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. Koakowski
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


Saada 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
Socotras 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. Its 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 !