This competition entry envisions a safe and nurturing sanctuary for girls affected by war in Iraq.
The project provides a holistic environment where residents can live, learn, and heal — integrating education facilities, housing, and communal activity spaces within a single cohesive design.
Rooted in the principles of sustainability and resilience, the design makes thoughtful use of local materials, passive environmental strategies, and natural resources.
Water from the adjacent river is utilised for daily needs through an efficient collection and treatment system, while building orientation, shading, and material selection minimise heat gain and energy use.
The sanctuary’s architecture aims to create more than a shelter — it offers a sense of dignity, belonging, and hope for its residents, showing how design can play a role in recovery and empowerment.
