Successfully regenerating the urban fabric in a manner that ensures the conservation of religious sites and heritage buildings.

The Iraqi cities of Najaf and Karbala hold immense religious significance. Visited by millions of pilgrims annually, these two cities also embody immeasurable historical, social and cultural wealth. An urban renewal of both cities is necessary to not only preserve and showcase their heritage and character, but to also adequately cater to the needs of the countless people who visit throughout the year.

A crucial design objective is to successfully regenerate the urban fabric in a manner that ensures the conservation of religious sites and heritage buildings, and also skilfully emphasises each city’s distinctive identity. Seeking to revitalise the city centres, the project envisions the building of enhanced infrastructure and additional hospitality venues, and the upgrading of commercial services.