The Cross Point — A Rehabilitation Centre for Syrians

The Cross Point is an architectural proposal that intricately weaves memory, landscape, and post-war healing into a unified spatial experience. Designed as a rehabilitation centre for Syrians, the project reflects the socio-physical condition of Aleppo—linking its eastern and western parts while embracing the coexistence of nature, ruins, and newly generative architecture. The concept reimagines the evolution and declination of the Grand Serial through contemporary plans and facades, offering a built environment rooted in resilience and renewal. This project is created by Doaa Salaheldin.

At the heart of the design lies a powerful idea: architecture as a conduit for collective memory and urban regeneration. By tracing the scars of war, reviving historical spines, and merging ruins with ecological growth, The Cross Point transforms destruction into a cultural landscape of healing.

Memory Reflected in Landscape Architecture

The project acts as a cross-point between fragmented landscapes and reconstructed urban geometries. Inspired by Aleppo’s citadel spine—from the bridge tower to the mosque—the design extends this ancient urban axis into the site, creating a continuous narrative of the city’s layered history.

War-torn remains of Khan Ash-Shouneh, Al-Khosrowiyah Mosque, Al-Sultania School, the Grand Serial, and Hammam Yalbougha Al Nasri become integral references within the spatial organisation. The design does not erase trauma but transforms ruins, scars, and bombed terrains into productive urban forms.

As wild nature has reclaimed much of the site since 2014, the proposal leverages this natural emergence. Circular voids once caused by blasts now host ecological pockets—turning devastation into a symbiotic landscape. These interventions reflect a shift from trauma to renewal, making the land not a memory of war but a celebration of resilience.

Symbiotic Landscape and Urban Spine

The Cross Point strengthens the pedestrian connection by stitching together disparate patches of the war-torn city. The landscape spine links open courtyards, green areas, and public zones across the site plan, creating continuity.

This strategy bridges pre-existing volumes, ruins, war scars, and natural systems—culminating in a multifaceted urban corridor. The urban facade and spatial sequencing engage directly with the Citadel’s monumental presence, anchoring the project within Aleppo’s long architectural memory.

Architecture as a Vessel for Memory

Reconstructing the Grand Serial

The architectural language reinterprets the evolution, deterioration, and reconstruction phases of the Grand Serial. By studying the destroyed building’s underground tunnels, collapsed facades, and remaining fragments, the design articulates a layered architectural interpretation:

1. Level One – Authentic Structure: Represents the historic arrangement and foundation grids.
2. Level Two – Form of Ruins: Emphasises absence, collapse, and missing volumes caused by war.
3. Level Three – Reconstruction: Introduces contemporary materials—glass and Aleppo stone—to reinterpret the 1928 facade.

Elevations embed these layers, creating expressive voids that communicate loss while enabling new space for public engagement.

Survival in a Hostile Environment

Aleppo’s volatile context demands architecture that protects both memory and life. The proposal integrates:

• Evacuation-safe underground levels
• Food silos and water reservoirs for emergencies
• Urban sanctuary spaces in case of conflict

The building becomes not only a centre for healing but also a resilient urban structure—preparing for uncertain futures and aligning with forward-thinking construction laws.

Programme and Social Recovery

The Cross Point addresses the psychological, emotional, and physical recovery of individuals affected by war. The programme includes:

For Children

• Safe classrooms and educational environments
• Therapeutic play spaces
• Psychiatric and physiological therapy rooms
• Elevated gardens and green learning pockets

For Youth and Adults

• Social spaces, small theatres, and gathering courts
• Occupational therapy and vocational training rooms
• Physiotherapy and examination spaces

For Families and Displaced Citizens

• Shelters for people who lost homes
• Hydrotherapy pools, whirlpools, and rehabilitation zones
• Open spaces connected through ramps and the landscape spine

The programme amplifies community voice—allowing people to heal while participating in reshaping Aleppo’s social structure.

Growth with Aleppo’s Future

The rehabilitation centre respects the authentic grid of the Grand Serial and maintains flexibility for adaptive reuse. Future transformations may include:

• Hospitality facilities
• Residential clusters
• Health-care expansions
• Community hubs

The structure, scale, and dimensions act as flexible cross-points—turning abandoned or destroyed spaces into productive architecture while preserving spatial authenticity.

Memory as a Unifying Force

The Citadel stands as an icon of Aleppo’s historic resilience. By extending its axis and spirit, The Cross Point proposes a cultural landscape where memory becomes a tool for unity.

Architecture here serves as a message: devastation can transform into strength, and ruins can become foundations for collective rebuilding. By regenerating the historical facade and spatial order, the project helps Aleppans grow from past lessons while envisioning a future built by people, not stone.

The Cross Point transcends its role as a rehabilitation centre—it becomes a powerful example of post-war urban regeneration architecture that intertwines history, ecology, memory, and community resilience. Through Doaa Salaheldin’s thoughtful design, the project stands as a spatial manifesto for rebuilding Aleppo: one that honours its ruins while nurturing new life.