The Rowshan Building project transforms an existing public structure into a vibrant art and creative center. CDP International retained the structural columns and slabs of the building while offsetting the façades inward to form a continuous shaded canopy inspired by the traditional rowshan.
This canopy is constructed with perforated walls combining segmented stone and wooden strips fixed on steel tubes. The system reimagines the rowshan as a modern mashrabiyya, offering shading, natural ventilation, and filtered daylight both functional and symbolic.
The program incorporates a variety of cultural and creative functions, including:
· Open-air cinema for public gatherings.
· Art exhibition halls to showcase local and contemporary works.
· Maker space and studios to support design, crafts, and innovation.
· Library and café as a communal anchor for study and exchange.
By elevating the rowshan into a full architectural system, the project establishes a landmark that bridges heritage typologies with contemporary cultural life, creating a place of continuity, creativity, and community engagement.
