A Pilot Project in Misfāt Al-Abriyin, Oman by ArCHIAM

Managing Heritage, Empowering Communities, Changing Policies A Pilot Project in MisfÄ t Al-Abriyin, Oman

The ArCHIAM Centre is an interdisciplinary forum currently based at the University of Liverpool which brings together a wide range of researchers interested in the study of the architecture and cultural heritage of India, Arabia and the Maghreb. Cutting across traditional disciplinary boundaries, the Centre provides an exciting opportunity for the study of both historical and contemporary phenomenon with an aim of developing theoretical positions but also through practice-based research. ArCHIAM welcomes possibilities of establishing connections across the wider academic and professional communities through doctoral research programmes, collaborations and networking opportunities.

Prof Soumyen Bandyopadhyay, Director CENTRE FOR THE STUDY OF

ARCHITECTURE AND CULTURAL HERITAGE OF INDIA, ARABIA AND THE MAGHREB

RESEARCH AND DESIGN TEAM PROF SOUMYEN BANDYOPADHYAY Principal Investigator

DR GIAMILA QUATTRONE Project Coordinator

DR MARTIN S. GOFFRILLER Research Fellow

DR ATAA ALSALLOUM Heritage Policy

CLAUDIA BRIGUGLIO DÉSIRÉE CAMPOLO KONSTANTINA GEORGIADOU AIDA HERNANDEZ MATINA VRETTOU Research Assistants

JONATHAN WREN PAUL MACMAHON

Fieldwork Associates

DR HAITHAM AL-’ABRI Honorary Fellow

Design by: Konstantina Georgiadou All rights reserved. No part of this brochure may be reproduced, translated, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior written permission of copyright holder.

Intoduction

Managing Heritage

Empowering Communities

Changing Policy

Contents

The Misfﾄ》 Project This booklet presents the development, over various stages, of a heritage management and tourism development project for the traditional mountain oasis settlement of Misfﾄ》 Al-Abriyin. The process was initiated in 2014 by Ministry of Tourism, Sultanate of Oman, through the commission of a 1-year-long project aimed to deliver a Heritage Management and Tourism Development Plan (HTDP). As part of the the ArCHIAM team helped the local community establish a cooperative, a form of business organisation previously non existent in Oman. Al Misfat al Ahlia became the first cooperative constituency in the country, thus setting a model for community-led heritage and sustainable tourism development in the Middle East. Subsequently, the ArCHIAM Centre was approached by Bank Muscat, one of the major financial institutions in Oman, to develop the master plan propositions into detail design for three sites with revenue-generation potential as well as sociocultural and heritage significance.

The process sealed the first private-public partnership in Oman between government, a financial institution and a private operator. Longterm impact is expected on both the resident community, in terms of self-sustained economic growth and enhancement of social and cultural value systems, and the visitor community in terms of improvement and diversification of the tourism experience with a combined focus on the natural and cultural heritage of the settlement. The initiative aims to set an example of sustainable heritage management and development in the country and the Middle East, based on synergetic integration of preservation and development goals and active involvement of private and public stakeholders.

Previous Spread: old Misfﾄ》 and tower Opposite Page: site sketches, Misfﾄ》 Al-Abriyin 2017

1 Introduction

2 Managing Heritage

Documentation and Tourism Development Plan Misfāt al-Abriyin, Al-Hamra Funded by: Ministry of Tourism Sultanate of Oman Developed by: ArCHIAM Manchester Metropolitan University, The University of Liverpool This project was commissioned to ArCHIAM by the Ministry of Tourism, Sultanate of Oman, in 2014. Drawing on past studies and plans drafted for Misfāt by a range of international researchers, an interdisciplinary team comprised of architects, archaeologists, an ethnographer and a tourism economist, ArCHIAM has developed a detailed and comprehensive strategy for the preservation and development of the village of Misfāt al-‘Abriyīn in the Wilayat al-Hamra. Clustered on the southern slopes of the Jabal alAkhdar mountains, Misfāt is a prime example of Oman’s vernacular architectural heritage and the inventiveness of its inhabitants in dealing with difficult terrain and a harsh environment. Owing to its millennia-old traditions and the spectacular natural setting, Misfāt is a growing tourist destination on both the national and international scene.

