EXPLORING UTOPIAN CONCEPTS IN THE CONTEMPORARY WATER ARCHITECTURE

Abstract

Abstract Water has since the beginning of civilizations been known to be the vital component of mankind’s existence. The inseparable relation between architecture and water is well-established from the beginning of ages where humans first settlements arose; that inevitably led to the creation of long-lasting shelters. Despite their strong bond, the architectural relationship with water has been through an unfortunate downfall throughout the years. Some contemporary architects admire to achieve an innovative approach in their projects, but are still lacking the risk of incorporating water as a key component for it; where it can act as a symbol of grandeur, creating an image of perfection within the project. This research, therefore, aims to explore the various concepts in using water features in contemporary architecture, that contributes in expressing ones’ visions for achieving utopia. Moreover, showcasing the importance of aquatic’s significance within architecture. The research focuses on one case study: Regenerating ‘Ras El-Sakher’, Tripoli, which analyses an outside of the box strategy for reaching a utopian concept by escaping from normal views and directing it towards water. To prove this hypothesis, two different methodologies will be used, the research will conduct, one mental, which will be an inductive methodology that will define our main keywords, and analysis data from previous works and articles on the same topic wrote by different theorists, scientists or architects, and the second one will be a physical methodology that will use experimental and field methods that will be established through site visits, handing out survey questionnaires, analysing the urban policies, and holding interviews . Finally, developing a series of different conceptual aspects found in contemporary water architecture, that would create a design guideline for the further usage of water as a key component in reaching utopia.