DESA1002 'Nine Quarter City' - <Michelle Rohan>

Abstract

Located throughout the historical Medina of the city of Tunis, the souks (Arabic for market) are an intricate maze that reflect the deep-rooted traditions and culture that truly make Tunis a unique place. After centuries the souks remain a part of everyday Tunisian life, yet are an attraction to many. After researching the souks, the decision was made to adopt the conventional programme of souks and housing. The enclosed souk would remain on ground level with apartments on the upper level. The chosen site is advantageous to a marketplace as it is adjacent to a large public square and alongside a street and laneway. This allows easy access from each public space. Precedent studies, particularly of the modern Beirut souks, indicated that large public spaces and markets were an important relationship to have in such a programme. The souk remains tight and mazelike and offers stalls as well as shop-like stalls. In the heart of the building is a circular public space that allows access to the apartments and is visible throughout the ground level. The circle is an important form in the Islamic world, and is thus a fitting ‘vehicle’ to the home, which is also important. While the traditional programme of souk and apartments was adopted, the building’s façade was reinterpreted in a more modern fashion. The main facades are constructed with angled columns and covered with glass. When approached from a certain angle the design provides a screen. This reflects a culture that embraces the belief of privacy and veiling. The façade along the laneways remain traditionally skinned to blend with preceding building types. Hence, the façade of the building reveals the infusion of the old and the new in Tunis.