01 · Graduation Project

East Gate

Tri-Border Crossing Between Syria, Iraq & Jordan

Project type

Border Crossing & Mixed-Use Masterplan

Designation

Graduation Project

University

Wadi International University

Location

Syrian–Iraqi–Jordanian Border Region

Site area

100 Hectares

Year

2025–2026

Role

Project Lead / Lead Designer — Academic Team Project

Scope

Masterplanning · Circulation Planning · Architectural Design · Visualization

Overview

East Gate is a large-scale architectural and urban planning proposal for a shared border crossing connecting Syria, Iraq and Jordan.

The project was developed as more than a conventional checkpoint. It proposes an integrated regional gateway combining border control, passenger movement, logistics, commercial activities, tourism and public services within one coordinated masterplan.

Developed as a team graduation project. Maha led the overall design development, project supervision, coordination of final deliverables and jury presentation, with team members assisting in selected execution tasks.

Context & Concept

A 100-hectare site in the desert region where the Syrian, Iraqi and Jordanian borders meet, studied through site analysis.

The architectural concept takes references from Nabatean, Babylonian and Early Islamic architecture.

Masterplan & Program

The masterplan brings together the following program across the site.

  • Border control and inspection facilities
  • Immigration and passport control
  • VIP inspection facilities
  • Truck and freight circulation
  • Logistics and storage hangars
  • Duty-free commercial areas
  • Recreational and tourism zones
  • Restaurants and public facilities
  • Motel accommodation
  • Public plazas and pedestrian areas
  • Landscaped green spaces
  • Parking and service areas

Circulation & Levels

Movement across the crossing is separated into three systems.

  • VIP & official movement
  • Trucks & freight movement
  • Passenger cars & tourist buses

Environmental Strategy

Environmental measures studied as part of the proposal.

  • Study of prevailing wind directions
  • Green buffer zones reducing undesirable desert wind impact
  • Landscaped and shaded public spaces
  • Internal patios / courtyards in selected buildings
  • Vegetation and water elements
  • Solar energy systems
  • Grey-water recycling

Selected Architectural Buildings

Three buildings within the masterplan were developed in architectural detail.

Museum

A shared cultural museum within the recreational and tourism zone, representing the cultural identity of the three countries. Single-story, approximately 6 m high, with exhibition spaces, visitor facilities and internal courtyards. Developed through plans, architectural elevations, sections and exterior visualization.

VIP Inspection Facility

Single-story, approximately 4 m high, containing security, inspection, waiting and administrative functions arranged around a central courtyard.

VIP Inspection Facility — Exterior View 01
VIP Inspection Facility — Exterior View 02
Southern Elevation
Main Elevation

Motel & Hospitality Zone

Guest-room modules, reception and service areas, restaurants, circulation between accommodation units, and landscape and pedestrian connections.

Motel & Hospitality Zone — Aerial View
Main Elevation
Southern elevation view of the Motel & Hospitality Zone at East Gate

Architectural Drawings

Selected drawings from the final submission.

Overall Site View
Hospitality & Public Realm

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First Furniture Showroom

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