Introduction to Yemen

With Special Focus on the Local Approach to Architectural Technology

By:

Ahmad Al-Tashi

12388750

Module: Ecological Approach to Architectural Technology

Dr. Marcin M. Kołakowski

March 2014

Facts

Population: 23.58 million

Population growth rate: 2.5%

Ethnic groups: Arab, Afro-Arab, South Asians, Europeans

Religions: Islam, Jews, Christians and Hindus

Language: Arabic

Main economic sectors are oil, agriculture and fisheries

Land of the Queen of Sheba (1200 BC)

The Hippo , the Queen & the King

What Are Yemeni People Doing ?

Yemeni Handicrafts

Yemen Zones by Climate

Climate by Region 1- Coast along the Red Sea and the Tihama Plain

2- Central and northern highlands

Sa’ada City Photo taken by: Taha Al Agri

3-Southern coast along the Arabian sea.

4- The Middle Plateau of Shabwah , Al Jawf and Mareb

Green Technology in Traditional Architecture of Yemen

Sana'a – The Capital City

Outstanding Universal Value Situated in a mountain valley at Old City of Sana'a which is defined by an extraordinary density of rammed earth and burnt brick towers rising several stories above stone-built ground floors, strikingly decorated with geometric patterns of fired bricks and white gypsum. Now considered to be a homogenous ensemble made up of tower-houses built from rammed earth. Its history covers a period of over 2,000 years. Given official status in the 2nd century BC when it was an outpost of the Yemenite kingdoms.

Built in the 1500s, Shibam, Yemen, offers lessons in vertical urban planning. Built from sun-dried mud brick, its plan is trapezoidal, almost rectangular. The city is enclosed by earthen walls with earthen dwellings laid out on an orthogonal grid. The high-rise apartment buildings are five to 11 stories high. To protect the buildings from rain and erosion, the walls are regularly maintained by applying fresh layers of mud.

Mud as one of the local Construction Method

Preserved Ecological Area Socotra

Socotra is globally important for biodiversity conservation because of its exceptionally rich and distinct flora and fauna. 37% of Socotra’s plant species, 90% of its reptile species and 95% of its land snail species do not occur anywhere else in the world.

BIODIVERSITY

PEOPLE IN SOCOTRA

Wind Farm Project in Al –Mokha Solar Energy Used in Schools

Due to chronic power outages and otherwise inadequate or nonexistent electrical service in many areas of Yemen, a small number of Yemenis are resorting to the use of solar

energy

Pottery in Yemen

• Part of any Yemeni house contents.

• Used for water , milk , butter making.

• Hold flowers or small tree

Pottery in Yemen

• Yemeni potters are struggling to survive through their ancient craft.

• Economic hardship.

• Lack of equipment.

Pottery in Yemen

• It becomes hard for

potters to survive on

their incomes and

cannot invest or

increase business in their traditional trade.

Pottery in Yemen

• Traditional pottery is still attractive. It’s part of Yemeni tradition.

Pottery - New vision

• In collaboration with Pottery without Borders Yemeni Potters have been taught how to make Colloidal Silver Impregnated Ceramic Water Filters.

• New Kiln were built to meet the new required specifications.

Pottery – New Vision

• Holds about 8-10 litters of water, and sits inside a plastic or ceramic receptacle.

Advantages of the Silver Filter

• Treats contaminated water

• Disinfects water and/or eliminates bacteria

• Removes parasites

• Removes turbidity

• Reduces illness and protects household economy

Advantages of the Silver Filter

• Produces flow rates of 1.5 – 3.0 litters / hour

• Generates employment and utilizes local skills

• Produced from local materials

• Affordable

• Long life if the filter remains unbroken

• A low one-time cost

Thank you !