Arab International University/AIU

AIU Website: https://www.aiu.edu.sy/

Description of project:

The Arab International University (AIU) is located on the Damascus-Daraa highway, 37 kilometers from Damascus. It offers a wide range of programs, including pharmacy, dentistry, informatics, business management, architecture, fine arts, civil engineering, and archaeology. The university also has a dormitory, cafeteria, library, research center, and medical clinic.

The AIU was designed as a contemporary re-interpretation of traditional elements of Arab vernacular architecture. The architects drew inspiration from the local traditional aspects of Arabian architecture, which is rich in ornamental patterns and textile with playing in materials colors that are strikingly noticeable throughout the houses of old city of Damascus.

The goal of the project was to create a modern university that would be both attractive to students from Europe and the Arab world. The architects wanted to create a human and inviting space that would make students and faculty feel at home. They also wanted to create a new architectural language that would bridge the gap between traditional and modern architecture.

The AIU is a unique and innovative project that has been praised by both architects and the public. It is a model for how traditional and modern architecture can be successfully blended together.

Here are some of the key features of the AIU:

The building is organized around a series of courtyards and patios. This provides natural light and ventilation, and creates a more human-scale environment.
The use of local materials, such as stone and brick, helps to create a sense of place.
The traditional elements of Arab vernacular architecture, such as the use of arches and domes, are reinterpreted in a modern way.
The overall design of the AIU is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

The AIU is a landmark project that has helped to revitalize the region. It is a symbol of hope and progress, and it is a testament to the power of architecture to transform communities.