National Museum, Damascus

Notes

Ecochard combined the sobriety and proportions of the monumental medieval Syrian architecture with the simplicity of Bauhaus modern architecture. Located across the street from a historic mosque, the museum is carefully set into the urban landscape near a major boulevard that was part of Ecochard's plan for the city. The design and the orientation of the building allow for natural lighting and cross ventilation.

This stone-faced building rises three stories, with the eastern wing exceptionally rising only two. It is a long horizontal L-shaped building bounded by terraced gardens to the north. The terraces create a formal processional entry to the building.

The value of this building endures the test of time as the quality of its planning and the pleasantness of its volumetric proportions remain remarkable.
 

Sources

World Architecture a Critical Mosaic, Vol.5, Middle-East, pp. 48-49.

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