Self-reliant in a resilient space: Bedouin architecture in extreme conditions
S.O. El Omari (TU Delft - Architecture and the Built Environment)
S. Calitz – Mentor (TU Delft - Environmental Technology and Design)
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Abstract
In the midst of economic turmoil and environmental adversity, Bedouin communities in the Levant demonstrate remarkable resilience through their architectural practices and communal ethos. This study examines the spatial dynamics of Bedouin settlements, exploring their adaptation strategies during the economic crisis of 2023 in Lebanon, and drawing insights from Bedouins in Palestine, Jordan and Egypt from the early Islamic period (600 AD) to the present-day. The essence of Bedouin identity, embodied in the term 'badou', reflects a resilient lifestyle rooted in mobility, adaptability and mutual dependency. An analysis of architectural typologies - caves, tents and caravanserais - reveals spatial strategies that promote economic autonomy and communal bonds. The resonance of Bedouin architecture with contemporary discourses on self-reliance, community and resilience is evident. Using local materials, traditional craftsmanship, and collective ownership, Bedouin communities exemplify holistic resilience that integrates social, economic, and environmental dimensions.
In conclusion, Bedouin architecture offers timeless lessons for contemporary practice and urban planning. Its ethos of self-reliance and communal solidarity serves as a beacon for navigating the complexities of an interconnected world and building a more resilient future.