These case studies were conducted by different working teams throughout various phases of the project. The abstracts presented here primarily focus on the focal points of the second workshop (except for the case Al-Judayda), which took place from 20^th  to 26^th  of November 2022, at the German Jordanian University in Amman, Jordan. However, this workshop builds upon the foundations established since the beginning of the project (except for the case of Ghouta).

Mariana Díaz, Hiba Ishak, Aws Abusalah, Bashar Bader, Mohamad Zanboa

[Members in 2021: Ammar Abaza, Hiba Ishak, Jana Ahmad, Mohammed Zanboa, Ribal Amaneddine]

Bosra, a city in southern Syria, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its cultural and historical significance. However, neglect and deterioration have led to its degradation, worsened by the conflict in Syria. To address these issues, the project aims to transform Bosra into a liveable archaeological site by prioritizing protection, environment, and economy. It envisions a secure and interconnected community integrated with visitors, achieved through education, urban agriculture, and tourism. The project further suggests establishing an archaeological studies and research centre, promoting urban agriculture for self-sufficiency, and fostering tourism for cultural exchange and economic growth. The aim is to restore damaged buildings, revitalize the local market, and highlight monuments. The target users are local residents, students, teachers, researchers, and visitors, while stakeholders include government ministries, UNESCO, building owners, and NGOs. The project benefits include protection and preservation of the site, integration of visitors and researchers, and enhancement of agricultural skills. The overall goal is sustainable development and long-term preservation of Bosra's cultural heritage.

Azza Alshelly, Hadeel Tenawi, Theresa Unverricht, Wisam Murad

[Members in 2021: Afraa Mohammad, Azza Alshelly, Grace Arnouk, Hadeel Tenawi, Radwan Bechnak]

In addition to its historical importance, Homs holds a strategic position in Syria as a crossroads connecting various governorates and serving as a vital link between the south, north, east, and west. Its central location plays a significant role in Syria's national commercial and economic growth, given that Homs occupies a considerable portion of the country's total area.

However, the old city of Homs has suffered severe damage but unfortunately no comprehensive assessment of the structural damage has been conducted thus far. The lack of documentation, international attention, infrastructure, and problems with ownership authentication further complicate the situation.

The primary objective of the research is to focus on a socially oriented reconstruction process that prioritizes the well-being of the city's residents. The aim is to encourage the displaced population to return to their homes. However, given the current circumstances and challenges faced by the people, the reconstruction of historic buildings may not be their immediate priority, even if it holds long-term economic benefits. Therefore, it becomes crucial to explore alternative methods that are suitable for the situation and can effectively safeguard the old city of Homs.

The study concentrates on main urban axis that serves as a prominent link between Homs Citadel and the covered souk. This street is chosen as a pilot study area, allowing for a deeper understanding of the social nodes that could serve as focal points for urban revitalization. The intervention plan is divided into three phases based on their importance and priorities, ensuring a systematic approach to the revitalization process.

Mounir Sabeh Affaki, Sozdar Abdo, Amer Obied, Sara Hajj Hassan, Alaaeddin Bebars

[Members in 2021: Mariam Eissa Amer Obied, Eyad Alzerkly Mounir Sabeh Affaki]

After examining the impact of the war on the social and physical structure of Raqqa, as well as the city's image, the project puts forth a vision for Raqqa in 2050, with a focus on the pillars of sustainable development encompassing the economy, society, and environment. This need for a sustainable approach is further emphasized through the analysis of ongoing reconstruction projects carried out by NGOs and local administrations. The study reveals that these projects tend to have a temporary nature, primarily aiming to restore normalcy in the city rather than fostering long-term development. The vision suggests enhancing infrastructure, promoting walkability, and improving connectivity, particularly between public spaces. Additionally, the study proposes implementing green solutions to increase vegetation, encourage communal agriculture, achieve self-sufficiency, and foster a circular economy. The analysis also highlights the lack of sustainable change in ongoing interventions and identifies issues related to security, safety, and functionality, exemplified by the Al-Naeem roundabout and Al-Rashid Park. The outputs of the study include proposals for city-scale corridors and demonstrate how incremental and strategic design interventions can lead to sustainable infrastructure over time.

Leina Helal, Elisa Fadel, Lena Skade, Nour Rustum, Ghida Sbytte, Weda Schwarze, Rima Tayyem

[Members in 2021: Leina Helal]

The city of Maaloula, located northeast of Damascus, holds significant historical and religious importance. However, it suffered damage during the armed conflict in 2013 and 2014, leading to the destruction of heritage houses, districts, monasteries, and churches. The case study showed how slow reconstruction of these heritage sites and the lack of essential services have resulted in a gradual abandonment of the city. Recognizing the cultural and natural values of Maaloula, the study envisions revitalizing the city as a cultural landscape where sustainable lifestyles and traditional practices are embraced. The objective is to attract visitors while maintaining a balanced daily life for the local community, promoting local industries, and diversifying tourism. The study proposes a phased approach, emphasizing the revitalization of religious tourism and the connection between tourism and high-quality local products. It also seeks to revive celebrations of intangible heritage and organize festivals to bring the community together.

Ahed Ibrahim, Mulham Kharboutli, Anas Mahli, Razan Masri, Joseph Smithard

The Ghouta, located east of Damascus, is a cultural landscape that highlights the important connection between urban and rural areas. Historically, it has provided agricultural goods to Damascus through irrigation. However, the Ghouta faces threats from conflict, urban expansion, and gentrification, putting its heritage and unique characteristics at risk. Preserving the Ghouta is vital for maintaining Damascus' identity and preventing its decline.

