Iraqi Artists Association Building
Location
Baghdad
Baghdad
Country
Iraq
Iraq
Architect/Engineer/Team
Qahtan Madfai
Qahtan Madfai
Construction
1967
1967
Building Type
Cultural
Cultural
Notes
This building, constructed as the headquarters of the Iraqi Artists Association, currently houses the Iraqi Plastic Artists Society.
The design’s distinctiveness is mostly evident through its contradictions, the simplicity of the scheme and the complexities of the roofing.
The plan, following the form of a regular rectangle, includes a large space designated for artistic display and another for administrative functions; these two spaces are separated by the building’s lobby. The exterior continues this simplicity on its lower part as it is left simple, sober, static, and neutral. However, it is contrasted with the dramatic, dynamic, sudden, and expressive action generated by the rhythm of the concrete vaults—with different sizes, with varying profiles, and with diagonal sections.
The design’s distinctiveness is mostly evident through its contradictions, the simplicity of the scheme and the complexities of the roofing.
The plan, following the form of a regular rectangle, includes a large space designated for artistic display and another for administrative functions; these two spaces are separated by the building’s lobby. The exterior continues this simplicity on its lower part as it is left simple, sober, static, and neutral. However, it is contrasted with the dramatic, dynamic, sudden, and expressive action generated by the rhythm of the concrete vaults—with different sizes, with varying profiles, and with diagonal sections.
Sources
Ibdaat, no. 1, 2008, p. 42.
Information in this database is updated constantly. Do not hesitate to send us comments, information, or illustrations (with appropriate credits) to database@arab-architecture.org
Roof closeup view
Source: Ibdaat, 2008, 1 p. 42.