Opposite Page: masterplan Misfāt Al-Abriyin

Although the settlement is still inhabited for the most part, it is not unusual in this climate of accelerated development for vernacular settlements to be abandoned, fall into disrepair and eventually disappear. Traditional cultural values often fall victim to changing perceptions about ‘modernity’ and new expectations about standards of living. In light of the above, the Documentation and Tourism Development Plan produced aims at the creation and implementation of a sustainable development strategy. This would ensure the survival of Misfāt’s ancient heritage, provide an opportunity to showcase it to stakeholders and visitors and provide the local community with a sustainable source of income which, if adequately re-invested, would ensure the continued habitation of the settlement and its maintenance. This has translated into a comprehensive Master Plan proposal, which focuses on various buildings and open public spaces. A number of design propositions have been suggested for their rehabilitation and adaptive reuse. The aim is to raise the living standards of the local community through infrastructural improvements and creation of job opportunities, which will financially benefit the inhabitants and enhance the tourism experience of Omani culture and traditional lifestyle.

ArCHIAM | HERITAGE MANAGEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT

The proposal was based on a strategy of integration of tourism with the management of Misfāt’s significant heritage and the need for development that builds on the key economic pillars of such mountain communities – agriculture, animal husbandry and associated crafts. Tourism experience will be diversified by integrating and further developing traditional modes of production into the 21st century. The Master Plan develops three focal activity/experiential areas with emphasis on food, agriculture and animal husbandry, centred on a hub supporting the Misfāt Residents’ Cooperative (MRC) and the tourism infrastructure.

Above: over of the Heritage and Tourism Development Plan Left: masterplan zones, Misfāt Al-Abriyin

ArCHIAM | MANAGING HERITAGE

PARKING SPACE (OLD MISFAT) The road and car-parking infrastructure proposed around the village is a non-touristic provision focused on the needs of the local residents to have a safe environment and assured car parking. Possible private and public investment possibilities have been envisaged for its implementation. MAIN GATE AND F4 The main gateway into the settlement from the north (Mqobra) requires urgent attention to avoid collapse and loss of character but, importantly, to avoid any casualty. Properties flanking the gate are to be put into adaptive reuse, following initial consolidation and restoration. Rebuilding of structurally unsound walls is proposed with use of traditional materials and construction techniques, which are to be sensitively integrated into newly designed fabrics. PATHWAY LEADING FROM F4 TO B1 AND SIKKAT AT-TAWI The pathway starting at the main gate and leading down to the lower part of MisfÄ t crosses Sikkat atTawi. This constitutes a central communal open space where all paths converge and, as such, it forms an important focal point for both the community and visitors. The surrounding buildings are some of the oldest and grandest in the village. The site offers the potential of being a point of connection and communication between locals and outsiders, and we have proposed the creation of a shaded seating area with benches and tables. ArCHIAM | MANAGING HERITAGE

HARAT AS-SHUA, A10 AND B1 The food experience will be located, amongst other sites, in Harat as-Shua, where A10 is proposed for rehabilitation as a traditional kitchen/bakery and B1 as a restaurant to serve the community as well as the visitors. Harat as-Shua is regarded as a key point of interaction between the local population and the visitors, providing a rich and active tourism experience. As it is, this defined courtyard setting provides excellent experience of the Shua rituals and festivities that take place during the Eid festival. It is a setting that requires immediate preservation, which could only be sustained through innovative and continued use. AUTOMATED ROAD BARRIER AREA (MODERN MISFAT) It is proposed to control access to Misfāt via a Misfāt Visitor Centre, located on the drive up from al-Hamra. Here visitors could park their cars and be shuttled up to the village. This solution will result in the following: • establish a fee system which provides a source of income; • ease traffic and parking issues; • provide a visitor information centre with guides; • allow for the arrival of larger buses without having to reach the settlement proper.

