Dijlah Village Complex by Quark Studio Architects

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DI: What is the main principle, idea and inspiration behind your design?

QSA : Located in the heart of Baghdad, the Dijlah Village Complex is an innovative mixed-use commercial center whose 12,000 m2 riverside facility constitutes an indispensable focal point for this vibrant neighborhood community. This stunning, state-of-the-art complex, with its wide range of aesthetic, culinary and active enjoyments, hosts several additional Quark Studio design projects—a trio of fine-dining establishments Seafood Baghdad, Traditional Turkish Restaurant and Steak House as well as Shisha Lounge.

DI: What has been your main focus in designing this work? Especially what did you want to achieve?

QSA : Bold and deliberate blends of ancient and modern materials, fixtures, and furniture at Dijlah were chosen to create comfortable, memorable spaces inspired by regional heritage and natural landscape features at this unique riverside project location. In addition to patronizing any one of several world-class restaurants, Dijlah Village’s residents and visitors alike can enjoy a state-of-the-art fitness center, an indoor swimming pool and top-notch spa services.

DI: What are your future plans for this award winning design?

QSA : We can't wait to see it built.

DI: How long did it take you to design this particular concept?

QSA : Some months.

DI: Why did you design this particular concept? Was this design commissioned or did you decide to pursuit an inspiration?

QSA : This design was commissioned.

DI: Is your design being produced or used by another company, or do you plan to sell or lease the production rights or do you intent to produce your work yourself?

QSA : The designed facility is being built by another company.

DI: What made you design this particular type of work?

QSA : The design work was commissioned.

DI: Who is the target customer for his design?

QSA : Baghdad citizens.

DI: What sets this design apart from other similar or resembling concepts?

QSA : From the foundations of its architecture to the smallest details of interior design, Quark Studio conceived of the Dijlah Village Complex as an opportunity to showcase the unique character of local craftsmanship and materials within a refined ambiance.

DI: How did you come up with the name for this design? What does it mean?

QSA : The name was already decided by the project owner.

DI: Which design tools did you use when you were working on this project?

QSA : We used a lot of tools ranging from hand sketching to 3D modeling and CAD softwares.

DI: What is the most unique aspect of your design?

QSA : Each section of Dijlah Village exhibits a unique design that complements the modern architecture of the overall development. Overall, the design process incorporated elements of European modernism contrasted and blended with Middle Eastern aesthetics. This stylistic synthesis provides a strong answer to the search for built forms that both reflect and push forward Baghdad’s ancient cosmopolitanisms.

DI: What is the role of technology in this particular design?

QSA : We use BIM software to keep on track with this kind of projects of size.

DI: Is your design influenced by data or analytical research in any way? What kind of research did you conduct for making this design?

QSA : We gathered the info given by the client according to the usage of similar facilities in the region.

DI: What are some of the challenges you faced during the design/realization of your concept?

QSA : The distance of the actual building to our head office was making things difficult.

DI: How did you decide to submit your design to an international design competition?

QSA : We have received and email from you.

DI: What did you learn or how did you improve yourself during the designing of this work?

QSA : We learned a lot about how to submit a design to an international design award.