Introduction: Embassy of Iraq - Oslo, Norway

By Zaid Bin Talib
About: I am a recent master’s graduate architect and looking for a position to gain some valuable experience in academia. My work is focused on aesthetic, innovative methods, and phenomenology with emphases on techno…

A new embassy with ambassador’s residence in Oslo, Norway

Extract:
An embassy is a reflection of its country and its silent messenger that complements as well as completes the Ambassador’s mission.
The name of Iraq has become a strong reminder of war, atrocities, and suffering not soon forgotten, as it fought to carve its identity. Iraq seeks much needed support to overcome the painful years of civil war and looks to friendly nations that understand its pain and its strive to build a better future. Iraq is viewed as a rich and influential country, their heritage and traditions reflected by the fastest expanding civilization in the world. A world where traditions are being lost, easily discarded, and abandoned.

Iraq almost lost everything including their beliefs and faith in humanity, in face of a horrific and devastating war not seen in Europe since World War II, a gleam of hope ended the fight and life rose again from the ashes of pain and suffering.

Today, only the present and future matter and need be strengthened. We find strength not only in ourselves, but also in family and friends in life. Thus, the message of the hope coming from the warm desert of Arabia is bold and strong and has to be shown in the architectural representation of the embassy.

This research seeks to shed light on what an Iraqi embassy in Norway capital is. It discusses to what extent an embassy can showcase the ideals and the cultural values of the country it represents, what its role is, and to what extent it is a building that should try to conform to the local setting.

The House of Iraq in Norway fulfills the role of embassy purely as a representative of goodwill. I want to focus on developing a national symbol for the new spirit of Iraq. The new building should be a symbol of the Iraqi’s role in the development of Iraq and a reflection of the determination to rebuild the country.

A proposal for the new Embassy of Iraq in Oslo is covered in solar panels and rainwater harvesting mechanisms. The swirling structure features an energy generating skin, and it's wrapped with vegetation that intertwines throughout its openings and undulating surfaces.

The intersecting swirls of Embassy of Iraq in Oslo create an interesting play of animated forms. The skin provides gradual and discrete connections between different parts of the building. The two polarized swirls create a continuous and, at times elongated circulation path.

Serving as an urban sculpture, the overall shape of the building gestures towards the open spaces on the west side of the site. The north façade is mostly closed and functions as a buffer against traffic noise. Access, openings and views are oriented towards the east and shielded from winter winds.

Embassy:                                        997 m2
Ambassador’s Residence:              621 m2
Servant Quarters:                             95 m2
Parking spaces

The undulating roof is covered with photovoltaics and it harvests rainwater to irrigate the surrounding vegetation. The openings are glazed with high-performance glass that reduces glare and provides views and shading.

Thanks.

http://inhabitat.com/zaid-bin-talib-unveils-plans-for-solar-powered-rainwater-harvesting-embassy-of-iraq-in-oslo/

http://www.greenprophet.com/2013/06/student-proposes-iraq-embassy-design-for-oslo-a-la-zaha-but-greener/

http://vimeo.com/68467715