Previous Spread Left: masterplan sections - main gate and F4 / Sikkat At-Tawi Previous Spread Right: view of buildings Left: masterplan sections - passage from F4 to B1 / Harat Ash-Shua Right: Misfāt passages

ArCHIAM | MANAGING HERITAGE

3 Empowering Communities 21

The Misfāt Cooperative Initiative The inhabitants of Misfāt al-‘Abriyīn and associated stakeholders have started an initiative named the Misfāt al-‘Abriyīn Tourism Association which has tasked itself with advising and guiding the implementation of the Tourism Master Plan. In August 2015, ArCHIAM proposed that the Misfāt al-‘Abriyīn Tourism Association expands its remit from mere guidance to a leading role, as a cooperative members association, in the day-today management and administration of Misfāt’s economic potential. The main responsibilities of the cooperative, as identified by ArCHIAM, include the following: • to ensure the fair and balanced sharing of resources among the local stakeholders; • to take charge of the continued upkeep and maintenance of both the buildings and the oasis; • to manage the visitor stream; • to protect the stakeholder’s interests; • to provide a market for local produce and crafts; • to provide employment opportunities for locals;

Opposite Page Top: cooperative structure diagram Opposite Page Bottom: MoT presentation, Oman 2014

• to provide the best possible experience to visitors; • to engage in training and education for the continued survival of traditional skills in agriculture, building and craft manufacture; • to engage in outreach projects to disseminate the acquired experience and knowledge for the establishment of similar organisations elsewhere in the region. The main goals of the cooperative are to: • create a self-sustained and stable local economy based on visitors and local production; • promote the notion of ecological and economic sustainability to other communities; • retain the ancient knowledge associated with agriculture, construction and the manufacture of crafts. In early November 2016, the Misfāt Cooperative was instrumental in the successful organization of the Prince of Wales' royal visit to the settlement. The Prince was shown around by two local guides as well as Prof Soumyen Bandyopadhyay and Dr Haitham Al-Abri of ArCHIAM. The visit played a crucial role in increasing international exposure of Misfāt al‘Abriyīn as a prime example of still intact traditional settlements through unprecedented media coverage and public debate and, as a result, contributed to the rising visitor numbers. ArCHIAM | EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES

ArCHIAM | EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES

Community Consultation Extensive community consultation was undertaken to discuss approaches to and contents of the Master Plan. During survey and documentation a range of formal and informal discussions took place with members of the community as part of the architectural, historical, ethnographic and touristic data collection. These provided useful insights into the desires and aspirations of the community. Two formal questionnaires were circulated by the project team aiming to capture expectations from members of the community. The views expressed through questionnaires, formal and informal interviews and written statements have been carefully analysed and, wherever relevant, incorporated into the proposal. In addition, a survey of tour operators was undertaken to gauge stakeholder views on tourism potential. A series of presentations to stakeholders have taken place at different stages of the project and revealed important issues that were incorporated into the draft Master Plan. The presentation to the local community was attended by a large selection of the population resident in Misfāt as well as outside.

The meeting with the ministerial stakeholders was held at the wali’s office in Al-Hamra and attended by representatives of the local municipality, Majlis ash-Shurah, and other local ministerial bodies. Both presentations were attended by representatives form the Ministry of Tourism and Sheikh Dr Mahmoud Al‘Abri. Presentations were very well received by the stakeholder communities. This is highlighted in the following excerpt from a letter of support received from Sheikh Dr Mahmoud: "I think the Master Plan is excellent and the meeting with community was great and it had achieved a consensus agreement on the plan. It is a universal plan and it has considered all aspects including involvement of local society, sensitivity of the culture and development of the village." However, consistent with views expressed by the local community, Sheikh Mahmoud also reiterated the desire of the community to have greater involvement in the management and investment in the project. His view is also consistent with ArCHIAM's view that Misfāt al-‘Abriyīn should be considered in conjunction with the wider region and the Wilayat of Al-Hamra, and that financial reciprocity should be established between their various components.

