THE NEW BASRA WATERFRONT
DAKEER ISLAND
DEWAN AWARD FOR ARCHITECTURE 2023
The Dewan Award for Architecture 2023 envisions Dakeer Island as a new thriving urban destination in Basra. The redesigned Island will transform the Dakeer into a vibrant recreational and commercial waterfront, preserving Basra's identity as a port city and improving and celebrating its fishing industry and maritime heritage. The redevelopment includes the sites of a new fish market, a river taxi station, a sailing club and urban links better connecting the Dakeer to the mainland. The new inclusive and accessible waterfront will be a destination for locals and visitors to enjoy.
Basra is considered the wealthiest city in Iraq, mainly due to its abundant natural resources. It boasts of having some of the largest oil fields in the world, and its port serves as a vital hub for the country's oil exports. Furthermore, the city's location on the Shatt al-Arab river provides opportunities for fishing and agricultural activities. However, despite its strategic location and wealth, the city faces many challenges, including numerous urban planning challenges. The lack of a comprehensive urban planning strategy has resulted in unplanned urban growth, inadequate infrastructure, haphazard development and a lack of accessible and safe public spaces. The existence of informal settlements that lack proper planning and building permits poses a risk to public health and safety, and they also lack basic infrastructure and services such as water and sanitation. Transportation challenges such as traffic congestion, inadequate public transportation, and insufficient pedestrian infrastructure have resulted in a lack of mobility for residents, especially those who cannot afford private transportation. Finally, environmental challenges such as air and water pollution, waste management issues, and inadequate green spaces require an integrated approach to design that prioritises sustainable development and environmental conservation.
