Alternative Skies: Vaulting and Earthen Structures

Since 2015, following the extensive devastation of the built environment in Syria, IWlab has been actively involved in the research and implementation of locally sourced construction techniques. With a primary focus on Vaulting and Earthen Structures, this program aims to bridge local craftsmanship, global knowledge of vaulting, brick manufacturing, and dwelling practices with strategies for the restoration and reconstruction of Syria and other regions. This initiative includes training, prototyping, and construction endeavors conducted in both Spain and Syria. Alternative Skies was developed during and after Wesam Al Asali’s PhD in vaulting crafts at the University of Cambridge

Written Work

Vaulting Cultures in the Modern Middle East | ANTA: Archives of New Traditional Architecture (Vol 3)

This article narrates today's vernacular uses of vaulting in the Middle East and North Africa by Dr. Wesam Al Asali | 2023

Mudbrick Architectures: From Soil to Vaulting Culture

This chapter review some mud-brick construction methods in the MENA region. It focuses on cultures of vaults and domes construction from soil preparation to building tactics. by Dr. Wesam Al Asali | 2023

  • On October 9th, 2023 Wesam Al Asali , Co Founder Of IWLab Gave An Online Webinar Titled Architectural Innovation In The Digital World, New Approaches To Traditional Structures As Part Of ArchiNet’s 4th Edition Of Architecture Week

  • IWlab worked with master artisans Salvador Gomis and Jesus Gomis on developing a vocational program for trainees in Santa Pola, Alicante, Spain. The work was done for the public agency: Service of Employment and Training in Valencia (SERVEF).

  • Wesam is Joining Emergency Architecture and Human Right (EAHR) to build a school in Azraq Refugee Camp in Jordan. EAHR's project (100 Classroom for Refugee in the Middle East) aims to provide good quality learning spaces for displaced children in the region. The schools to be build with earth tiles using vaulting technique.

  • Wesam's Project In situ: Tools and Technology in Traditional Architecture won the Tile of Spain Award - student projects category.

  • Wesam Asali's work of traditional construction and technology was featured in the website of the Department of Architecture - University of Cambridge. The work was conducted as part of Wesam's Mphil at the department and was awarded the Morgan Sindall Prize Award for attention to the mode of construciton, selection of materials, the likely impact of the building on the environment, and its sustainability.

Collaborations

100 Classroom for Refugees in the Middle East & North Africa | 2018

Dr. Wesam Al Asali joined Emergency Architecture and Human Right (EAHR) to build a school in Azraq Refugee Camp in Jordan. EAHR's project (100 Classroom for Refugee in the Middle East) aims to provide good quality learning spaces for displaced children in the region. The schools to be build with earth tiles using vaulting technique.

Location: Jordan

Rwanda’s First International Cricket Stadium | 2017

Dr. Wesam Al Asali in formwork Design in Collaboration Light Earth Designs | 2017 This project was nominated to Building of the Year criterion on Archdaily in 2018

Location: Rwanda

Area: 650 m²