“Collaborators: NCCAL, docomomo International, docomomo Kuwait, PAD10
Unit Tutors: Zara Ferreira, Naji Moujaes
Guest Speakers: Hubert-Jan Henket, Caecilia Pieri,
Kareem Ibrahiem, Zara Ferreira, Naji Moujaes.
Workshop Brief:
This workshop focuses on the legacy of Wilson and Mason architects, the heritage value of their work, and their contribution towards a local identity not only in Kuwait, but other oil producing nations in the Middle East.
With a specific focus on the Former Bank of the Middle East building as a case study, we will launch an investigation on scenarios to reprogram the building and interpret its heritage value, applying heritage reuse and design strategies that focus on enhancing the link to the urban fabric and propose possible investment concepts that could achieve a profitable city for people. The social and economic exchange context of the building is considered to be one of the most vital areas of Kuwait´s capital city and a rare case of a sustained market community and zoning program that endured the sudden eruption of the urban evolution in the old city.