Architecture Masters Design Project - Daniel Tihanyi

P R E S E R V A T I O N -

V i s i o n

f o r

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Y e m e n i

D a n i e l

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E N H A N C E M E N T

M o u n t a i n

T i h a n y i

S e t t l e m e n t

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Figure 1

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C O N T E N T S

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Introduction

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Chapter 1 - Place (The Village)

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Chapter 2 - Village Enhancements

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- The Nawba / Medical Clinic & Droneport

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- The Madrasa / A Place of Learning

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- The Barud / A Place to Gather

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- The Suq / Village Market

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- The Settlement’s Future / Positive Change & Development

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Appendix A / Village Investigations

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Appendix B / A Sense of Place - Yemen

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References

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List of Figures

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Glossary

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I N T R O D U C T I O N

Yemen’s fascinating and diverse architecture gradually revealed itself to me over a year of research, and it clearly has so much more to offer.

The almost unfathomable spectrum of building styles and traditional architectural solutions employed across the country is something that needs to be celebrated, and with the current conflicts affecting most of the population, it is now even more important to highlight the incredible culture of this region.

The rural communities of Yemen, where over 70% of the population reside (Lackner, 2017), although mostly not affected by direct conflict, still feel the harsh realities of the limited healthcare, infrastructure and education brought on by the ongoing war, as well as political and economical issues. This project aims to highlight how even simple spaces and structures can have a great impact on rural communities despite existing hardships.

The proposals’ key objective is to enhance settlements through the key themes of healthcare, education, community and economy, utilising the pre-existing, incredible traditional building knowledge that Yemen and its people maintains in their identity. Although some aspects of the proposals can be considered humanitarian architecture, the main focus -4-

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is on the preservation of the traditional, so that the existing fabric of “place” is not tainted in any way, in fact, it is built upon. The country’s traditional architectural systems and construction techniques evolved throughout the past millennia to become completely in sync with the local climates and topographical challenges. Therefore, rather than trying to employ foreign implementation strategies for the proposals, almost all of the precedents consulted in this project are that of the indigenous, which should become apparent to the reader. The local fabric and identity is respected. With these concepts in mind, we can now establish the meaning behind the title of the project: the themes of preservation and enhancement are a synthesis of ideas that draw on traditional Yemeni architecture, and aims to bring positive change to rural communities through modest, yet aspiring architecture.

There is a problem however. What location should we test these proposals in? How can we investigate the potential impact of these enhancements on a local community? What context should drive the form behind the design? This was one of the big challenges of this scheme. Yemen’s largest urban environments, especially the world heritage sites of Shibam and the capital city of Sana’a thankfully allows for thorough analysis, as images, mapping and statistical data are all

relatively abundant. However, the nation’s rural settlements scarcely hold any concrete data, with many of them even remaining unnamed (other than informal names given by local populations). Some satellite imaging does exist for specific sites, and there are great bibliographical sources for regional surveys, however, single settlements simply do not hold the necessary sourced data to allow for a considerate design approach by myself as the “architect”, and that is a limitation that I must state.

This prompted the absolute key reason behind the submission’s first chapter, the creation of a hypothetical site. With the rural mountain settlements of Yemen being one of the most common yet fascinating typologies, the project assumed an “imaginary” approach, whereby a hypothetical mountain village was first fully realised before any of the interventions’ designs were even considered. It is incredibly important to stress that even though the specific site for this project is imaginary, it is completely grounded in realism. It is, as of now, a real settlement.

Great care was taken to ensure that ample research was carried out to responsibly propose a mountain village in the Southern Highlands of Yemen that respects its own constraints with the themes of clustering, culture, size, technologies, architectural styles and features, topography,

climate and aesthetics. It was also my full responsibility as the designer not to augment any realities / aspects of the village to ease the design process. All the architectural proposals presented throughout this booklet respond to its site the same way they would respond to a real location, and they were designed with such constraints in mind.

The lack of data on a particular settlement proved to be one of the greatest motivators behind this project however. The research carried out to responsibly realise a mountain settlement in Yemen pushed the project to a greater height, without a doubt. The fascinating traditions that were explored, whether that be of the architecture or the local communities, allowed for even more considerate designs and strategies.

With this scheme as a starting point, it is hoped that designing for positive change in Yemen can be explored in all of its varied contexts one day, highlighting how simple spaces can be the catalyst for great change.

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C H A P T E R

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P L A C E

T H E A

Q A R Y I A *

Y e m e n i

M o u n t a i n

V i l l a g e

This hypothetical Yemeni mountain settlement is at the forefront of the project and the subsequent design proposals. Its urban form, building distribution, clustering, typologies, features and general style were all “designed” according to similarly scaled villages of the Khubban region, and Yemeni mountain villages in general.

Creating an “imaginary” village meant that I, the author had an important responsibility not to augment the reality of the local architecture, therefore great care and thorough attention was given to all aspects of the settlement. The following pages will demonstrate that although this location is not real; it is grounded in realism, and respects the local cultural and architectural heritage; resulting in a living, breathing place.

PLEASE NOTE: The attached video file to this submission should be now watched to get a better appreciation of the identity of this village, and the research that influenced its design, and the design of the architectural proposals. Thank you.

*Qaryia: Village -6-

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L o c a t i o n

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V i l l a g e

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The Southern and Western Highlands of Yemen give place to many of the incredible mountain settlements that are dotted across the country. Our hypothetical settlement is located in the Khubban region, highlighted on the map below. Beyond that, its exact location shown on the next page is purely imaginary, so not to clash with any existing local identities.

