“If current architectural conventions stunt social interaction and exacerbate the cultural void created following the war, an alternative to the traditional cultural institution is needed, one that amplifies its civic and social potential, and re-introduces cultural life back into the city not as a clear signal, but as pervasive, energizing noise.”

Publication: “Urban Diffusion: Redefining Cultural Institutions in Baghdad.” MArch thesis, Princeton University, School of Architecture, 2011.

Keywords: art, culture, exhibitions, museum, gallery, education, theater, music, library, archive, public, participation, community, collective, gathering, architecture, buildings, vision, hypothesis, theory, space, urbanism, planning, society, community, openness, transparency, politics, government, democracy, resilience, survival, war, conflict, instability, destruction, explosions, US, American, invasion, occupation, divisions, segregation, masters, thesis, book, Princeton, New Jersey, Baghdad, Iraq, Southwest Asia (”Middle East”), Arab world

Image: Amin Alsaden