“My name is Mohammed Qutaish. I am 14 years old. When I grow up I hope to be an architect. This is my city of Aleppo. I am building the Syria of tomorrow.

I began building my model after I experienced my city being destroyed by air strikes and missiles. My sorrow, caused by this destruction, has inspired me immensely.

Sometimes I feel very frightened. Sometimes I cannot think or work. Optimism gives me the power and determination to finish the works I have started.

Every complex I design has a garden.

Future Aleppo By Mohammed Qutaish

Hidden installation in a Chinatown alleyway: Future Aleppo by Mohammed Qutaish.

My name is Mohammed Qutaish. I am 14 years old. When I grow up I hope to be an architect. This is my city of Aleppo. I am building the Syria of tomorrow.

I began building my model after I experienced my city being destroyed by air strikes and missiles. My sorrow, caused by this destruction, has inspired me immensely.

Sometimes I feel very frightened. Sometimes I cannot think or work. Optimism gives me the power and determination to finish the works I have started.

Every complex I design has a garden.

I hope that one day these paper buildings will become real buildings. _____________________

Model and text by Mohammed Qutaish, 2015.

“This piece of Mohammed’s model was made in his home in Aleppo, Syria in Winter 2015. Constructed out of wood, card, paper, sponge, wire, glue, colored pencils, crayons, water colors, and toy cars, Mohammed’s model represents the optimism, creativity, and courage that can triumph in the face of suffering.” — currently on view at Mmuseumm 2 (4 Cortlandt Alley in Lower Manhattan, New York City)