Project description by jury

Since 2015, Yemen has experienced times of great political unrest that have resulted in a civil war and consequent damage throughout the country. The architectural heritage has been impacted by this conflict, and several important cultural sites have been severely damaged or, in some cases, almost entirely destroyed. This proposal aims to rehabilitate or reconstruct important Yemeni cultural landmarks, notably three Sufi shrines and two mosques in Hadramut, two mosques and the Domes of Al Habib Abu Bakr in Shihr and the Shaikh Yaqub Dome of Mukalla. The project also addresses the imminent danger of the further collapse of structures that are already damaged. 

Led by the Daw’an Architecture Foundation with the support of local authorities, the design encompasses impressive in-situ capacity building. Young people from the community participate in training schemes on the building sites, that aim to raise awareness of the historic cultural heritage and resources in their region. The reconstruction also involves local master builders and artisans as the project prioritizes the use of traditional building techniques and materials, including mud bricks and a water-resistant plaster to ensure the long-term sustainability of the edifices. This not only goes in favor of the local economy but contributes also to an ecologically sound building restoration. Stone used in construction is mostly collected on-site from debris, minimizing the need for new materials.

Jury appraisal

The Holcim Awards jury Middle East Africa applauded the project’s ambition to restore the integrity and social beliefs of a community through the rehabilitation of Yemeni historic sites rich with social, cultural and spiritual values. The project reaffirms the significance of the inherited aesthetic forms, which have a lasting impact on the quality of their environment. The interventions are conducted with high cultural and environmental awareness, that show a sensitive and respectful approach towards places and their history.