The Architecture of Yemen and Its Reconstruction

Description

First published in 2007, The Architecture of Yemen was the first book to offer an in-depth investigation into the characteristic architecture of country and the the result of nearly two decades of research. This new, revised edition includes drawings, documentation and information on the building and reconstruction projects carried out from 2008 to 2014 at locations in Hadrumat and Dawan. Moving beyond the major cities, Salma Samar Damluji explores the architecture of regions that could be said to be the last strongholds of traditional Arab architecture. The Architecture of Yemen and its Reconstruction features a wealth of insights from both the master builders and home owners and contains photographs and surveyed drawings of many locations that are now extremely difficult to visit. It also examines in detail building techniques and methods little known outside of Yemen and includes well-known UNESCO World Heritage Sites as well as remarkable buildings from less-visited areas..... Praise for The Architecture of Yemen: 'Historians, planners and architects will find much useful detail in The Architecture of Yemen and the general reader much charm in the beguiling photos. In addition, those concerned by the rash of more recent and hasty development will find some hope for the inspiration of a new generation of master builders in Yemen and the Gulf.' - Current World Archaeology

Salma Samar Damluji is an architect and architectural consultant. She has published several books, including The Architecture of Oman (1998), The Architecture of The United Arab Emirates (2006) and The Architecture of Yemen (2007), and has curated a number of exhibitions in London.

"In what can be described as a written expedition through Yemen, Salma Samar Damluji's meticulous cataloguing of typologies and individual structures is a work of clarity and dedication...Damluji does due justice to their memory and ensures the intent and purpose behind their construction is not lost in translation." -RIBA Journal, "Architect Damluji expands on her 2007 Architecture of Yemen with this astute photographic examination of Yemen's architectural heritage. Lavishly illustrated with abundant renderings, photographs, and diagrams, the book begins with a survey of the history, construction methods, and unique architectural details of the country's mosques and residences (In older houses, design details were meticulously worked out for different areas and wall niches used for storage or utensils). The second part describes the 2006-2014 reconstruction of the oldest mosque in Hadramut's Aynat province and of 13 homes belonging to the Ba Surrah family in Daw'an; the restoration of the 19th-century Husn Qart Majid fort, before war hit the country in 2015; and a UNESCO World Heritage project in the walled city of Shibam focused on restoring crumbling mud brick structures after war and water damage in 2017. Throughout, Damluji investigates traditional yet innovative building technology and design concepts that are being lost to more contemporary building styles and products. Erudite and thorough, this volume will most appeal to archaeologists, academics, and architectural historians. Publishers Weekly