Figure 1.0

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T h e

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“Mountain settlements can be found throughout the entirety of the ‘Mashriq’ region, and other remote parts of the country. They are mostly characterised by the long, snaking agricultural terraces, which are retained by heavy stone walls. Speaking of which, in these locations, stone is almost exclusively used as the only building material, with exception to some timber structural elements. The asymmetrical clustering of the buildings and the mainly undecorated external walls is also typical of this typology. (Marchand, 2017) Stone paths create linkage between other settlements, however these are mostly isolated communities. ‘Birka’ and ‘Majil’ cisterns are commonly utilised. These are covered with ‘qadad’ a waterproof lime plaster.”

1 - Bare walls, with very little decoration/ wall coverings. Occasional whitewash or mud ender.

2 - Thick stone walls retaining a complex system of terrace farms.

3 - Asymmetrical building clustering.

4 - Open cisterns (birka) for certain domestic use, and ablution.

Figure 2

Please Note: The text appearing on this page is a direct extract from my 5A (AB964) submission. (Tihanyi, n.d.)

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5 - Presence of historical watchtowers overlooking the terraced farms.

6 - Closed cisterns (majil) for drinking

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S t o n e

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Figure 4

Step 1 Stone mined from local quarry

Step 2 Timber is gathered for structural elements Figure 3

“Traditional stone construction sees the mining of rocks from local quarries, and carried to site. These blocks are then placed on top of one another by the master builder, who carefully balances on the current layer, while assistants carry the stones to him with the help of ladders. No scaffolding is involved.

Mortar is not always used. In the picture below, gaps are filled with smaller rocks for stability. (Marchand, 2017) Timber is almost always only used for structural elements such as cross beams; and entrance doors (rarely as other decorative elements like shutters).�

Step 3 Stones are placed layer by layer

Please Note: The text appearing on this page is a direct extract from my 5A (AB964) submission. (Tihanyi, n.d.)

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Village Cemetery

Central Water Cistern / “Birka” & Ablution Centre / “Masfa”

Livestock & Dung-Pie (“Tikha”) Pit

Main Road leading to Village

South-facing Terrace Farms

Kiln for Mud-Bricks / “Libn”

Bee-keeper’s Hives - Closed water cisterns (“Majil”) / wells for drinking water

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Historical Watchtower / “Nawba”

Village Mosque

Section across the centre of the village, highlighting the water cistern

South Elevation of Village

North Elevation of Village - 13 -

V I L L A G E C R O S S ( F a c i n g N o r t h )

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S E C T I O N

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This diagram highlights the axes created by the most prominent structures of the village: the mosque, water cistern, the historic gate and the watchtower (the terrace farms facing it). These axes were related to in all the architectural proposals, creating a more dynamic link between the proposed and the existing.

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The adjacent diagram highlights the most prominent paths across the village, as a result of their proximity to important features such as the central ablution pool and the mosque.

Connected to the previous diagram, important zones and spaces are are highlighted here, showing where people are most likely to gather and interact with their environment. Most notably here are the ablution pool, terrace farms, cemetery, livestock area, and of course, the village entrance.

Main Image to the Left: Visualisation of the settlement’s central core, which holds the main water cistern and adjacent ablution centre. This is the primary gathering location for the village’s inhabitants; as washing, religious activities and small-scale local trade can be carried out here.

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I N D U S T R I E S

O F

T H E

V I L L A G E

Mountain settlements in Yemen are a composite of unique self-sufficient industries. Although many of these villages are very small, their culture and activities are incredibly important to both the settlement itself, and the identity of Yemen.

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A g r i c u l t u r e

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Since the early history of the region, people in Yemen often settled at higher altitudes on mountain sides in order to give more space for crops along the fertile “Wadi” floodplains in the valleys (Marchand, 2017). As a result, terrace farms were also built to accommodate villages higher up the mountains. It is very important to recognise the wide range of crops cultivated in these settlements, from high quality coffee to Qat: a mild narcotic plant that is consumed daily by most of the Yemeni population.

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W i n d o w

C r a f t i n g

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One of the pillars of Yemeni architecture are the beautiful hand-made coloured windows, “Takhrim”. Despite much of the local architecture consisting of bare stone façades, these specially crafted windows appear in all architectural regions and settlement sizes. Unfortunately this significant cultural trademark is practiced less and less nowadays, something that should be remedied.

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B e e - k e e p i n g

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Bee-keeping is a common practice in rural settlements to this day. Although not specific to mountain villages, it is important to note that the honey produced here can be a valuable product both for trade and even healthcare, given its natural medicinal properties. The architectural proposals for our village should definitely take this into consideration.

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M u d - B r i c k

B a k i n g

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Although stone construction is most prominent across all mountain settlements, the traditional “libn� mudbrick building material is commonly produced as well.

These bricks are usually utilised for structures, they are sometimes also implemented as decorative features. The mud-bricks are dried in the sun in large open areas, and are then commonly baked further in an outdoor kiln.

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Narrow streets and paths often snake across settlements of all sizes. This tight clustering allows solar shading at ground level, which in turn makes them a common public gathering spot. It is common to see livestock resting in these shaded locations as well.

