Cham Bank

Year 2018

Location Damascus, Syria

Discipline Architecture

Typology Offices

Cross Vaulted Hall

This Damascus-inspired bank headquarters reinterprets traditional arches and mashrabiya into contemporary forms. The cross-vaulted arch spans the ground-floor banking hall, while abstracted lattice screens modulate light and privacy for upper-office floors. The massing reflects its dual function—transparent and welcoming below, more enclosed and private above.

1/6 The design started with the maximum utilization of the plot, within the provided regulations.

2/6 The visual and physical interaction was emphasized by making the base of the building transparent.

3/6 The outer arches were reflected on the internal space that creates a bank branch on the ground floor level.

4/6 The arches were connected together to create an internal space inspired from elements that simulate the traditional architecture of Damascus.

5/6 A court in the center was opened to provide natural light and ventilation to all the functions.

6/6 The perforated skin of the building reminisces the traditional Mashrabeyah in providing privacy to the upper floors while creating the required visual connection with the environment.

1/6 The design started with the maximum utilization of the plot, within the provided regulations.

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