Opposite Page: MoT presentation, Oman 2014

ArCHIAM | EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES

Community Participation WORKSHOP ACTIVITY Misfāt al-Abriyin 19-20 July 2017

DESIGN WORKSHOP 1-“Redesigning an existing building”

A participatory design workshop was held in July 2017 in Misfāt al-Abriyin with the aim of actively involving the local community in decision-making towards the design of selected open spaces and buildings. The participatory methods consisted in workshop activities meant to gauge and record participants' expectations and include them in the design process.

Date: Wednesday, July 19, 2017 - afternoon Participants: Residents from Misfāt community (children, teenagers and families) Duration: 2 hours

The focus of the workshop was on programmatic aspects. To this purpose participants were divided into small groups comprised of children from the age of 4, teenagers and adults, both male and female. The workshops started with a reconnaissance tour of the sites guided by Dr Haitham Al-Abri, during which participants were also briefed in Arabic about the workshop's aims.

The goal of the exercise was to develop design ideas for the transformation of an existing building (B1) into a restaurant. The ArCHIAM team gave an overview of the current condition of the building by showing drawings, physical models and photos. The group had an opportunity to ask questions and discuss issues. Participants were provided with “room cards” (small cards representing different spaces in the building), which they had to combine together to suggest different spatial configurations. Each group built its own physical model using a wide range of both man-made and natural handout materials, and placed the “room cards” in different parts of it. This ensured that all participants played an active part in the transformation of a ruinous building into a fully functional eating place.

Opposite Page: Misfāt design workshop, August 2017

ArCHIAM | EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES

DESIGN WORKSHOP 2-“Rethinking Harat al-Shua” Date: Thursday, July 20, 2017 - morning Participants: Residents from Misfāt community (children, teenagers and families) Duration: 2 hours The goal of the exercise was to effectively organize the open spaces of Harat as-Shua based on the new programme for A10 (bakery) and B1 (restaurant). The participants were introduced to the design proposition the ArCHIAM team had developed for Harat as-Shua and shown the 3D model of both the open space and the surrounding buildings. Then each group was provided with a model of the open space through which participants were asked to translate their own aspirations for both the open space and the surrounding buildings. Each group then had to slot their own model into the general one.

Opposite Page: Misfāt design workshop, August 2017 Right: workshop evaluation statistic charts

ArCHIAM | EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES

DESIGN WORKSHOP 3-“Rethinking Misfāt’s old bakery” Date: Thursday, July 20, 2017 - afternoon Participants: Residents from Misfāt community (children, teenagers and families) Duration: 2 hours The goal was to discuss how the old bakery building was used in the past and how residents would like it to be reorganised, with a view to restoring its original use. The participants were asked to create a collage of cut-outs, each representing different kitchen units and materials, based on personal preferences. They also labelled the activities that they would like to take place in and around the bakery.

Right: ArCHIAM team and workshop participants Opposite Page Top: Misfāt Design workshop, August, 2017 Opposite Page Bottom: interview conduction, Misfāt, August, 2017

ArCHIAM | EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES

Left: model of Harat as-Shua, MisfÄ t, August, 2017

4 Changing Policy

Rehabilitation, Reuse and Restoration of Traditional Structures and Open Spaces in Misfāt Al-Abriyin, Wilayat Al-Hamra Funded by: Bank of Muscat Developed by: ArCHIAM The University of Liverpool This rehabilitation, reuse and restoration project, which is currently under development, is part of a starter-programme at the village of Misfāt al-Abriyin in Wilayat al-Hamra, which is intended to implement the Documentation and Tourism Development Plan. The project also aims to further test and develop design concepts, methodologies and solutions proposed in the Plan and in the Bait as-Sail (Salalah, Oman) project for rehabilitation, reuse and restoration, which is currently under construction. The project enables to test the applicability, at a larger scale, of restoration, rebuilding and reuse concepts developed by ArCHIAM, as well as understand specific methods of stakeholder engagement. This allows to move beyond the confines of single structures to holistically encompass neighbourhood areas which have a potential to sustain the life of the resident community through key revenuegenerating activities.

