Earth Archives – Mnemonic Landscapes of The Orontes Basin

There is no denying the complexity of the Orontes River region. The abundance and exploitation of water resources play a significant role in the development of human settlements and the geographic spread of activities. This leads to the need to provide infrastructure for the collection and distribution of water along farmlands and to provide clean drinking water for the residents of the Orontes basin. This part consists of four main water sites (b, d, g, and h) spread alongside rural Hama, with the crucial role of irrigating agricultural lands and supporting the livelihoods of local communities. Generally consisting of rainwater collecting concave roofs, filter unit 1 ( 70% clean for farming purposes), filter unit 2 ( clean water purposes), and storage devices for each purpose water sites vary depending on their context and social circumstances.

Seed distribution and archiving, on the other hand, occur in different forms, depending on the specific needs of the local communities. In some areas of the basin, seed distribution ( a, e, f, and i) may involve community-led initiatives where farmers exchange and share seeds, promoting biodiversity and traditional farming practices. Archiving can be done through the community seed archive (c), ensuring the preservation of important plant varieties for subsequent generations. These activities play a crucial role in sustaining agricultural productivity and promoting food security in rural Hama.

The key notion of this scheme is the future of landscapes. We thus envisage the future of the landscapes in the Orontes area by deploying our temporary architectural features, considering the natural materiality of the interventions. Once their lifespan is exceeded, the objects revert back to the ground, prioritizing nature’s necessities and minimizing our carbon footprint.