The project focuses on two locations connected by the 'Spine' area. Al-Mlehah represents the past, where industrialization and gentrification have resulted in significant loss of green space. The 'Spine,' an area between the two sites, represents the present and indicates the direction of urban expansion, with cement factories indicating the negative environmental impact of sprawl. Der al-Asafir represents the future and is at risk of being affected by expansion. It is a beautiful region with ecosystems that hold the collective memory of the Ghouta. While there are trends of self-sufficiency, waste management issues must be addressed to prevent pollution.

The project primarily focuses on identifying local resilience and adaptive strategies employed during difficult periods and aims to evaluate these patterns and narratives and develop a set of preliminary guidelines for regulating urban expansion and safeguarding the Ghouta. The project emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive framework that encompasses ecology, economy, identity, and adaptive re-use when considering the future of the Ghouta, even in times of conflict and incompatible growth. The goal is to establish a basis for further assessment and the formulation of planning policies in the Ghouta region

Diana Salahieh, Saeed Asaeed

[Members in 2021:  Diana Salahieh, Essam Jrko, Jollien Humaidan, Saeed Asaeed]

The Judayda area in Aleppo has long been a symbol of religious coexistence and a popular tourist destination. However, it has also suffered significant destruction during the war. To restore and reposition Judayda as an integral part of Aleppo's identity, a heritage-led regeneration approach is crucial. This project aims to go beyond a physical reconstruction of buildings and proposes a context-based conceptual framework that considers the dynamics shaped by the past, present, and changing societal and economic needs. The ongoing reconstruction efforts primarily focus on religious buildings and a few privately-funded houses, resulting in inconsistencies and neglect of the social aspects. To address this, the project emphasizes grassroots initiatives that connect to collective memory and engage the community, such as local guided tours and art festivals. Ultimately, the project aims to integrate these community-led initiatives, layers of meanings, and memories into the overall reconstruction plan for Judayda.

Mohamad Bazer bashi, Sara Ibrahim Bacha, Zaina Midami, Pedram Yousefi Awarwand

[Members in 2021: Mohamad Bazer bashi, Sara Ibrahim Bacha, M. Ghiath Lababidi]

The study examines the socio-economic significance of the Al-Farafira neighbourhood and its cohesive urban fabric, which persisted until the 1950s. It further focuses on the destruction of the urban fabric and its socio-structural consequences resulting from two events: the modern developments of the latter half of the 20^th century and the recent war in Syria. The study addresses various problems arising from the former event including urban split, privacy issues, inappropriate industrial uses, and inadequate public services. It also demonstrates how the war worsened these issues, leading to abandoned shops and residences, lack of public services, and extensively damaged structures. The project aimed to rehabilitate the neighbourhood by prioritizing the revitalization of the main north-south spine of Al-Farafira through cultural, educational, and commercial activities. Additionally, the plan proposes the expansion of public buildings and the establishment of an educational landscape with schools and a university to revive the neighbourhood and restore its vitality.

Sonia Ibrahim, Toka Magdy, Charles Stuart Thompson, Aya Abu-hilalah, Omar Matar, Lukas Elenschleger

[Members in 2021: Sonia Ibrahim, Ola Kouka, Mohamad Jamous]

The Old Souk of Aleppo has served as a vital trading centre in the city's historic quarter for centuries. However, the armed conflicts between the Syrian opposition and the Syrian Armed Forces from 2012 to 2016 inflicted significant damage on the Souk and its historic structures. Although some post-war reconstruction projects have been undertaken since the establishment of a ceasefire in 2016, the revival of economic and social life in the Souk has been slow. Reasons for this reluctance include apprehension, fear of financial loss, and lack of trust in public governance. This project proposes an alternative rehabilitation action plan that utilizes diversified urban acupuncture techniques to reimagine and revitalize the neighbourhood. The redevelopment strategy identifies potential sites for small-scale interventions and assesses their accessibility and potential impact. Based on this analysis, the zones are categorized into action phases and assigned various uses that ensure the long-term liveability of the Souk.

Cristina Rodriguez, Issam Raad, Nada Alabdullah

[Members in 2021: Basma Alsous, Dimitri Shammas]

This study focuses on the rehabilitation and revitalization of the southern periphery of the Aleppo Citadel, which was heavily affected by the Syrian war. The project proposal aims to employ a methodological strategy that integrates urban and architectural traditions to redesign the architectural system in the area. The approach includes two intervention strategies: a short-term plan and a long-term plan, both aimed at reactivating urban spaces to meet the contemporary city centre’s social and functional requirements. The project studies the post war status of the area including the remaining urban elements such as main access points, circulation routes, open areas for parks as well as the condition of key public buildings. Four approaches for dealing with the damaged buildings are proposed: iconization, reconstruction, restoration, and recycling, each suited to the specific condition and significance of the building.

The new urban elements are reconfigured around central nodes, including the Souk, fabric area, residential area, and the Citadel, facilitating a revitalization process through the reuse of buildings and the creation of public spaces. The design incorporates the footprints of the historic mosque and hammam, symbolically rebuilding them to preserve the memory of the past. The intervention weaves the remains and ruins of the existing buildings into the design, creating a modern orchestration of physical structures, green spaces, water features, and other elements. The intervention aims to fill the gaps in the urban fabric and promote fluid movement, while also functioning as exhibition spaces and multi-purpose rooms for public events. The project seeks to revive the spirit of Aleppo in a contemporary way, embracing the traces and layers of time while establishing a connection between the past and the present.