Overview
As we move forward in life, we tend to lose track of our identity sometimes. However, there are few architects out there that recall our most important Arab-Islamic elements into the architectural designs across the Arab states, to view and value what we once had.
The Andalous Residence, by the French architect, Serge Santelli, which is located in Sousse – Tunisia is a great example of many of different architects that favored traditions. As most traditional Tunisian local architecture, the houses are typically of a low height and are surrounding the courtyards or empty spaces known as patios. Materials used are coming from the local region, which the local men can carry out. In the Tunisian homes, where privacy is number one, central courtyard cannot be easily reached, so the zigzag form is implied to have indirect access from the streets.
Ideology
Serge Santelli is of many French-Tunisia architects, that is working to develop a strong connection with their own tradition. In his work, it reveals the most promising influence for a contemporary Tunisian Identity in architecture. His major working being of the Residence of Andalous, simple form of structure and kind decorations from the past and local, however the inner spirit of the building is special.
Santelli is pretty much aware of the destruction of Tunisia and other North African countries from their amusing past, as he states his opinion on the question of recent influence of foreign architecture on local habitats, “Many recent built have disfigured Tunisian sites and cities just as they have done in Europe”, If there was no destruction of new ideas built, it would be the “lack of maintenance” on few existing buildings, such as the physical historical architecture of Medina in Tunis.
In the recent techniques, the modern Tunisian Architecture involves in Moorish decorations thinking it could be “Islamic” however, it’s not locally suitable. He describes this way as “shallow, ridiculous reproduction of international Style”. This is why this was one of his objectives in Residence of Andalous, he wanted to add his own favor in and not go by what was trending in Tunisia, which was not to involve neo Moorish architecture.
Enhancement of tradition
As Santelli managed to enhance the very important elements of local architecture, to welcome to the visitors into the tradition he believed it was missing in Tunisia.
The site of the residence seemed a little too far from the sea, this has been an challenging factor to the architect, to maintain the geographical and culture setting, he had to keep the residence low as the surrounding and distract the visitors with the rich architectural landscape he provided: courtyards, gardens and terrace.
The materials applied through the building from courtyards and ceilings are of the local materials in Tunis. The use of traditional courtyard helps in ventilation as of the past theory in Arabo-Islamic architecture.
The use of mashrabiya was frequently done as well in this project to reduce the sun intensity into the interior space. Yet, he still managed to use cast concrete on the main façade, as it will save time and cost and air conditioning installed in the reception, as a way of technology approach.
One famous architect, Tarek ben Miled, has rejected the project as he described the architect’s view of history as,”disrespectful [..] which lets him introduce innovative modern elements freely into older typologies” (Santelli & Mimar, 1981). There are many contradicting thoughts of how many view history and its technology of modernity. Therefore, personally, I disagree, as Santelli managed to keep the Tunisian’s identity rising and the highlight of his local materials were presented everywhere, yet also added few techniques of modernity, to satisfy the lifestyle of foreigners. However, he contributed more attention to Identity, local architecture and Arab architecture, as these are the main modes in achieving a successful globalization.
Analogy
The both architect Hassan Fathi and Jaafar Tukan both relate very well with Santelli’s work, as they all used local materials of the region, the use of mashrabiyas and courtyards in their projects was successfully all done.
However, because of the technology aspects, Santelli managed to use other kinds of international materials in addition.
Conclusion
I believe, this kind of looking back to the past of tradition should be applied more into our period of architecture; contemporary, yet involve in few technology aspects. It’s always challenging to work with something you have, rather than start all new. However, to value something and enhance it, in a way to reflect an image or allow it to grow; as you apply ideas as water; to grow the “roots” within the region. Blending the building in with its context, is inspiring.
Santelli, has achieved this greatly, main focus was done on Tunisian tradition and also Arabo-Islamic architecture. The sense of belongingness of the project was sensed impressively. Therefore, I really appreciate many architects’ approach into reviving the tradition into our rapid future. It’s an extremely thoughtful approach, as we are usually carried away with what is trending. It’s very rare to find such architects nowadays, still managing to keep the country’s identity and manage to balance past and future together. Therefore, cherishing the past is essential. This may sound very cliché, however truly “Old is gold” as they say.
References:
- Architecture, A. K. (Ed.). (1983). Andalous Residence On-site Review Report.
- Cantacuzino, S. (1985). Andalous Residence. In S. Cantacuzino, Architecture in Continuity: Building in the Islamic World Today (p. 117). New York: Aperture.
- Hill, M. (1999). Towards a Tunisian Identity. In M. Hill, Comtemporary Architecture in the Arab States (pp. 85-87). New York: McGraw Hill Companies, Inc.
- Santelli, S., & Mimar. (1981). Architecture in Development. (H.-U. Khan, Ed.)
- Serge Santelli. (2015). Retrieved October 24, 2015, from ArchNet: http://archnet.org/authorities/357
- Residence Andalous. (2007). Retrieved October 24, 2015, from Aga Khan Development Network: http://www.akdn.org/architecture/project.asp?id=310