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The tower houses of Yemen form part of the nation’s architectural identity. These dwellings often span 4-7 storeys, and are usually shared between a single family and their close relatives, often constructed by themselves or local master builders, “Usta”. (Varanda, 2009)

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Section across a domestic tower house in our village. Please note the underground grain storage space, “Madfan�, which is a common feature of the local buildings. Furthermore, the viewer can see the covered water channels that run under the street. These channels transport run-off rainwater from the dwelling rooftops to the central water cistern - making the whole village a massive water harvesting system.

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Section across a typical dwelling’s window. Traditional “air-conditioning” system used in Yemen. The pouch is filled with (cold) water, and as the air enters through the gaps in the stonework due to cross / stack ventilation effects, the pouch helps to cool down the incoming air (Ragette, 2012). Please note this detail on the previous page’s image as well.

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Above: View of the southern terrace farms of the village, and the roof-line created by the tower houses. The roof-line highlights the raised corners of the tower houses, which is a traditional architectural feature called “Shahada”. It is said that the number of stones that make up a Shahada is equal to the number of helpers the master builder (“Usta”) had during construction (Varanda, 2009).

Left: Night-time render of the watchtower. These towers were historically used for guarding the crop fields, however nowadays they are either left derelict, or are converted into other functions, such as grain storage or even housing (Varanda, 2009).

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GSEducationalVersion

View towards a prominent central circulation zone of the village.

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C H A P T E R

V I L L A G E

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E N H A N C E M E N T S

N A W B A *

M e d i c a l

C l i n i c

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D r o n e p o r t

The first architectural enhancement proposed for the village is the medical clinic.

Healthcare and medicinal access in rural settlements is extremely limited. People often have to walk many miles for the nearest healthcare facility, and even there the available care is often lacking (Lackner, 2017). Based on the strategy established in my 5A project (which is summarised in following 2 pages), the use of drones can provide much needed relief to rural communities. The drones bring the medicine directly to the village, where the facility acts both as a clinic, and as a “workshop� for the drones.

*Nawba: Watchtowers of Yemen (see page 34 for clarification).

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S t r a t e g y

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Step 1 “Drones carrying the vital supplies are launched from humanitarian vessels on approach to the western region of Yemen.

Alternatively, the drones could be launched from a facility near the shipping route.

Step 1 Drones carrying the vital supplies are launched from humanitarian vessels on approach to the western region of Yemen.

Alternatively, the drones could be launched from a facility near the shipping route.

Step 1 Drones carrying the vital supplies are launched from humanitarian vessels on approach to the western region of Yemen.

Alternatively, the drones could be launched from a facility near the shipping route.

Step 1 Drones carrying the vital supplies are launched from humanitarian vessels on approach to the western region of Yemen.

Alternatively, the drones could be launched from a facility near the shipping route.�

Figure 5

Please Note: The text appearing on this page is a direct extract from my 5A (AB964) submission. (Tihanyi, n.d.)

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D r o n e s

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“Medical drones very much provide a feasible alternative infrastructure for delivering humanitarian aid into remote regions and settlements. With more sophisticated models able to reach vast distances without the need to resupply, they are the perfect way to connect the rural villages of Yemen to international aid.

Although it is still a new technology, it can be expected that major advances will be achieved within the following years.

For such distances, a fixed wing drone aircraft would be used. These run on fuel cells, and require a runway to take off, and a ‘catching net’ for landing. (Flyzipline.com, 2019). However, as mentioned before, deliveries can also be made mid-air with high precision, and therefore not requiring the drone to land in every settlement.

Drones can bring medicinal supplies, blood packs, vitamins, vaccines, clean water and food supplies to remote communities. And it can do so in great quantities, with storage potentials of up to a 100kg (although this is rare at this stage - 10kg is more common).

(Flyzipline.com, 2019) It should be noted that the design and detailed specifications of the drones are not the focus of this project.”

Figure 6

Please Note: The text appearing on this page is a direct extract from my 5A (AB964) submission. (Tihanyi, n.d.)

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S T U D I E S

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K e y

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A x o n o m e t r i c

Medicinal Drones

1) Drone Launcher Equipment

Research into existing organisations which deal with medicinal drones was carried out early in both 5A and 5B projects. One of the stand-out examples was Zimpline.

This company uses drone delivery systems for rural settlements in Africa, delivering medicines and bloodpacks to hard-toreach areas. A doctor in the village can make a delivery request through an app, and and Zipline drone shortly delivers the life-saving cargo with extreme precision in terms of location. (Flyzipline.com, 2019)

2) Runway and Catching Net (for larger drones)

Watchtowers This proposal sees the utilisation of the existing watchtower in the village. The first implementation phase is the conversion of the derelict historical watchtower. A drone beacon is installed, and the roof is opened up (closable with a hatch), allowing smaller drones to make delivery drops from the sky (purely to deliver medicine to the village). The facility can then be expanded into the full clinic proposal around the tower. The conversion of the existing tower fits with the precedent of the local population often altering these structures into housing and other uses.

(Varanda, 2009)

3) Barrel vault roof, allowing better air ventilation within the patient rooms, as well as facilitating rainwater harvesting (the curved roof channels the water into the nearby collection pool) 4) Underground medical storage room, for security and cooler air temperatures 5) Rooflight punctures above the workshop. Roof space also for solar panels 6) Pulley system, lowering arrived drones from the upper runway to the ground floor workshop 7) Oculus for initial (smaller) drone deliveries when the full facility is not implemented yet.

