Truth, a Polemic Perspective on Architecture Responsibility

In a forgotten place where the lines between aesthetics and safety blur, where building construction often outdoes

ethical obligations, architecture stands as a stark reminder of the profound responsibilities we, as architects, bear.

September 26, 2023, was very difficult for my community. A tragedy befell an area known as Hamdaniya in my

birth city of Nineveh, Iraq, haunted by the horrifying consequences of architectural and construction negligence, that

I will never forget.

The anguish that surrounds my heart as I write my polemic essay stems from the traumatic incident that unfolded

within the walls of a banquet hall during a wedding celebration that over 900 people attended. In the blink of an

eye, what should have been a day of joy and unity was transformed into an ungodly inferno that consumed over a

hundred souls. Among the victims were children, the elderly, and women, their haunting faces forever etched in the

recesses of my mind as a reminder of architectural negligence and its horrific consequences.

Why did this happen? The wedding venue collapsed in flames as the bride and groom started their first dance.

According to emergency services and witnesses at the scene, fireworks inside the venue ignited the blaze. The

scenes on social media and all over the news were horrific and unbelievable. The cause of this unimaginable

tragedy was a structure built with recklessly flammable materials and lacked even the most rudimentary fire safety

measures.

Mustafa Al-Khattab, an engineer employed by Iraq's Ministry of Construction and Housing, told The Media a grave

concern that had been voiced previously but regrettably ignored. Al-Khattab stated, "We had previously issued

explicit warnings against the utilization of 'sandwich panels' in construction, yet our cautionary words went

unheeded." Elaborating on the matter, Al-Khattab emphasized, "It's imperative to note that the authentic Eco-bond panels

incorporate materials with significantly lower flammability, such as genuine aluminum. However, the imitation

panels that have made their way into Iraq fail to meet these crucial safety standards."

In the context of the tragedy, the fire at the wedding likely began due to an accidental ignition source, such as an

electrical fault, a spark, or an open flame. Once the fire ignited, it quickly spread because the flammable materials in

the building's construction provided ample fuel. The sandwich panels would have ignited easily and contributed to

the rapid escalation of the blaze. The absence of adequate fire rating systems and safety measures, coupled with the

presence of these highly flammable materials, created a perfect storm. The fire was able to engulf the building

swiftly, leaving little time for occupants to escape, and resulting in the devastating loss of lives. The world was in

shock at the news, but the architects and engineers bore the weight of guilt for failing to enforce safety measures in

their design.

In the Western world, we are fortunate to be governed by strict building codes and laws that guide our architectural

designs. However, what if we were in a place where such regulations were absent? The truth remains that, even in

the absence of explicit guidelines, architects must emerge as unwavering leaders, fierce advocates for the safety of

every individual. We cannot allow the voices of politicians, profit-driven contractors, or any other entities to shape

designs that imperil lives. The pursuit of truth in architecture compels us to prioritize safety above all else.

Deception within the realm of architecture turns our creations into tombs and transforms celebrations into scenes of

tragedy. It is our solemn duty to wield our authority as architects, guiding designs toward the path of truth and

safety. Our allegiance should be unwaveringly devoted to the well-being of society, and our sacred responsibility is

to ensure that every structure we create not only inspires but safeguards the lives within.

The events that unfolded in Nineveh serve as a sorrowful reminder of the immense responsibility we as architects

bear. The blood of the innocent must never stain our blueprints, and the flames of negligence must never consume

our works of art. It is time for architects to rise as the guardians of human life, for we possess the power to shape not

only space but also destinies. In the relentless pursuit of architectural truth, we discover our moral calling, our

reason for being, and our solemn obligation to humanity.

References:

https://www.cnn.com/2023/09/26/world/iraq-wedding-fire-intl/index.html

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/least-100-dead-150-injured-fire-wedding-hall-iraq-rcna117526

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/iraq-fire-wedding-dance-deaths-b2419296.html

https://themedialine.org/by-region/tragic-blaze-in-unlicensed-iraqi-wedding-venue-claims-at-least-120-lives/