The role of building materials’ properties in sustainable reconstruction of residential buildings in old Mosul

Abstract

Old Mosul is characterized by the presence of many buildings and heritage monuments of high architectural value which represents the identity and culture of the Mosul community. As a result of the improvisation of reconstruction work after 2017, and the lack of experience in dealing with traditional building materials and their technical, sensory, and intangible characteristics, the main research problem emerged, which is losing of sustainability of urban identity, and losing the spirituality of the place as a result of using modern building materials that do not express their sensual and intangible characteristics with the traditional heritage of the old city. The research aims to explore the reconstruction of heritage residential buildings in old Mosul according to levels of international standers conservation, regarding the role of building materials and their properties order to reach indicators that contribute to the reconstruction of heritage residential buildings to ensure the sustainability of urban identity. In addition, to identify the most important characteristics of the building materials associated with the traditional heritage of the old city in Mosul. The research is based on the field survey method, which depends on collecting data of the heritage residential buildings after their reconstruction or rehabilitation. The characteristics of the building materials and their role in the sustainability of the urban heritage are then described and analyzed, finally, they are compared with the levels and standards of international conservation. The results of the study showed the effect of the characteristics of sensory and intangible building materials on the construction of residential buildings and the sustainability of their architectural identity.