New architectural project in Baghdad balancing vertical massing

Opening Paragraph

On the banks of the Tigris River, work has begun to transform the former Rasheed Camp into a vast urban forest, reshaping the capital with millions of square meters of green space and more than one million trees.

Project Details

Scale and Design

The plan reimagines the abandoned camp as an expansive forest covering over ten million square meters. The design introduces a sequence of green zones, ranging from pedestrian and cycling paths to tree-covered hills and open areas dedicated to cultural and recreational activities.

Conceptual design of Baghdad’s urban forest project highlighting dense greenery and tree coverage. — Architectural rendering of Baghdad’s urban forest project envisioning a greener, more sustainable city.

Architectural Vision

The project goes beyond planting trees, aiming to weave nature into Baghdad’s urban fabric. The forest is envisioned as a green belt within the city, helping to reduce temperatures, improve air quality, and offer a vast open space that reconnects daily life with the natural environment.

Aerial perspective of the urban forest project integrating green areas with the city’s urban fabric — A top-down view illustrating how the forest could merge into Baghdad’s future urban planning.

Current Phase

Initial works have started with clearing debris and preparing the ground for planting and pathway construction. Step by step, the site is expected to evolve into one of Baghdad’s most notable environmental and architectural landmarks, combining visual identity with a vital role in combating pollution.

Visual rendering showing interconnected green zones within Baghdad’s forest masterplan — The design highlights how green corridors could reduce pollution and enhance urban life

Closing Note

ArchUp continues to follow the progress of this project as part of its documentation of architectural developments in Iraq.

Nighttime rendering of the urban forest project emphasizing lighting contrast with dense greenery — An architectural scene showing how the forest could create a more comfortable and inviting urban environment.

✦ ArchUp Editorial Insight
The article highlights a new architectural project in Baghdad defined by a bold massing that balances vertical presence with horizontal extension. The images reveal a restrained use of stone and concrete in neutral tones, giving the building solidity while wide façades create a sense of openness and transparency. Yet, the absence of clear references to the surrounding urban fabric raises questions about its contextual relevance. By emphasizing form over spatial dynamics, the design risks limiting its experiential depth. Nonetheless, the project stands out for its material expression and potential to serve as a future reference in shaping urban architectural identity.

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