Erbil Citadel Viewpoint

“The viewpoint is rising on a platform where you can see the city and the citadel in a new point of view.”
A bridge between urbanity and history

Erbil citadel viewpoint project is a vision that aims to turn the attention back to the heart of Erbil. After the rapid transformation that the place had post-conflict, that had negatively impacted local-place identity, while Erbil city was known for its important political and religious center, as well as one of the economic hubs of the country.

The project will connect the surroundings to the citadel bringing the old history and central importance of Erbil back to life making it a tourist attraction. It will make the place a hub for local residents and global visitors.

The main aspect is a cultural historical experience. For visitors arriving from the citadel street it begins with a cultural ground plane creating the first public eventful area that welcomes everyone. Visitors arriving from the park will walk through khanaqah district streets experiencing the old district houses and arriving to the first pump that will connect them to the first bridge, it connects the district to the projects first floor, visitors will arrive to the second pump in the heart of the project, this pump is a leveled atrium, visitors will arrive on the second floor and through stairs can walk to the first floor or continue up to the roof where cultural events will occur. From the roof visitors will walk to the second bridge, that connects the project to the citadel, there will be the last pump in Saray (was inhabited by the rich families), houses will be reused and visitors will experience the way residents used to live. The largest house will be the last viewpoint that shows the whole city from the point the journey began.

It will have an urban impact attracting lower areas through the project to the center, which will be a space for the community where visitors of all kinds experience this culture and history.

Project users : An open and inviting place for all, local and international tourists.

Aims:
- Turn the attention back to the heart of Erbil.
- Development of the area to become an attraction for tourists and local visitors.
- Enhance the integration and relationship between the citadel and the lower surrounding district.
- Spread awareness and raise attention to get involved in the future vision to redevelop this historical city.
- Driving attention to the investors to redevelop this city.
- Create a destination for the local residents as well as global visitors to spend time in leisure.
- Transfer the area into a regional hub for cultural tourism.
- Host community and cultural events.
- Strengthen city’s competitiveness.
- Create a space that promotes engagement and collaboration.
- Maintain visual continuity to the citadel.
- Link the main highlights for the cultural area.
- Celebrate local identity and Promote local traditional architecture.
- Weave together the city and the project.

Project Location: Erbil Citadel Viewpoint, Erbil , Iraq.

Levels:
-Ground level: Starting point for visitors coming from different access points. Cultural ground plane, first pump and bridge (links the district with the project), main drop-off area.
-First level: Reception, lobby, administration, staff area, gym, spa, restaurant, kitchen, and outdoor area overlooking the related views.
-Second and third level: Bedrooms, housekeeping, laundry, services, kitchenette, lounge, and outdoor area overlooking the related views.
-Roof level: Open platform (festivals and celebrations)/viewpoint and a bridge (connecting the project to the citadel).
-Citadel level: Third pump, administration, bedrooms, kitchen, housekeeping, laundry, and viewpoint.
Basement level: parking, service drop-off area, mechanical rooms, and storage.
Built Area :9505 m2.

Elevation: Local material is used Iraqi bricks (Tabook). Laminated glazed panels coated in a mirror finish. Fixtures hold the glazed panels together from the inside, creating a continuous exterior surface.

Circulation Systems: Bridges to let visitors experience and walk through the projects pumps.
elevators, and stairs for emergency.