Architecture & Design | 29
I
n 1980, the renowned Iraqi architect Rifat Chadirji
compiled a list of distinguished international architects,
including Robert Venturi from the United States, Ruben
Bo from Denmark, and Richard England from Malta.
During the early 1980s, Iraq initiated an ambitious £1.6
billion redevelopment plan for its capital city, Baghdad.
Saddam Hussein entrusted the project to Chadirji, who,
rather than designing himself, gathered a prestigious
team of architects. This group included The Architect's
Collaborative (founded by Walter Gropius), Robert
Venturi, Arthur Erickson, Ricardo Bofill, Ruben Bo, Arup
Associates, Fumihiko Maki, and Richard England.
Chadirji tasked Richard England with designing a large-
scale apartment complex on Haifa Street and a vast
mixed-use development in the Bab Al Sheikh area. The
brief emphasised creating an architecture that was both
contemporary and deeply connected to its regional
context, aligning perfectly with England's regionalist
philosophy.
However, the Iraq-Iran War (1980–1988) redirected much
of the allocated funds, resulting in only a handful of
England's and other architects' designs being realised.
Some of England's initial concept designs for these
projects have been documented, showcasing his vision
for the redevelopment.
By 1984, Chadirji acknowledged England's contributions,
stating:
"Richard England has left architectural features
in Baghdad of great merit."
Apartments Haifa Street
Office Khulafa Street
Gallaria Bab Al Sheikh
