Drawing on the author's personal experience of living and working as an architect in Syria, this book offers an eyewitness perspective on the country's bitter conflict through the lens of architecture, showing how the built environment offers a mirror to the community that inhabits it. Marwa al-Sabouni chronicles the breakdown of social cohesion in Syria's cities, exploring how the lack of shared public spaces has intensified divisions within the community, and how corrupt officials have interfered in town planning for their own gain - actions symptomatic of wider abuses of power. With first-hand accounts of mortar attacks and stories of refugees struggling to find a home, this compelling and original book explores the personal impact of the conflict and offers hope for how architecture can play a role in rebuilding a sense of identity within a damaged society.

The 'visionary memoir' (Observer) of a female architect in war-torn Syria, and the role architecture plays in whether a community crumbles or comes together

About the Author
Marwa al-Sabouni has a PhD in Islamic Architecture and runs a private architectural studio in Homs, Syria. She is co-owner of the first and only online media site dedicated to architectural news in Arabic: www.arch-news.net.

Reviews
'An understated gem of a book . . . gripping' - The Spectator
'An angry and personal memoir' - Daily Telegraph
'A visionary memoir. . . extraordinary' - Observer
'Incisive ... speaks with that particular mix of solicitude and sharp criticism born of true belonging married to broadness of perspective' - Art Review Asia
'It is safe to say that you will find this extraordinary work remarkably unlike any other recent architectural publication ... inspirational and decidedly humbling' - RIAS Quarterly



Book Information
ISBN 9780500292938
Author Marwa Al-Sabouni
Format Paperback
Page Count 192
Imprint Thames & Hudson Ltd
Publisher Thames & Hudson Ltd
Weight(grams) 190g