The role of temporary architecture in the historical environment: Baghdad city/historic Saray axis—A case study

Abstract

Historical environments occur due to humans interacting with place and time. They are characterized by the presence of a variety of ancient architectural structures that reflect the history and culture of the place and that hold historical and cultural significance. These structures include buildings, historical sites, axes, and remnants of local architecture. Various methods have been employed to care for historical environments and preserve them. These include highlighting historical structures and their original details. Architects often adopt temporary architecture as an effective strategy to emphasize historical images and safeguard them from negative evolutionary trends. They work to present these images to the community periodically in different forms, attracting people to them. This research aims to construct a conceptual model of temporary architecture as a strategy for stimulation and experimentation and to enhance the historical environment. The model includes mechanisms and levels of temporary intervention in the historical environment. This conceptual framework was applied to the historical Saray axis in Baghdad, Iraq, to measure temporary interventions in projects designed by final-year architecture students. These interventions aimed to enhance the historical environment through the addition and restoration of missing parts using contemporary temporary structures. The research assumes that temporary architecture enhances the historical environment sustainably and periodically, enabling generations of architects to contribute effectively to showcasing their expertise in the historical environment. A case study methodology is adopted, using two case studies and the Delphi technique with three rounds, and statistical analysis is conducted to reveal the nature of temporary architecture and structures that enhance the historical environment and harmonize with the historical fabric of the Saray axis. From this research, we conclude that temporary architecture is important as a strategy for stimulation and experimentation in the historical environment, advocating for a blend of strategies to attract different behaviors to the historical surroundings.