Top: Kamal El Kafrawi, Qatar University in Doha, Qatar, 1974–1983. Photo Markus Elblaus. Above: Oscar Niemeyer, International Fair of Tripoli in Tripoli, Lebanon, 1962–1977. Photo Philip Cheung
Bernardo Bader, Islamic Cemetry in Altach, Vorarlberg, Austria, 2014. Photo Matthias Rhomberg
Global Architectural Development (GAD), Beşiktaş Fish Market in Istanbul, Turkey, 2008–2009. Photo Aydan Cinar
Gamar Eldowla Abdelgadir, Al Nilain Mosque in Omdurman, Sudan, 1976–1983. Photo Ala Kheir
Le Corbusier, Gymnasium in Bagdad, Irak, realized posthumously, 1978–1980. Photo Ayman Al Amiri
Le Corbusier, Gymnasium in Bagdad, Irak, realized posthumously, 1978–1980. Photo Ayman Al Amiri
The exhibition examines contemporary urban culture in the vibrant metropolises of the MENA region (Middle East and North Africa), which pulsate with an innovative cultural life – despite the political headlines. The architectural heritage of Modernism, the current situation in urban agglomerations and the stories of people living in the diaspora demonstrate how urban spaces shape cultural identity. The exhibition is divided into three thematic sections – “Architecture”, “Places” and “Societies” – which portray buildings, urban neighbourhoods and people. The title of the exhibition, mudun, is the Arabic word for “cities” – the plural form of the word medina.
Oscar Niemeyer, International Fair of Tripoli in Tripoli, Lebanon, 1962–1977. Photo Philip Cheung
from 13 May to 20 August 2017
Mudun مدن Urban Cultures in Transit
Vitra Design Museum
Charles-Eames-Straße 2, Weil am Rhein