The T-wall—a freestanding precast concrete panel with a footing cast into the base—is perhaps the most ubiquitous architectural element in Iraq’s security landscape. Used to create barricades around secure military zones, T-walls are scattered across the country by the millions, and as American forces draw down their forward operating bases in Iraq, hundreds of thousands of these T-walls will be either discarded or crushed. Due to their steel reinforcing, most T-walls will be banished to so-called T-wall graveyards, to be stored for an indeterminate amount of time for an undetermined purpose.

Construction Diagram of T-Wall House

• Architects: New World Design LLC

• Location: Al Qurnah, Basrah, Iraq

• Architect in charge:Jeffrey Olinger

• Size:150 sqm per unit, 10 units total

• Year:2010

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