8) Drawing showing the building of the arches - steel rods hold the stone pieces in place while the arch is completed and becomes self supporting.

9) Harvested rainwater pool, next to patient room and doctor’s office - for quick access.

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Left: Render showing the elevation of the clinic upon arrival, with the multiple types of drones that are capable of making deliveries.

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I m p l e m e n t a t i o n

Conversion of derelict watchtower to accommodate drone parachute drop deliveries. Workshop added.

S e q u e n c e

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Expansion into the full clinic.

Addition of runway allows for larger deliveries.

Earth roof construction detail, that is proposed for the flat areas of the roof. Sticks (timber elements), straw-mud layer, stone tile finish.

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1) Entrance and Reception Area

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2) Waiting Room 3) Patient Rooms

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4) Harvested Water Collection Pool 5) Doctor’s Office 6) Below: Stairs to the underground medical storage room Above: Stairs to the runway

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7) Connecting corridor between Doctor’s Office and Workshop / Storage space for products / supplies

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8) Drone Launcher 9) Ground Floor: Workshop Storage Space / Cabinets 1st Floor: Pulley system for lowering drones 2nd Floor: Drop point for smaller drone deliveries 10) Workshop and Drone Recharge Station

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Domestic Buildings

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Medical Clinic

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This image highlights all the necessary equipment to facilitate the drone delivery system: 1) Solar panels for recharging the drones and for electrical equipment in the workshop.

2) Runway and catching net for fixedwing drones 3) Drone launcher equipment

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The connecting corridor between the doctor’s office and the workshop is proposed as a secure storage area for all the useful products that the village produces; crops, honey, herbal products and so on. The idea is that the drone system should not deliver important cargo, but to also send away products to other settlements. This way, the village gives back! As a result, in the future, a potential humanitarian network of these rural settlements can be established. The corridor is located directly adjacent to the drone launching area, therefore the products can be easily loaded onto the outgoing aircraft.

Typical Yemeni Beehive - Inspiration - Industry & medicinal properties of honey

Establish Pattern - Box Handle Directions

Turn Pattern into Usable Shelf Space

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T H E A

M A D R A S A *

P l a c e

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L e a r n i n g

Following the establishment of a healthcare facility, the most pressing need for rural communities in Yemen is education. Children often miss out on an opportunity to carry out even basic studies due to unavailability of teaching facilities (Lackner, 2017). Although local mosques sometimes hold classes for children, a more elaborate Place of Learning is proposed for the village, one that also attempts to revitalise the magnificent art of Yemeni window crafting, that is a staple of the local culture and heritage.

The proposal is located directly adjacent to the village mosque, a choice that is discussed over the following pages.

*Madrasa: School - 42 -

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S T U D I E S

K e y

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A x o n o m e t r i c

Madrasa

1) Agricultural Teaching Garden

Education in Yemen is often closely linked to religious learning. (Marchand, 2017). A building typology that existed for millennia that draws on this idea is that of the Madrasa. These institutions are usually composed of a square-shaped plan with a central courtyard. Since basic education in the village was previously carried out at the local mosque, it was appropriate to draw influence from the Madrasa typology, which ultimately influenced the plan of the learning centre in our settlement.

2) Qadad (waterproofing plaster) lined roof that channels rainwater into the teaching garden (more info on next page).

Figure 10

Window Craft As mentioned before, traditional window crafting in Yemen is a pillar of the local heritage. As a result, the learning centre proposes to revitalise this tradition and to create a workshop dedicated to mastering this unique craft. The water needed for the plaster mix that makes up the windows is drawn from the adjacent mosque’s ablution pool, thereby creating a dynamic link between the teaching facility and the mosque - a further justification for the precedent of the Madrasa.

3) Window Crafting Workshop 4) Small aqueduct carrying collected rainwater into further smaller planters 5) Central wind tower. Acts as shared main entrance for the girls’ and boys’ classrooms, as well as providing each classroom with proper air ventilation (air that is drafted up the mountainside).

6) Classrooms 7) Rooflight punctures

Initial concept for the wind tower

Figure 11 - 44 Axo GSEducationalVersion

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Agriculture is the primary source of food and income for most of the Yemeni rural communities. The learning centre aims to provide a space for children to be educated on traditional cultivation methods; taking the form of the “teaching garden”, seen on the Left.

Aesthetic Deatil on a Yemeni Madrasa. The pattern influenced the central arch of the learning centre, bringing colour to the school’s focal point.

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Terrace Farms in Yemen. Highlights the scale of agricultural operations in the country; these farm platforms often span miles.

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P l a n

1) Central Courtyard / Play Area

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2) Window Crafting Workshop (water boiler for plaster mix in the middle)

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3) Agriculture Teaching Garden 4) Mosque’s Ablution Pool 5) Covered Water Channel (transports excess water from ablution pool to the water boiler in the workshop) 6) Wind Tower / Shared Main Entrance to Classrooms 7) Girls’ Classroom

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8) Boys’ Classroom (Teaching is seperate for boys and girls in Yemen) 9) Storage Space (for classrooms and window workshop) 10) Water Fountain

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Central Water Cistern

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Dwelling with Underground Grain Storage

Water Channel from Water Cistern to the School Courtyard. (The water is purified through ceramic filters which can be locally produced)

Learning Centre

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Water fountain in the school courtyard.