The project deliverables include the detailed design and related specifications of materials and methods for all new build, rebuilding and reuse actions to be undertaken in the following structures and spaces: • temporary ticket office (in existing camping site, Modern Misfāt); • temporary visitor centre (in existing camping site, Modern Misfāt); • entrance gate and room above, also referred to as ‘F4’; • restaurant, also referred to as ‘B1’; • kitchen/bakery, also referred to as ‘A10’; • passage from entrance gate to communal space with underground oven (tannur), known as Harat asShua; • parking spaces; • signage and solar lighting. A subsequent phase of the project will entail the recording of the implementation of actions undertaken by an independent contractor.

Previous Spread: water collection pool, Misfāt, 2014 Left: masterplan of interventions

ArCHIAM | HERITAGE MANAGEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT

F4 - Shop and Info Point Both Ground Floor and First Floor are proposed to be accurately rebuilt and the original spatial configuration preserved. The new layout includes: On the Ground Floor • a shop, where a broken upper level slit window in the outer wall has been widened at an angle in order to maximise natural light ingress; • an info point with a double height space - a “rock garden” - at the far end; • a new reinforced concrete staircase cantilevering off the existing rock, which will reconnect the two floors. The staircase is also part of a double height space introduced to channel both light and air down. On the First Floor • the parapet is raised to 140cm in order to filter the view of the parking space as well as protect the privacy of visitors; • the three existing rooms to be fully preserved to showcase the traditional Omani lifestyle. The original layout has been maintained while, due to their ruinous condition, all floors will be rebuilt using the traditional technique.

Previous Spread: F4 and main gate plan Left: F4 construction phase, Misfāt, March, 2019

ArCHIAM | CHANGING POLICY

F4 Existing Condition ground floor

F4 Existing Condition first floor

F4 Design Proporsal ground floor

F4 Design Proporsal first floor

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F4 Existing Condition ground floor

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F4 Existing Condition elevation AA'

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Left: view of main gate, construction phase, MisfÄ t, March, 2019

ArCHIAM | CHANGING POLICY

DESIGN STRATEGIES weavings knitting new and old, in and out of the original fabric by: editing/foregrounding/underplaying existing features recreating lost elements and spaces introducing new elements

Left: F4 existing condition, MisfÄ t, July, 2017

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Right: view from the main entrance, construction phase MisfÄ t, March, 2019

ArCHIAM | CHANGING POLICY

Detail Design

F4, detailed design, ground floor plan

REHABILITATION, REUSE AND RESTORATION OF TRADITIONAL STRUCTURES AND OPEN SPACES AT MISFAT AL ABRIYIN – WILAYAT AL HAM

EUSE AND RESTORATION OF TRADITIONAL STRUCTURES AND OPEN SPACES AT MISFAT AL ABRIYIN – WILAYAT AL HAMRA

F4, detailed design, section AA'

ATION, REUSE AND RESTORATION OF TRADITIONAL STRUCTURES AND OPEN SPACES AT MISFAT AL ABRIYIN â&#x20AC;&#x201C; WILAYAT AL HAMRA

F4, detailed design, first floor plan

Detail Design

F4, detailed design, section BB' Next Spread: F4 construction phase, MisfÄ t, March, 2019

