REVIVING THE MEDINA OF TUNIS
[ GSAPP | Advanced Studio V ]
LOCATION
Tunis, Tunisia
YEAR Fall 2022
ADVISOR(S) Ziad Jamaleddine
Individual
Keywords | Cultural heritage, adaptive reuse, community empowerment
YEAR Fall 2022
ADVISOR(S) Ziad Jamaleddine
Individual
Keywords | Cultural heritage, adaptive reuse, community empowerment
In an effort to celebrate and rejuvenate the indigenous Tunisian culture, this project explores the reclamation and adaptive reuse of abandoned medersas (religious schools) within the historic medina of Tunis. Once the thriving economic and cultural nucleus of the city, the medina now predominantly revolves around tourism, sidelining local craftsmanship in favour of imported, inexpensive goods. This initiative breathes new life into the medina's vibrant culture and artisanal heritage by establishing a network of workshops throughout the old town. These public workshops are designed to integrate both traditional and new technologies, promoting a synthesis of vernacular and modern methodologies of making.
The implementation of rooftop pathways that connect these workshops offers an alternate pedestrian route with reduced congestion and enhanced efficiency. Additionally, the redesign of the rooftop landscape provides an opportunity to reconsider the natural ventilation and lighting for the spaces on the ground floor. This project strives to serve as a model for other medinas across the Arab world, urging local communities to embrace and celebrate the rich history of their old towns. The goal is to foster the redevelopment of their unique culture and craftsmanship while boosting their local economy and empowering their communities.