The title of the project, Reclamation, highlights the dual intention of the chosen function and site. First, through adaptive reuse this listed heritage building which has been a local landmark for a 100 years is restored and repurposed. And second, the local working women, the breadwinners of their family reclaim their power through skill development and vocational training in the crafts of the site. Tying the building, nicknamed ‘the Women’s court’ by the locals to the target user provides a symbolism to the intrinsic attachment of the project to the location and the local community.
Built in the late 1920’s, the chosen building, Alexandria Sharia Court has been abandoned since 1956. Despite it being on Alexandria’s Listed Heritage buildings, it is neglected and deteriorating, and currently at risk of being lost to us if there is no intervention.
Taking into consideration heritage architecture, the local street market and handicrafts culture as well as the typology of the Turkish town, the project aims to present a harmonious merge of old and new, heritage and contemporary. Most importantly it is done through the user, the local breadwinning woman who seeks to reclaim her power and autonomy through the local cultural landscape.
