Tobacco Monopoly Headquarters
Location
Baghdad
Baghdad
Country
Iraq
Iraq
Architect/Engineer/Team
Rifat Chadirji
Rifat Chadirji
Construction
1965/1967
1965/1967
Project Status
Built
Built
Building Type
Office building
Office building
Notes
This project is one of Iraq Consult's (founded by Rifat Chadirji) most recognized works. The vertical and cylindrical language of the exterior walls alludes to old Iraqi forms. The building reuses elements and materials from the Islamic past, from monuments such as the Ukhaidir Palace. Arched openings framed in concrete testify to a combination of traditional and contemporary construction techniques. This building is seen as the launch of a new expressionist phase in Rifat's career, setting a new trend to modern building in the 1960s and 70s Middle East.
Sources
World Architecture A Critical Mosaic, Middle East, Vol. 5, pp. 120-121
Contemporary Architecture in the Arab States (Kultermann), pp. 38-39
Article by Kultermann in Mimar/Iraq, p. 58
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Elevation
Source: Chadirji Foundation, Baghdad
© Chadirji Foundation, Baghdad
Rear elevation
Source: Chadirji Foundation, Baghdad
© Chadirji Foundation, Baghdad
Partial view of the exterior
Source: Chadirji Foundation, Baghdad
© Chadirji Foundation, Baghdad
Typical floor plan
Source: Chadirji Foundation, Baghdad
© Chadirji Foundation, Baghdad