A10 - Bakery The proposed bakery building would be developed with a view to becoming a fully functional building that caters for both residents and tourists, as well as a place where visitors can gain an immersive experience of traditional Omani bread making. To this aim two entrances had been instated: a main front entrance, off Harat as-Shua, to be used by locals, and a side entrance, off the alley running past A7, for use by tourists. This would allow locals to access the bread shop directly from Harat as-Shua and visitors to enter a small lobby from where they can either buy bread off the counter or walk into the actual bakery, for example to take part in bread making demonstration sessions. The Ground Floor was proposed to accommodate: • the lobby and shop, both partially double height to allow users upstairs to watch activities taking place at this level; • the bakery in the back room; • a new staircase introduced to take people upstairs. The First Floor was proposed to accommodate: • a space to be used to hold workshops & a women’s gathering place; • mezzanines looking down into the GF; • a viewing terrace facing Harat as-Shua, which would replace the void left by the collapse.

ArCHIAM | CHANGING POLICY

A10 Existing Condition

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A10 Existing Condition

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A10 Design Proposal

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Previous Left: existing plan A10 and Harat as-Shua Previous Right: A10 construction phase, MisfÄ t, March, 2019

A10 Existing Condition ground floor

A10 Existing Condition first floor

A10 Design Proposal ground floor

A10Design Proposal first floor

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baker's shop tourists entrance terrace

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ArCHIAM | CHANGING POLICY

DESIGN STRATEGIES reinstatement re-establishing the unity of the whole enhancing typology through sympathetic repurposing faĂ§ade redefinition stating a new identity for the building activating & catalyzing new urban values

Left: A10 existing condition, MisfÄ t, July, 2017

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A10, detailed design, ground floor plan

Detail Design

A10, detailed design, section JJ'

Right: A10 construction phase, MisfÄ t, March, 2019

B1 - Restaurant The collapse of the roof has accelerated the decay of walls and foundations leading to the collapse of most of the original structure. Partial reconstruction is required in order to make the building functional while retaining its character. The only remaining walls are located on the western side of the building. The proposed intervention is putting forward the following actions: • rebuilding of: a) the retaining wall on the southern façade overlooking the oasis (materials to be used: concrete and stone cladding); b) the 1 storey-façade on the northern side, where the new entrance to the restaurant is located (materials to be used: stone); c) intermediate floor and rooftops in the western wing aiming to complete and stabilise the original walls (traditional techniques to be employed).

Previous Spread: A10 current state Opposite Page: B1 existing plan Left: view of B1, Misfāt, July, 2017

ArCHIAM | CHANGING POLICY

B1 Existing Condition ground floor

B1 Design Proporsal ground floor

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â&#x20AC;˘ new build: a) central reinforced concrete platform above the restaurant hall on the GF, to be used on the FF as dining or viewing terrace. These platforms will complement and give access to the two family rooms contained in the original western wing of the building; b) vertical connections from the GF to the garden and from the GF to the FF were located close to the entrance, whereas the restaurant services (kitchen, toilets and pantry) will br placed against the northern wall, thus leaving the view of the oasis unobstructed.

B1 Existing Condition section LL'

B1 Existing Condition

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B1 Design proposal section LL'

B1 Design proposal elevation NN'

Right: B1, construction phase, MisfÄ t, March, 2019

ArCHIAM | CHANGING POLICY

DESIGN STRATEGIES insertion reanimating & resignifying a ruinous structure enabling the host to serve the new programme

Left: B1 existing condition, MisfÄ t, July, 2017

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Right & Next Spread: View of B1, MisfÄ t, July, 2017

ArCHIAM | CHANGING POLICY

Detail Design

B1, detailed design, ground floor plan

REHABILITATION, REUSE AND RESTORATION OF TRADITIONAL STRUCTURES AND OPEN SPACES AT MISFAT AL ABRIY

N, REUSE AND RESTORATION OF TRADITIONAL STRUCTURES AND OPEN SPACES AT MISFAT AL ABRIYIN â&#x20AC;&#x201C; WILAYAT AL HAMRA

