SDV Sham Digital Village

A Pioneering Smart City in the Heart of Damascus.

A Personal Connection to SDV Sham Digital Village

As an urban designer, I have had the privilege of working on numerous projects throughout my career. However, SDV Sham Digital Village holds a special place in my heart, not necessarily because it is the best design I have created, but because of the deep emotional connection I feel towards it. Then in 2008, as a resident of Damascus, I long to see my city thrive once again, reclaiming its rightful place as a beacon of progress and innovation in the Middle East. This project represents not just a blueprint for a smart city, but also a symbol of hope and resilience, fueled by my unwavering desire to witness the resurgence of the city I call home.

Dream Never Happend

Despite the promise and potential of SDV Sham Digital Village, the harsh reality of war has sadly put this groundbreaking project on hold. The turmoil and devastation that have engulfed the region have halted progress, leaving the dream of a thriving smart city in limbo. While the project stands as a symbol of hope and progress for the people of Damascus and the Middle East, the dream of SDV Sham Digital Village remains a poignant reminder of what could have been, had peace prevailed. We continue to hope that, in time, peace and stability will return to the region, allowing for the resurrection of this ambitious vision and the realization of a better, more connected future.

Location

Spanning a land area of 1.3 million square meters, SDV Sham Digital Village boasts a built-up area of 5.5 million square meters, making it the largest smart city in the MENA region. The mixed development project is strategically divided into several key areas to foster economic, residential, and entertainment growth.

The location of SDV Sham Digital Village has been thoughtfully chosen to alleviate the pressures of urban congestion in the heart of Damascus. By situating the new downtown away from the crowded city center, this innovative project provides much-needed breathing room and growth opportunities for both the city and its residents. This strategic move not only creates a new focal point for business, commerce, and entertainment but also allows five surrounding existing neighborhoods to benefit from the new downtown area. As these communities gain access to improved infrastructure, facilities, and services, the overall quality of life in the region will be elevated, fostering a vibrant and sustainable urban environment for generations to come.

A Vision of a Pedestrian-Friendly City Built on a Unique FoundationOpportunity

One of the most innovative aspects of the SDV Sham Digital Village project is its creative use of an existing gigantic hole, left behind by an old cement factory. This previously unused space provided an opportunity for a truly unique approach to urban planning and design.

My Team and I, envisioned six floors of infrastructure and road networks within the depths of this hole. This ingenious solution would allow for efficient traffic flow and transportation, while simultaneously creating a pedestrian-only paradise on the city's surface. By segregating vehicular traffic and pedestrian zones, the SDV Sham Digital Village would promote a cleaner, greener, and safer urban environment for its residents.

Urban Network

The urban design and road network of SDV Sham Digital Village are inspired by the intricate patterns and pathways found in electronic circuits. Much like these circuits efficiently transfer electrical pulses from one point to another, the carefully planned infrastructure of the development aims to seamlessly guide the movement of people throughout the city.

By drawing inspiration from electronic circuits, the designers have managed to create a streamlined and interconnected network that allows for smooth transportation and easy accessibility to various parts of the city. This innovative approach to urban planning not only enhances the overall functionality of the smart city but also mirrors the project's focus on technology, innovation, and connectivity.

development from north to south and west to east. This strategic layout ensures efficient access to all corners of the city while providing a strong foundation for the overall transportation network.

At the core of SDV Sham Digital Village, where the two main axes intersect, stands the Business Hub Towers. These four cutting-edge towers are designed to host IT businesses and startups from across the Middle East. Their central location fosters innovation and collaboration, attracting talent and investment to the region. Housing the government server, the Business Hub Towers further solidify the development's position as a vital center for digital connectivity and data security.

A crucial aspect of the SDV Sham Digital Village master plan is the concept of iconism, which plays a pivotal role in defining the city's identity and aspirations. At the end of the main axes, the Icon Tower stands tall, serving as an impressive visual landmark and a testament to the ambitious vision of the project. As the highest tower in Syria, the Icon Tower represents the pinnacle of architectural achievement and the spirit of innovation that underpins the entire development.

This iconic structure not only provides a focal point for the city's skyline but also symbolizes the aspirations of a nation looking to rebuild and redefine itself in the face of adversity. The Icon Tower, in all its majesty, serves as a beacon of hope, inspiring residents and visitors alike to look towards a brighter future filled with progress, prosperity, and growth.

The SDV Sham Digital Village skyline is set to be an awe-inspiring sight, with its modern architectural marvels and iconic structures like the Icon Tower. The harmonious blend of innovative design and purposeful planning creates a visually striking and memorable cityscape. This captivating skyline not only represents the aspirations and progress of a burgeoning smart city but also stands as a symbol of hope and resilience for the people of Damascus and the Middle East.

Project Sections

This mixed development contains:

The business district (3.5 Million sqm.): contains 25 towers, one is The Icon Tower (The second highest tower in the middle east)

- The Residential Area.

- The University of IT.

- The Convention Center.

- The Media City.

- The Medical City.

- The E Park: contains the museum of science and technology.

- The Shopping mall (85,000 sqm.)

Conclusion

SDV Sham Digital Village is an ambitious project that aims to transform Damascus into a leading smart city in the Middle East. With its focus on IT, telecommunications, and innovation, the development is set to create new opportunities and redefine the urban landscape of the region. Keep an eye on this space as we delve deeper into the progress and milestones of this remarkable project.