Before reaching the courtyard, the water is purified by ceramic filtration. These ceramic elements are locally produced by specially mixing clay, sawdust and a very small amount of silver particles (Laboratory Equipment, 2013) which can be brought in with drone deliveries.

Inspiration from the central courtyard fountains found in Madrasas.

Combine

Underground pipes from village water cistern

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Central Courtyard Building layout inspired by the historical planning of Madrasas.

Fountain connected to retaining wall, attached to water pipe from water cistern - 53 -

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The learning centre’s primary space is arguably the window workshop. The room is south-facing, therefore the colourful windows along the facade are fully utilised. The idea is that these windows can be swapped out periodically to the best student works, creating an ever-changing, dynamic space. Since these windows are typically inserted simply by attaching it to the wall opening with plaster (Varanda, 2009), they are easily interchangeable.

Figure 14

Traditional Tools used for Window Crafting and Plaster Mixing.

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T H E A

B A R U D *

P l a c e

t o

G a t h e r

The third architectural enhancement for the village recognises the importance of social and community events in Yemen, such as traditional dances, weddings, and day-to-day gatherings between neighbours and households. The main, open communal space is located directly adjacent to the village threshing floor, which is historically used for local events, or even congregations between multiple adjacent communities (Marchand, 2017).

The proposal is split between two main typologies: - The main, open communal space, which covers a central water reservoir, where harvested rainwater is collected and purified - Secondary, semi-open gathering “pods� that are more private and sheltered.

*Barud: Open-sided covered area for sitting outdoors - 56 -

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S T U D I E S

K e y

Ablution Pools The influence of the plan of the community proposal was derived from the fascinating structures and forms of the open water cisterns that can be found throughout Yemen in mountain settlements. Water and ablution is closely tied to the idea of gathering, as families often meet here for washing and religious activities. This existing typology also influenced the secondary function of the community space intervention: elaborate water harvesting for the village.

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A x o n o m e t r i c

1) Qadad-lined roof, channelling water to the pod’s central well below.

2) Semi-open gathering / seating space 3) Underground water channel connecting the pod’s well to the central water reservoir under the main communal space 4) Small wall perforations, transporting water from the waterproof textile roof to the water channel within the wall’s core (see no.8) 5) Main community space 6) Underground water reservoir

Threshing Floor The threshing floor’s historic association with public community gatherings inspired the location for this proposal, as mentioned previously.

7) Water channel connection to the second pod (see Plan on pg. 64) 8) Qadad-lined water channel within the wall core, taking harvested water from the roof to the underground water reservoir 9) Staircase leading down to the reservoir

- Water Channels

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Left: Main, open community space during a wedding’s traditional dance event.

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Inspiration of Yemeni ablution pools (Extract from Figure 15)

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Translatation into underlining form

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Abstraction / conversion into working Plan

Yemeni men performing a dance with the traditional knife accessory; the “Janbiya”.

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1) Semi-Open Gathering Spaces 2) Main Communal Space

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3) Central Well - for rainwater harvesting, water reservoir below

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4) Water Channel - connects the second “pod� to the main water reservoir

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5) Village Threshing Floor. Close connection with the main community space of the proposal.

6) Stairs leading to the water reservoir

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7) Path from the village centre to the threshing floor 8) Close proximity to the outdoor kiln, usually used for mudbrick making. The kiln can be used to produce the ceramic filters for the underground reservoir, which will be discussed on page 68.

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Central Water Cistern of the Village

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Water Channel between “Pod” and the Water Reservoir Water Reservoir

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Left: Interior view of the semi-open gathering pods.

Please note the central well which collects rainwater channelled from the roof. This space is dedicated to smaller gatherings or even Qat chewing (mild narcotic plant), which is commonly a social event.

Right: Internal view of the underground water reservoir. The style is purposefully spiritual, as water is often associated with religion in Yemen. The central ceramic plate and filters water dropping through the well above, while the vases within the wall perforations purify the water incoming through the previously mentioned water channels. The ceramic filtration vases are periodically replaced. The internal face of the reservoir is lined with Qadad (waterproofing plaster).

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T H E

S U Q *

V i l l a g e

M a r k e t

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T r a d e

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E c o n o m y

The market for our mountain settlement is the final proposed enhancement, and is more conceptual in nature. The base idea is derived from weekly markets that are often held in even in smaller settlements, and the travelling merchants that commonly set up temporary market stalls outside village gates (Varanda, 2009). The proposal will provide vigour to the local and inter-community trade practice, boosting its economy. This intervention is expected to start off only as a central storage warehouse, the “Samsara”, and a limited number of market stalls. However, as the village grows, so does its trade capacity, and the following images explores / assumes the market’s full future potential.

Built in phases, initially only the warehouse will exist, where a cable car can bring goods to the village directly (refer to the video submission), while the village’s own produce is also stored here. From this, market stalls will be constructed depending on demand, and finally, a central water channel is constructed that can transport water from the central water cistern to other settlements (see following pages).

*Suq: Market / Marketplace - 68 -

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S T U D I E S

Market Stalls Although contemporary shops and retail stores are abundant in larger cities, historical and smaller settlements still utilise community-built market stalls (Varanda, 2009). These simple stone structures create a much more organic public space, where streets are formed similarly to bazaars elsewhere in the Arab world. The village market proposal draws inspiration from this concept, forming vibrant streets and paths, all connected by the central storage warehouse, the “Samsara�. The simple market stalls can be constructed by the local community.