B1, detailed design, section LL'

REHABILITATION, REUSE AND RESTORATION OF TRADITIONAL STRUCTURES AND OPEN SPACES AT MISFAT AL ABRIYIN â&#x20AC;&#x201C; WILAYAT AL HAMRA

B1, detailed design, first floor plan

REHABILITATION, REUSE AND RESTORATION OF TRADITIONAL STRUCTURES AND OPEN SPACES AT MISFAT AL ABRIY

N, REUSE AND RESTORATION OF TRADITIONAL STRUCTURES AND OPEN SPACES AT MISFAT AL ABRIYIN â&#x20AC;&#x201C; WILAYAT AL HAMRA

B1, detailed design, section PP'

Pathway from F4 to B1 For the stone pathway leading from F4 down to B1 the following measures are to be implemented: • treatment of all stone surfaces through an antislippery coating product that provides superior durability and safety, particularly in the presence of water, preserves surface quality, brightness and original colour. This product will also be applied on the stone stairs leading from the recently collapsed structure above the internal gate (next to B5) towards the fields in the lower part of the village; • installation of photovoltaic lighting fixtures (outdoor and underneath B4) and standard lighting fixtures in the main gate, which will be connected to F4’s electrical system.

Left & Right: view of stone pathway, Misfāt, July, 2017

ArCHIAM | CHANGING POLICY

Harat as-Shua This open space is regarded as a key point of interaction between the resident community and the visitors, with a potential to provide an enriching and comprehensive tourism experience. The existing tannur will be preserved in the light of a possible more frequent use (eg. once a week) given its proximity to the new bakery (A10) and restaurant (B1). The following is part of the design scheme for Harat as-Shua: • use of stone paving to mark the path leading to A10 and B1; • creation of a gravel “dry garden” all around the tannur to keep its unbuilt nature intact; • introduction of a fabric canopy supported by timber poles over a stone platform adjacent to A6 and A7, with the purpose of allowing locals and tourists to enjoy some shade.

Left: existing plan of Harat as-Shua Right: view of the tannur, Misfāt, July, 2017

ArCHIAM | CHANGING POLICY

F TRADITIONAL STRUCTURES AND OPEN SPACES AT MISFAT AL ABRIYIN â&#x20AC;&#x201C; WILAYAT AL HAMRA

Detail Design

Opposite Page: proposed plan of Harat as-Shua Above: proposed section Harat as-Shua Next Spread: view of Harat as-Shua, A11, A10, A8, MisfÄ t, March, 2019

ArCHIAM | CHANGING POLICY

BILITATION, REUSE AND RESTORATION OF TRADITIONAL STRUCTURES AND OPEN SPACES AT MISFAT AL ABRIYIN â&#x20AC;&#x201C; WILAYAT AL HAMRA

Parking Space (Old Misfāt) The new parking area at Harat al-Bilad (Old Misfāt) accounts for three 12 seater shuttle buses plus 10 additional parking spaces for cars. The proposed design conforms to the natural terrain’s topography developing two platforms at different heights which are interconnected by a vehicular ramp and a staircase. The scheme proposes: • the removal of small rocks to flatten the surface, facilitate transit of shuttles and locals’ cars and increase the capacity of the parking; • the plantation of palm trees to provide shading; • the creation of raised paths through the parking towards the village to ensure safe pedestrian crossing.

Left Top: proposed parking space plan in Old Misfāt Left and Right Bottom: exisitng parking space at the main gate

ArCHIAM | CHANGING POLICY

CENTRE FOR THE STUDY OF ARCHITECTURE AND CULTURAL HERITAGE OF INDIA, ARABIA AND THE MAGHREB www.archiam-centre.com

Prof. Soumyen Bandyopadhyay soumyenb@liverpool.ac.uk Phone: +44 (0) 7 588 579 084

Leverhulme Building, Abercromby Square University of Liverpool, L69 7ZN