Over 2,000 years ago, southern Iraq’s marshlands were home to distinct communities that grew to 818,966 people by 1977. Due to neglect and drought, their population has since fallen to 386,199, even after the marshes were listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2016.

Facing social, environmental, economic, and organizational challenges—chiefly unplanned growth and reed island expansion - the project proposes a comprehensive plan for village and housing development. The master plan adopts a comb-like layout aligned with water channels, using two height levels to separate residents, visitors, and livestock while maintaining connectivity. Housing is elevated on 2-meter pillars to allow boat movement and prevent sanitation problems. Inspired by traditional Madif structures, the design employs local reed for sustainable, adaptable construction that residents can build and expand themselves.

The proposal preserves cultural identity, enhances living conditions, and offers a sustainable, low-cost development model rooted in local traditions and materials.

About Yousif Al-Waeli:

Yousif Al-Waeli is an Iraqi architectural designer with a Bachelor’s in Architectural Engineering from the University of Baghdad (2022), specializing in architecture, urban design, and heritage-led development. He works at Bayaty Architects in Abu Dhabi on landmark projects, including the world’s largest STEM Cells Center and the UAE Presidential Court Business Center, and serves as Project Manager at Archi Youth Club, a volunteer NGO preserving Iraqi architectural identity.