Figure 18

Figure 19 - 70 -

Figure 20

Crop Drying

Cable Cars

Coffee, Qat and other agricultural products are often dried on rooftops in Yemen, which creates and incredibly unique, colourful aesthetic to the otherwise monochromatic stone architecture. The flat roofs of individual market stalls can be utilised for crop drying, therefore enhancing the vibrancy of the market as a whole. The stepped elevation of the proposal allows views onto the drying crops from most angles.

Becoming more and more prominent, several local charitable organisations are starting to set up simple cable car systems to remote mountain villages (Al Jazeera English, 2017). Since people usually have to walk many miles from these settlements down the mountain for the nearest stores, these cable cars can provide an extremely beneficial impact.

The self-constructed market stalls will ensure that all pieces of the market streets are unique and varied.

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M a r k e t

w i t h

I m m e d i a t e

C o n t e x t

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-

M a r k e t

I m p l e m e n t a t i o n

P h a s e s

-

Phase 1

Phase 2

Phase 3

Construction of the central “Samsarah” warehouse to which a cable car can bring supplies. Mild modification to the landscape; introduction of new public space. Route established to village centre and main road.

Introduction of community-built market stalls. Travelling merchants that traditionally set up temporary stalls outside of the village boundaries can reserve space here. Expansion to the overall public area.

Additional market stalls, and most importantly, introduction of the aqueduct and water channel that can transport water to lower settlements. Expansion to the public space. From here, the market can grow further with additional market stalls in the future, as depicted throughout this chapter’s visuals.

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The market enhancement for this village revolves around the idea of bringing in supplies to the village (via trucks and cable cars), and selling the locally produced crops and crafts.

However, there is a great opportunity for the village to give back something in return, something that is in its identity: water. Using the principles of traditional water channels, one of the main architectural motifs of this proposal is the aqueduct-like wall that penetrates across the intervention. The idea is that it will transport water for the ablution pools and wells to villages lower on the mountain. This move will celebrate one of the key features of a settlement like this.

Water fountains placed alongside mountain paths to fulfil a pious function: to give water to the thirsty.

(These fountains also have a traditional association with markets. As such, the main image to the left shows the proposed fountains alongside the mountain path and water channel) Figure 21

Traditional water channel from a mountain settlement, transporting water to a lower village and its mosque.

Figure 22 - 75 -

6

5

P l a n

K e y

1) “Samsara” central warehouse. Top Level: Open storage area where supplies are delivered to via cable car. Bottom level: secure storage rooms 2) Cable Car Delivery Point 3) Aqueduct / Water Channel, transporting water to lower settlements

7

4) Market Entry Point via Village Centre 5) Market Entry Point via Main Road

4

6) Village Central Water Cistern

8

7) Underground Water Channel between aqueduct and central water cistern 8) “Majil” - closed water cistern / well Rest of the plan depicts the market stalls.

1 3 2

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Please Note: Due to the stepped elevation of the market, the plan was slightly augmented to show floor-cuts across all the structures.

1: 1,250 - 77 -

Domestic Dwellings

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Market Stalls “Samsara” Central Warehouse

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Market Street View Please note the traditional ornamentation on the closest market stall, usually built using “libn� mud-bricks.

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Market Centre Please note the “Samsara� warehouse and the aqueduct above. Please note the waterproofing Qadad lining on top of the aqueduct (white strip).

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T H E

S E T T L E M E N T ’ S

P o s i t i v e

C h a n g e

&

F U T U R E

D e v e l o p m e n t

Through the implementation of the four architectural enchantments, it is hoped that a real positive change was brought to the village, allowing it to grow in the years to come.

Tackling the themes of education, healthcare, community and trade, settlements in Yemen can bring much-needed relief to its inhabitants. This project aimed to highlight how simple interventions can generate great impact, and how the existing traditional building techniques and the incredible way of Yemeni life and culture can take centre stage in more contemporary proposals.

(Please note the expansion of the village in this image, as well as all four of the interventions in place).

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A P P E N D I X V i l l a g e

A

I n v e s t i g a t i o n s

The following images highlight example research that was carried out to identify some architectural features of Yemeni mountain settlements; however, the real focus in this section is placed on the investigative diagrams of mountain settlement clustering that was taken from exiting locations.

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The Village of Shahara, in North-West Yemen

Figure 23 - 85 -

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Figure 24

Figure 25

Figure 26

Figure 27

Dwelling Terraced Paths

Village Well Historical Watchtower

Early conceptual section - investigation into the mountain village typology

Water Cistern

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Area: 17,200m2 Total No. of Buildings: ~20 Coordinates: 13.756611; 45.163730

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Area: 29,710m2 Total No. of Buildings: ~25 Coordinates: 13.707329; 45.225058

Area: 8,200m2 Total No. of Buildings: ~14 Coordinates: 13.729810, 45.163214

Area: 17,800m2 Total No. of Buildings: ~30 Coordinates: 14.139782; 44.273548

Area: 18,200m2 Total No. of Buildings: ~35 Coordinates: 14.138718; 44.337136

Area: 16,190m2 Total No. of Buildings: ~35 Coordinates: 13.737745; 45.132030

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Area: 9,800m2 Total No. of Buildings: ~15 Coordinates: 13.734996, 24.215993

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Area: 31,300m2 Total No. of Buildings: ~35 Coordinates: 13.624872; 45.227982

Area: 24,010m2 Total No. of Buildings: ~28 Coordinates: 14.033900; 44.225836

This diagram shows the common mountain settlement chains of Yemen- smaller hamlets essentially bleed into one-another, sometimes interrupted by a larger cluster of buildings / villages.

