution covered searching for a design statement that would convey the ‘raison d’être’ for the project; deciding on some characteristics within the statement that could be visually realized; symbolizing characteristics in a linear presentation, and finally, symbolizing a metamorphosing of form in a way that resembles the biological process by which a living creature physically develops after birth or hatching.

The architect suggests that if you can imagine a gigantic cylindrical seal, which was used in ancient Iraq as an administrative tool, engraved with all the significant features of Iraq’s past, present and future aspirations, that image is the design used to mark the ribbon connecting the land with Tigris River. Carved with the story of Iraq, the landscape of this ribbon evolved, through a process of metamorphosing, into splendid architectural spaces delineated by elegantly defined thresholds.

competition board 01

Manhal Al Habbobi goes on to say that in the future, if you happen to stand in front of a building that speaks to you and tells you that inside are people looking after the Infinite Free Iraqi Constitution, then you’ll know that you are in Baghdad in front of the General Secretariat for Ministers Council. Enjoy your stay!

: © Manhal Al Habbobi

: © Manhal Al Habbobi

: © Manhal Al Habbobi

: © Manhal Al Habbobi

: competition board 01

: competition board 02

: competition board 03

Cite:
Furuto , Alison . "Infinite Free Iraqi Constitution Proposal / Manhal Al Habbobi" 19 Nov 2011. ArchDaily. Accessed 24 May 2012. <http://www.archdaily.com/185127>

Comments (8)
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cosmonaut says:

incredible!

# November 20, 2011 at 01:24

ka ka says:

HI! I am so glad that I have time to join this.

# November 20, 2011 at 04:16

-1

Ahmed says:

Design has been cleary derived from Iranian flag amblem (see top view). This is a statment of power that Iraq belongs to Iran now. Did not expect this from prominent architect (master of philosophy) at all!

# November 20, 2011 at 06:56

-2

SPUD says:

beautiful and well thought out. very creative using script for the facade glazing strategy.

# November 20, 2011 at 11:46

Nina Min says:

amazing solution devoted to serious analysis of historic elements….clever blend of recognized historic symbols through modern vocabulary

# November 20, 2011 at 14:44

aq47 says:

بالنسبة للي كاتب انه الشكل مأخوذ من علم ايران (التوب فيو) ..بس اريد اكله مو صوجك صوج الزمال اللي دخلك معماري ..من الله يطيح حظك يا فاشل ما ادري منين جايب هل غباء

# November 21, 2011 at 21:59

عمل مبدع و بالنسبة للزمال
aq47
اكلك كافي حقد و تبقون متخلفين و زمايل الى الابد لان مابيكم واحد بي خير هسه شجاب ايران بالنص ما عدكم غير هالموضوع

# January 15, 2012 at 04:27

Sorry aq47 I was talking to the previous Ahmed not you that was a big mistake. I think just like you that this is very beautifull and we need to encourage our architects.
و الى
aq47
اسف مجدداً لاني كنت اقصد لم اقصدك بالكلام نهائياً
مع الاحترام و الود

# January 15, 2012 at 04:36

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