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A P P E N D I X A

S e n s e

o f

P l a c e

B -

Y e m e n

The following series of sketches represent the initial investigation that was carried out to identify the rich architectural qualities of Yemen and their vast variety.

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S e t t l e m e n t

V i e w s

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Lowlands - Ataq Plains

Mountain Village

Southern Highlands

Coordinates: 14.361474; 46.821400

Coordinates: 14.479450; 44.114856

Coordinates: 14.427397; 46.160159

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Rada’ Plains

Southern Coastal Region

Southern Coastal Region

Coordinates: 14.404666; 44.843639

Coordinates: 14.802617; 49.786330

Coordinates: 14.906778; 49.961590

Wadi

Northern Plateau

Coastal Region

Coordinates: 15.461934; 48.429189

Coordinates: 16.937413; 43.277020

Coordinates: 12.755501; 44.833085

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C l u s t e r i n g

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-

Central Belt / Plains

Amran Plains

Tihama Region

Coordinates: 14.357610; 44.495854

Coordinates: 16.365908; 44.073598

Coordinates: 14.190375; 43.095584

Mountain Village / Wadi

Wadi

Plains

Coordinates: 13.716818; 45.215436

Coordinates: 14.797724; 45.686830

Coordinates: 15.825740; 48.440480

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Northern Plateaux

Southern Coastal Region

Desert / Ataq Plains

Coordinates: 16.895767; 43.572644

Coordinates: 14.245593; 48.870962

Coordinates: 14.680077; 46.640348

D e t a i l s

Southern Highlands

Wadi

Coordinates: 13.536415; 44.356397

Coordinates: 16.020026; 49.751362

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Sana’a - Old Jewish House

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House in Saada - Plan -

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‘Zabur’ House in Barat

Rubble Core Wall - “Libn” Exterior -

Stilted Two- Centred Arch

Staggered Entrances for Privacy

Decorated Door - Shibam -

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Wind Scoop Wall

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Wind Scoop Ventilation

Sun Shading

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- Winter -

Sun Shading

Modern Housing Block

Hill Weather Conditions

- Summer -

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Coastal Mountains

Coastal Weather

Mountain Weather

- Rain Barrier -

Noon: Breeze from the sea to land Midnight: Air moves from land to sea

Noon: Air movement uphill Midnight: Air movement downhill

‘Rawshaq’ Window

Multi Storey House - Zabid -

Waterproofing Qadad Layer on the Roof

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B I B L I O G R A P H Y

&

R E F E R E N C E S

In-text: (Marchand, 2017) Full Reference: Marchand, T. (2017). Architectural heritage of Yemen. 1st ed. London: Gingko Library, pp.11-26, 41, 51-55, 71-102, 149-151,157-161.

Description: Vital resource for examining the different architectural qualities of Yemen.

In-text: (Lackner, 2017) Full Reference: Lackner, H. (2017). Yemen in crisis. 1st ed. London: Saqi Books, pp.198-233, 261-295.

Description: Great source of statistical data and detailed account on multiple aspects of Yemeni everyday life.

In-text: (Ragette, 2012) Full Reference: Ragette, F. (2012). Traditional Domestic Architecture of the Arab Region. 3rd ed. pp.24-33, 53, 228-238.

Description: Book detailing key aspects of Arab domestic architecture.

In-text: (Flyzipline.com, 2019) Full Reference: Flyzipline.com. (2019). Zipline - Lifesaving Deliveries by Drone. [online] Available at: https://www.flyzipline.com/.

Description: Information on medical drones.

In-text: (Varanda, 2009) Full Reference: Varanda, F., 2009. Art Of Building In Yemen. 2nd ed. Lisbon: ARGUMENTUM. Description: An incredibly valuable collection of image surveys throughout Yemen, highlighting traditional architectural features and construction methods.

In-text: (Laboratory Equipment, 2013) Full Reference: Laboratory Equipment, 2013. Ceramic Water Filter Makes Clean Water. [video] Available at: <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xpsAJ9Bqcmo> [Accessed 18 May 2020].

Description: A video demostrating a ceramic water purification vase and its composition.

In-text: (Al Jazeera English, 2017) Full Reference: Al Jazeera English, 2017. Life Above The Conflict: Cable Car Links Yemenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Mountain Villages. [video] Available at: <https://www.youtube. com/watch?v=1x23sijoRco&t=22s> [Accessed 18 May 2020].

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F u r t h e r

C o n s u l t e d

R e f e r e n c e s

Full Reference: Verderber, S. (2016). Innovations in Transportable Healthcare Architecture. 1st ed. New York: Saxon Graphics, pp.227-232.

Description: Book highlighting the advancements in contemporary mobile healthcare solutions.

Full Reference: Sultan, B. (2008). Modern/Traditional Buildings in Yemen and Sustainability. Research Gate, pp.1-5 Description: Essay paper on traditional vs modern architectural features in Yemen.

Full Reference: BBC News. (2019). Yemen country profile. [online] Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-14704852 [Accessed 18 Feb. 2019].

Description: Website for basic background information on Yemen.

A limited number of texts and images were taken from my 5A submission, these are highlighted on the appropriate pages. Reference below:

In-text: (Tihanyi, n.d.)

Full Reference: Tihanyi, D., n.d. Aid Through Architecture - The Humanitarian Healthcare Newtork For Yemen. Postgraduate. University of Strathclyde.

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L I S T

O F

F I G U R E S

Note: Excluding the mentioned figures below, all images, drawings and illustrations were created by the author.

Figure 1 - Drawing by author. Part of a previous submission.

Access: Cultural Studies 5a - AB967

Figure 10 - Image courtesy of Qais Al-Awqati Access: (Marchand, 2017) - Page 50

Figure 2 - Drawing by author. Part of a previous submission.

Access: Design Studies 5a - AB964 - Page 67

Figure 11 - Image courtesy of A. al-Shahari Access: (Marchand, 2017) - Page 174

Figure 3 - Photograph courtesy of Shelagh Weir.

Access: (Marchand, 2017) - Page 85

Figure 12 - Image courtesy of Dominique G. Access: http://www.alovelyworld.com/webyemen/htmgb/mosque-arwa. htm

Figure 4 - Drawing by author. Part of a previous submission.

Access: Design Studies 5a - AB964 - Page 61 Figure 5 - Drawing by author. Part of a previous submission.

Access: Design Studies 5a - AB964 - Page 39 Figure 6 - Drawing by author. Part of a previous submission.

Access: Design Studies 5a - AB964 - Page 41 Figure 7 - Image courtesy of Stephen Shankland/CNET Access: https://www.cnet.com/pictures/take-a-look-at-ziplines-new-dronedelivery-system/ Figure 8 - Image courtesy of Ă&#x2013;AW: Institute for Social Anthropology Access: https://www.nfg-yemen.net/the-project/the-boundary-dispute/ Figure 9 - Image courtesy of Martin Knap Access: https://www.archdaily.com/781897/how-rammed-earth-walls-were-givena-new-lease-of-life-in-vernacular-himalayan-buildings?ad_medium=gallery

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Figure 13 - Satellite Image by Bing. Edited by author.

Access: https://www.bing.com/maps/ Figure 14 - Image courtesy of Fernando Varanda Access: (Varanda, 2009) - Page 138 Figure 15 - Image courtesy of Fernando Varanda Access: (Varanda, 2009) - Page 20 Figure 16 - Image courtesy of Sergej Marnsjak.

Access: http://marsnjak.com/ sergej/?menu=yemen&zoom=1&pic=641&type=pic Figure 17 - Image courtesy of Abu Taleb Group.

Access: http://www.atg-world.com/index%2017.7.11/soc/things_to_ do.html

Figure 18 - Image courtesy of Fernando Varanda Access: (Varanda, 2009) - Page 78

Figure 26 - Image courtesy of Kenneth Davids.

Access: https://www.coffeereview.com/coffee-yemen-trumps-travel-ban/

Figure 19 - Image courtesy of Al Mokha.

Access: https://www.almokha.com/

Figure 27 - Photograph by an unknow person.

Access: (Marchand, 2017) - Page 10

Figure 20 - Image courtesy of Abdul Jabbar Zeyad.

Access: https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/yemenis-living-in-themountaintops Figure 21 - Image courtesy of Fernando Varanda Access: (Varanda, 2009) - Page 54 Figure 22 - Image courtesy of Fernando Varanda Access: (Varanda, 2009) - Page 56 Figure 23 - Image courtesy of Fernando Varanda Access: (Varanda, 2009) - Page 194 Figure 24 - Image courtesy of Arne Hodilac Access: https://www.cntraveller.in/story/14-pictures-yemen/#s-cust0 Figure 25 - Image courtesy of Josef Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Shea.

Access: http://josefoshea.blogspot.com/2015/04/in-deepest-yemen-withheavily-armed.html

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G L O S S A R Y

Wadi - Translates to floodplains. Prominently appearing throughout Yemen’s Eastern regions, these river locations are the lifeblood for many agricultural settlements in the country.

Hijra - Historical market towns which acted as ceasefire zones in times of conflict.

Mashriq - The Western region of Yemen, where most of the country’s population resides.

Zabur - Traditional Yemeni rammed earth construction method.

Libn - Traditional Yemeni mud-brick construction method.

Malaj - A mud rendering technique that is used throughout the country.

Rawshan - Foreign influenced timber bay windows in coastal regions.

Majil - Covered water stores / cisterns; used for drinking water.

Birka - Uncovered water store / cisterns used for cleaning and ablution.

Qat - A narcotic plant, widely consumed and cultivated throughout Yemen.

Suq - Market.

Nawba - Historical watchtowers in Yemen, previously used for guarding crops.

Barud - Partially covered outdoor sitting space.

Madrasa - (Religious) teaching institution.

Qaryia - Translates to “village”.

Samsara - Central warehouse / storage space in markets.

Shahada - Raised roof corners.

Usta - Master builder.

Tikha - Dung cakes used as a fuel resource.

Masfa - Ablution area.

Madfan - Underground grain storage space.

Majli - Reception rooms located on the roof of domestic buildings, mostly seen throughout the central lowlands near the city of ‘Ataq.

Qadad - A traditional Yemeni waterproofing plaster, mainly used during the construction of cisterns (birka & majil).

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(Glossary assisted by (Varanda, 2009))

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E N D

O F

P A P E R

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